Reading 2-0 Nottingham Forest: Lucas Joao sets Royals on way to routine win as fans return at Madejski
- Published
Fans were back at the Madejski Stadium for the first time in just over nine months
Lucas Joao scored for the fifth consecutive game as Reading moved up to third in the Championship by making light work of 10-man Nottingham Forest in front of 2,000 fans at the Madejski Stadium.
Joao casually stroked home the opening goal from the penalty spot when Ryan Yates handled on the line and was red-carded after keeper Brice Samba made a terrible mess of a deep cross.
The Royals, who are now a point behind leaders Norwich City and level on points with Bournemouth, were barely troubled by a Reds side who have picked up just one point in five games without scoring a goal.
The outstanding Michael Olise took control of the midfield and he set up the crucial second goal with a glorious free-kick delivery that was headed in by centre-back Michael Morrison soon after the interval.
The game was one of 17 fixtures across the EFL to have limited crowds in Tier 2 areas and those inside the ground created a surprisingly noisy atmosphere that no doubt contributed to a high-tempo start.
Both sides had chances inside a lively first 10 minutes, Forest keeper Samba making an awkward diving block from Yakou Meite's swerving strike from distance and Reading's Rafael using his legs to keep out Lyle Taylor's close-range volley from Anthony Knockaert's free-kick.
The joy felt by both the home fans and the players was clear but the novelty soon faded for Forest with the dismissal of Yates, leading to almost total Reading dominance.
Taylor's chance was the only one the visitors managed for the rest of the half and it was their sole effort on target. They remain 21st with their miserable run continuing.
Michael Morrison's goal was his second of the season
The hosts used the extra man intelligently, stretching play out wide and getting plenty of ball to supremely talented teenager Olise.
His delightful pass should have led to Meite making it 2-0 but the striker shot wildly wide after a neat turn, while Joao almost had his second of the afternoon with a misdirected cross that eluded Samba.
Samba also had to get down low to palm away an Olise shot from the edge of the box in the second half before Morrison's clever header settled any nerves and Reading cruised to victory with the minimum of trouble.
Reading manager Veljko Paunovic:
"I'm feeling great - for winning and having the fans back. And for playing good football and making everyone remember this day as a special moment.
"Getting a win with such a solid performance is a fantastic event for today. I'm very happy because our team have been recovering their form.
"The penalty definitely changed the game in our favour but we had a few more opportunities that we should have converted."
Forest boss Chris Hughton:
"It was always going to be very difficult after the sending-off. The two biggest disappointments are the goals that we conceded.
"With the penalty, it was a good ball into the box but one that we should have dealt with. At 1-0, we were still in the game. And what you least need to do is concede from a set-play.
"If it's in general play and with the man advantage that they have got and they wear you down, you probably might expect that. But to concede from a corner was disappointing."