READING FC’S highly anticipated ‘First Nöel’ match came bearing no gifts as Noel Hunt made his home debut as permanent manager in a 3-0 loss to Blackpool.
A crowd of over 15,000 witnessed the Royals fall two behind in the first half thanks to goals from Albie Morgan and Rob Apter, before a second half Ashley Fletcher goal finalised the score.
The festive optimism of a second half comeback was crushed as referee Anthony Backhouse called away Reading penalty claims much to the anger of fans.
It was the first home game since Ruben Selles’ departure as manager and the mood before kick-off was one of optimism, something not matched at the final whistle.
There was just one change since the last league fixture away at Wycombe, as youngster Andre Garcia replaces Jeriel Dorsett in the back four.
Academy products Ashqar Ahmed and Tyler Sackey featured on the bench after both playing midweek against Walsall.
The visitors got the game underway and immediately floated the ball deep into the Reading half, with the tone being set for the match with Tangerine shirts pressing the home defence.
Noel Hunt’s side did manage to forge forward with possession and in the sixth minute Charlie Savage had a shot blocked from long range and out for a corner.
Blackpool looked destined to score the opener in the 12th minute as Rob Apter went in on goal, but Pereira tipped the low driven shot out for a corner.
After being temporarily side-lined with a nosebleed, Harvey Knibbs returned to the field and nearly scored for Reading from a yard out but instead skying the effort well over the bar, to the shock of the 15,000 in attendance.
The visitors did net first as Albie Morgan struck a ball from the edge of the box into the bottom left corner, taking advantage of the space given to him by the home midfield.
They nearly doubled their lead in the 35th minute with Ashley Fletcher’s header floating towards to top corner until Pereira’s outstretched glove parried it away.
However, this hope for Reading didn’t last long as Blackpool doubled their lead. After an initial good save by the Reading keeper, the ball was not cleared by Andre Garcia and an unmarked Apter buried it away.
Just before the break concern grew for defender Amadou Mbengue after awkwardly landing on his neck after a header. The stretcher was brought on but not needed as he rose to a round of applause from the home support.
Half time finally did come with Maidenhead’s Salvation Army band performing some festive songs to try and lift the mood in the ground.
Hunt made a change at the break with Louie Holzman replacing Mbengue who rested for the second half after that injury scare.
There was an outcry from the home fans to the referee as Harvey Knibbs appeared to be fouled but Anthony Backhouse was adamant there was no foul on the attacker.
The frustration at the officials grew as a Reading attack was halted when Lewis Wing was blocked from getting the ball by the referee, leading to only a drop-ball allowing Blackpool to reset.
With the away support getting louder and turning Christmas songs into chants, striker Ashley Fletcher added Blackpool’s third goal of the afternoon, finishing from close range.
During a pause in play, Reading rolled the dice bringing on Ashqar Ahmed and Jayden Wareham hoping to inject a last chance of getting anything from the game.
It wasn’t to be as the full time whistle rang out, denying Noel Hunt of his dream first home game and all eyes falling onto the next fixture before Christmas, away at Lincoln.
Reading: Pereira, Elliott, Craig, Knibbs, Savage, Smith, Campbell, Bindon, Mbengue, Wing, Garcia
Subs: Button, Dean, Wareham, Camara, Holzman, Ahmed, Sackey
Blackpool: Tyrer, Husband, Pennington, Morrison, Morgan, Joseph, Fletcher, Onamah, Casey, Offiah, Apter
Subs: O’Donnell, Gabriel, Norburn, Rhodes, Ballard, Ashworth, Finnigan.
