Royals come from behind to beat Wycombe

After returning from Slovenia in good shape, Brian McDermott’s side headed to Adams Park for a Berks Bucks derby against Wycombe. The manager sent out a strong side, in his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, with Adam Federici making his first pre season outing after World Cup duty.


The Chairboys included a couple of ex Royals in their side, new signings Scott Rendell and Alan Bennett, and took a deserved lead at the break through Jon Paul Pittman’s goal after just 8 minutes. They also hit the bar and had a couple of other chances before the interval.


It was a different Reading side after the break though, although McDermott hadn’t made any subs. We took the game to the home side and just after the hour we equalised when Jobi McAnuff was brought down in the area. Gylfi Sigurdsson converted the spot kick and before the restart we made 4 chances including Jake Taylor coming on in the centre of midfield.


We continued to dominate and Sigurdsson was then brought by the former Royal, Bennett, but the Icelanders resulting spot kick was saved. It was his second miss of pre season, from three spot kicks – lets hope his record improves when the season starts for real.


The game was won late on when subs Noel Hunt and Hal Robson Kanu combined. Hunt raced down the right and crossed in for Robson Kanu to tap in from close range.


The returning Hunt, who recieved a great reception from the travelling support, almost added a third in injury time but we settled for a 2-1 win after a fine second half display.


There is still plenty to work on ahead of the new season but we are looking in good shape.