Leam Richardson celebrated his first win as Reading manager as the Royals edged past promotion-chasing Stevenage 1–0 in a spirited display at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Charlie Savage’s superb early strike proved enough to secure a vital three points and hand Richardson a perfect start to life in the Reading dugout.
It took just four minutes for Richardson’s new side to make the breakthrough. Midfielder Savage latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the area before curling a precise effort into the top corner — a fitting moment on his 100th league appearance for the club.
Reading looked energised by the new manager’s presence on the touchline, pressing higher and showing greater defensive organisation than in recent weeks. Kelvin Abrefa provided constant energy down the right, while Andy Yiadom marshalled the back line with composure.
Speaking after the match, Richardson said: “Platudits go to the players. I take the pressure of the results, and they take the pressure of their output, availability and performance.
“I was made up for Charlie. We worked a lot with Charlie this week and he is one of those players who wants to learn, a bit like a sponge he takes it in and wants to be better every day.
“He was in the right place, landed on the ball in the position that he should have been in and the quality is down to him. He is outstanding.
“Fingers crossed this club will go forward and we will add some good players to this group we have already got because there is some talent in there, they just need that reassurance and belief.
After the weekend’s results in League One, Reading sit in 17th position in the table on 18 points from 15 games.
Reading’s next game comes after the international break when they host Rotherham on Saturday, November 22.
