Reading FC put an end to their winless run in League One as Paddy Lane’s second-half goal saw them defeat fellow strugglers Port Vale.
The win takes Reading out of the relegation zone and up to 17th heading into the first international break of the season.
After a lacklustre first-half from both teams, who were both searching for their first league wins of the season, it always looked like a game that would be decided by one goal.
Manager Noel Hunt was shown a red card by the referee for kicking the ball away which only continued Reading’s frustrations in the opening hour.
Despite the absence of their manager on the touchline, Reading broke through in the 66th minute when the ball was teed up for Lane who spun and hit a first-time curler into the top corner to give the goalkeeper no chance.
Lane is just one of several summer signings Reading have made this transfer window in what has been a rebuild of the squad during Rob Couhig’s first season at the club.
Lane has shown great quality at this level having been promoted with Portsmouth in the 2023/24 season which led to Reading paying a fee for a player for the first time since purchasing Ovie Ejaria back in 2020.
Reading can not only count on the positive of a clean sheet and a goal from their new signing, but the win should provide some relief for Noel Hunt who has been under pressure due to the team’s poor start to the season.
Reading have one more game before the international break as they travel to face Swindon Town in the EFL Trophy.
Their next League One match comes away at Barnsley on Saturday, September 13.
Reading also have until Monday evening to try and bolster their squad before the summer transfer window shuts.
Reading’s most recent piece of business saw striker Jack Marriott arrive from Wrexham, while it is unclear whether the Royals will still look to add another signing before the deadline.
