Reading 1-1 Ipswich- Match Report




Royals start with a win

Reading made a winning start in their bid to return straight back into the Premier League by coming from behind to beat Ipswich 2-1 at the Madejski Stadium.

The victory was the first time Reading had won their opening game of the season since 2006.

Former Reading man Jay Tabb gave Ipswich a 16th-minute lead but Adam Le Fondre put Reading level a minute before half-time.

With 16 minutes to go Danny Guthrie scored the winner with a spectacular solo goal. The midfielder was all on his own midway into the Ipswich half and beat Scott Loach with a fierce effort which went over the keeper's head.

The opening goal came from former Reading player Tabb, now an Ipswich player after spending the end of last season on loan with Mick McCarthy's side.

His 16th-minute shot was well saved by Alex McCarthy but as Reading scrambled to clear the ball it ran back to Tabb and he made no mistake with a low drive into the net.

Reading were posing few threats at this stage and their equaliser a minute before half-time was unexpected.

Garath McCleary sent in a deep cross from the left and Reading striker Le Fondre jumped together with Skuse and Tyrone Mings.

The ball arrived in the middle of all three and Le Fondre had headed the ball into the net.

The goal came at a point when Reading fans were becoming restless at their side's attempt to threaten a solid Ipswich defence with a stream of high balls to Le Fondre.

The goal was a blow for an Ipswich side who must have been well pleased with their first half performance only to find themselves pegged back right on half-time.

McCleary sliced over the bar early in the second half before Tabb went close to getting a second for the visitors.

McCleary then fed Royston Drenthe and he set up Le Fondre only for his back heel to send the ball just wide of the goal.

David McGoldrick went close for Ipswich before Drenthe saw his effort from close range kept out.

Guthrie then made sure of the points for the home side with his effort from long range.

There were six minutes of injury time but the home side held on for the win.

Source: PA

Source: PA