HUNT’S ROYALS BATTLE TO

READING

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC picked up a valuable point in Noel Hunt’s first game in charge against Championship leaders Burnley.

The Royals collected their first clean sheet in 20 matches as they managed to shut out the already promoted side.

Reading remain in the relegation zone but move a point closer to Huddersfield Town, QPR and Cardiff City who were all beaten.

Hunt made changes which saw Femi Azeez and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan handed starts.

The Royals were looking to end a run of eight Championship games without a win, while their opponents were hunting down the league title having already won promotion.

Vincent Kompany’s side have had an impeccable record this campaign which has seen them lose just twice in 40 matches.

It was a half that was dominated by the visitors who displayed their willingness to play some slick football from the back.

However, Reading fought hard on and off the ball and prevented the leaders from taking an advantage in a satisfying opening 45 minutes.

The first half chance came Burnley’s way when a clipped Charlie Taylor cross was met by Scott Twine who couldn’t keep his shot down.

Joe Lumley was called into action to make an excellent save in the 15th minute in what was

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Match stats

READING: Lumley, Yiadom (c), Holmes, Sarr, GuinnessWalker, Fornah, Casadei, Hendrick, Azeez, Ehibhatiomhan, Joao

SUBS: Boyce-Clarke, Abrefa, Dann, Mbengue, Loum, Camara, Carroll

BURNLEY: Peacock-Farrell, Roberts, Al-Dakhil, Beyer, Taylor, Cullen, Gudmundsson, Twine, Benson, Foster, Tella

SUBS: Muric, Vitinho, Cork, Bastien, Zaroury, Barnes, Churlinov

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Naby Sarr table so we got some legs in to help them boys. the clearest cut chance of the half when Manuel Benson latched onto a through ball to get behind the backline, but was thwarted by the keeper.

Burnley were forced into an early change when Nathan Tella, who has netted 17 goals this season, had to go off with an injury and was replaced by Darko Churnilov.

Azeez was required to make an intervention to stop Scott Twine from bending the ball into the bottom corner.

CHAMPIONSHIP Hunt: ‘The focus was getting a result and keeping our record’

A couple of half chances passed Reading by when Ehibhatiomhan headed over the top and Hendrick smacked a volley well wide.

Azeez expressed his pace on the break when Reading countered quickly from a Burnley corner, but no one was in the middle to profit from Azeez’ drilled cross into the six yard area.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson was given room to try his luck when he was found on the edge of the box,

The

“I thought we were really good. The boys were amazing. In terms of the shape and the way we moved,” said Hunt,

“We tracked our runners. It’s a different shape for them. When we countered, we needed a bit more luck and detail. It’s a good point for us.

“They’ve been slogging away all season. We’ve got a thin senior squad with a lot on the treatment

“The young boys did really well and gave us energy. At times that’s what you need and thankfully it worked today.

“It’s a valuable point, a really valuable point.

“They put themselves in the way of blocks and tackles. We were really brave today. For a first game to show our fight and belief. They did everything that was asked of them.

“The focus was getting a result and keeping our record. That was part of the team talk.

“They’re an incredible side. They will be champions this time next week.

Hunt admitted that he was emotional before kick-off with the realisation of taking charge of his first match as first-team manager.

He continued: “I got quite emotional out there. I didn’t think I would.

“Just taking in the surroundings and taking it in. I walked out and thought. ‘Jesus, I’m actually managing this team.’

“It was a proud moment. I looked at the banners in Coppell’s corner, and Sir John Madejski and the Eamonn Dolan Stand and felt so proud. Very overwhelming but proud and it gives you an adrenaline rush. “The young lads were great. They are great kids and I’ve worked with them all season.

“We’ve got some great potential. We’ve got an unbelievable academy and keep on producing players.

“These boys, I feel, are ready to come in and contribute against teams like Burnley who have got Premier League players.

“They have a certain no fear about them and combine that with energy. It’s about making sure we use them at the right time.”