Noel Hunt still searching for Reading win as Blackpool ease to comfortable victory

Noel Hunt is still searching for his first win as Reading manager across both interim and permanent spells as Blackpool marched to a 3-0 win at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Second best across the pitch, veteran boss Steve Bruce saw his energetic, efficient and physical Tangerines sidewalk away with a third successive win courtesy of goals from Albie Morgan, Rob Apter and Ashley Fletcher.

The Royals were looking for a ninth successive home victory, form which had propelled them up the table, but never looked like troubling the Lancashire outfit.

The final home match before Christmas, plenty were in early to welcome Nigel Gibbs, Mikele Leigertwood and Hunt into the home dugout following Ruben Selles’ departure to Hull City.

With many of the bumper crowd still trickling in after issues getting through the turnstiles, Reading settled relatively quickly and looked well in the game in the early stages. However, the warning signs were on show early on as Joel Pereira was forced into a smart save within 15 minutes from Oliver Casey’s quick burst and strike.

Reading sprung their own attack on the counter through Chem Campbell, but it ended in a goal kick as Charlie Savage saw his volley skew wide. Midway through the half, the Royals missed a guilt-edged opportunity to take the lead as a corner was recycled and Lewis Wing’s low cross found Harvey Knibbs in the six-yard box. Already falling over, the midfielder could not connect well enough and saw his effort loop over the crossbar from close range.

Heading right up the other end, the Tangerines did take the lead as Morgan was given time and space to fire a low strike into the bottom corner from outside the penalty box.

Needing a reaction, there was not one forthcoming for Reading as the visitors played with more physicality and efficiency throughout, particularly strong in central midfield and out wide.

Pereira prevented the lead from being doubled with 10 minutes of the half remaining, saving Ashley Fletcher’s header from point-blank range when it looked destined to nestle in the net. He was unable to stop the visitors doubling their advantage less than 60 seconds later, however, as his initial save from Kyle Joseph’s attempt was only parried into the path of Apter, who bundled home as Royals defenders stood on their heels.

Any momentum Reading could muster before the break quickly dissipated as Amadou Mbengue landed awkwardly following a clash with Joseph. Although not needed, both the medical teams and a stretcher was carried onto the pitch.

Reading came out fast from the break, looking determined to make up for a poor first half. However, the momentum did not last long and apart from a stonewall penalty on Knibbs being somehow waved away by referee Anthony Backhouse, the Royals could muster little else in the attacking third.

Far too open in the midfield and coming out second best in the physical battle, the Tangerines looked like they would add to their lead at will. Apter should have had his brace on the hour mark as the Royals were sliced through like a hot knife in butter, but the youngster could only fire his attempt directly into Pereira.

Eventually, with 18 minutes remaining, the result was put beyond all doubt as Fletcher tapped into the net from close range- a sign for lots of the 14,500 in attendance to stream out into the car parks.

Due to results in the lunchtime kick-off, Reading remain in the top six but are now only one point clear of seventh-place Barnsley ahead of a trip to Lincoln City next Saturday.