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Reading narrowly beat strugglers Charlton.

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Reading narrowly got passed a poor Charlton side as Blackman netted his tenth goal of the season.

Reading and Charlton were both struggling with injuries ahead of the game with players like Vydra and Quinn for Reading and Vetokele and Makienok for Charlton, out.

Clarke gave Ola John his first start of the season in place of the injured Robson-Kanu. Reading started with a different looking 4-2-3-1 formation with Al-Habsi, Gunter, McShane, Hector and Obita as the back five. Norwood and Tshibola sat in front of then, with Blackman, Piazon and John supporting Sa.

The game got off to a slow start, which is a contrast to The Royals’ recent affairs.

Charlton set up to defend and look for a draw from the word go and they frustrating Reading throughout. This resulted in the home side resorted to long shots.

During the first half, a bit of frustrating groans filtered from the stands, which showed un-patients from our fans. You’ve got to understand there is no easy game in the Championship for different reasons.

Despite there being moments of magic from Reading, it was a pretty dire first half by our standards and half time came without us really causing Charlton many problems.

Clarke noticed something wasn’t right and move talisman Nick Blackman next to Sa and went to 4-4-2. With two winger, Piazon and John struggling somewhat, Reading started to find Blackman through the middle and his directness and pace made a difference.

On the hour mark, Blackman’s running at the defence finally paid dividends as his weaving run ended with Bauer bring him down, resulting in a second yellow for the Centre half. The resulting Free-kick was in a promising position that Piazon fired wildly over.

With it looking like it wasn’t going to be our day, they stuck at it and subs Mccleary and Williams made a difference, giving energy and drive in the midfield.

In the 76th minute, Piazon came up with a moment of magic. After a poor personal performance, the Brazilian clipped in a wonderful cross for who else, but Nick Blackman to nod home.

There was no way back from Charlton then as the last 15 minutes was all Reading playing keep ball, watching the clock tick away.

It was a different type of win for the in form Royals as they showed resilience and patience as well as a moment of quality that is need in these tight game.

Reading can’t stop winning and Blackman can’t stop scoring. It’s a great time to be a Royal.

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