Ten-men Boro suffer defeat in Berkshire...
Boro travelled to Reading looking to make it four wins in four after a delightful start to their Sky Bet League One campaign. Steve Evans made three changes from Tuesday’s victory in Cambridge as Krisztian Hegyi, Jake Forster-Caskey and Jamie Reid came into the starting eleven.
It was a reasonably open five minutes to kick the game off as Jake Forster-Caskey’s shot from the edge of the area was held onto by David Button, before Reading’s Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan saw his shot fly inches past the post.
Stevenage were unfortunately forced into an early change after just ten minutes as Kane Smith made way for Harrison Neal making his debut in midfield. Nathan Thompson moved over to the right-back position.
It was very much a stop-start first half, with a few stoppages in play due to injuries and substitutions. Just after twenty minutes, there was another stoppage in play as Nathan Thompson received a second yellow card and Boro were down to ten men.
Steve Evans made the decision to make a defensive substitution after the red card as Jamie Reid made way for Alex MacDonald who slotted in at right-back.
Despite being a man down, Stevenage did get their chances. Aaron Pressley got on the end of an inviting cross, but Reading’s David Button pushed his header onto the post.
Soon after, Reading would apply the pressure and eventually found the opening goal just before half-time. Dominant striker Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan rose above everyone to nod home and give the hosts the lead.
At half-time Boro made another change as Ben Thompson replaced Louis Thompson in midfield. Stevenage started the half on the front foot as they looked for an equaliser but couldn’t quite carve out a dangerous chance.
However, Reading doubled their lead just before the hour mark. Krisztian Hegyi denied the initial attempt from close range, but Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan was there to tap home the rebound to get his second of the afternoon.
Left-back Reece Hannam was introduced ten minutes later for his Boro debut after signing the week prior, replacing Jordan Roberts.
Stevenage were very much on the back foot for large portions of the second half as they did everything in their power to prevent Reading scoring more. Krisztian Hegyi made an incredibly smart stop with fifteen to go.
Very little action happened in either of the eighteen-yard-areas for the remainder of the half as the fourth official held up an additional eight minutes to be played. Reading did find the back of the net with a couple of minutes to go but were denied by the linesman’s flag.
Eventually, the referee blew his final whistle to conclude a disappointing afternoon for Evans’ men. Attention now turns to next Saturday as Portsmouth arrive at The Lamex.
Attendance: 11,674 with 578 away supporters.