READING FC picked up their third away League One victory of the campaign and heaped more misery on bottom of the table Carlisle United.
Sam Smith struck the opener before a Harvey Knibbs brace gave the strong Reading travelling support plenty to cheer as they climbed up to 16th in the table just days after receiving another points deduction.
DAVID BUTTON 6: Shame he couldn’t keep a clean sheet following a few shaky performances. Couldn’t have done much with the Carlisle goal which was powerfully headed past him.
ANDY YIADOM 8: Absolute magic for the second goal. The skipper tricked his way past two players before putting the ball on a plate for Knibbs to finish.
AMADOU MBENGUE 7: Now starting to get a run of games under his belt at centre-back alongside Bindon. Stood up to the test thrown at him by Carlisle and most importantly led the post match celebrations with the away fans.
TYLER BINDON 7: Helped to prevent what could have been a disastrous start when he made an important clearance inside his six yard box. Calm and composed.
CLINTON MOLA 6: A decent enough display without doing anything outstanding. Will have competition for the left-back spot when Jeriel Dorsett returns from injury.
MICHAEL CRAIG 6: Came into the side for Charlie Savage and put in a solid display. Provided a good shield in front of the defence but at times needs to take more risks when playing in the opposition’s half.
LEWIS WING 7: Another excellent display in the middle. Found a gap in Carlisle’s defence when he clipped a ball in behind for Smith who took it down brilliantly and finished for the opener.
HARVEY KNIBBS 8.5: Put two more goals onto his season tally to move onto 15 goals in all competitions, 10 in League One. Stabbed home from close range for his first and his movement earned him a second.
FEMI AZEEZ 7: Came very close to scoring Reading’s third just before the break. Whipped in an inviting cross which was met by Knibbs at the front post to put Reading 3-0 up.
KELVIN EHIBHATIOMHAN 6: Presented with a good chance when a dreadful kick from the keeper fell at his feet but only managed a tame shot. Forced a better save from the keeper in the second-half before being taken off for Elliott.
SAM SMITH 7: Hit the post early on but found the breakthrough just moments later, taking Wing’s ball down with a cushioned first touch before providing a fine finish into the bottom corner.
SUBS
Ben Elliott 6, Abrefa n/a
