Super subs seal Royals’ comeback victory

READING manager Leam Richardson was delighted with his substitutes as both Paddy Lane and Matt Ritchie netted in a comeback 2-1 home League 1 win against Bradford City on Saturday.

The Bantams took a second half lead through Matt Pennington before Lane and Ritchie netted in the final few minutes of normal time and stoppage time to complete the comeback and take a step closer to the play-offs.

Speaking after the game, Richardson said: “It was a good game in the first half, tactically, and we played through their press quite a few times. They probably scored against the run of play, and it rocked us for 15 to 20 minutes. The response was excellent and we finished the game really strong. If there was ever going to be a moment where you realise what a squad is for, that was it.

“That is what I demand- that they maintain the level or lift it. Today, I always ask if they can give any more for the shirt and I don’t think they could today. I am made up for the fans and the players.”

Reading now have to matches on the road. This Saturday the Royals travel to play-off rivals Luton Town (kick-off 3pm) before heading north on Tuesday to face Mansfield Town, kick-off 7.45pm.