Reading boss Noel Hunt was full of praise for striker Sam Smith and his back four as his side started 2025 with a 3-1 win at Cambridge United.

With their backs against the wall for most of the first half, former Cambridge forward Harvey Knibbs grabbed a brace and Smith scored an outrageous half-volley to seal the victory.

This came after Hunt was forced to change three of his regular back four after illness struck Amadou Mbengue and Michael Craig missed out with a hamstring issue.

"I thought the game was a really good test for us in terms of how we defended as a team- everyone pulling together- because they had a spell at the start, and we defended it well," Hunt said. "We talked about moments of quality in the final third- we had two in the first half. We want more but we understand the situation in the games. We get a corner, a second phase and we put the ball in the right area.

"I’m really pleased with it in terms of how they approached it. We took a blow early in the second half, they came out fast as we said they would. After that we got our heads together and worked really well."

Smith was a fan favourite at the Abbey for his goals but came back to haunt his old team with a stunning strike.

"He has been superb," Hunt said on Smith. "I love him. He’s a fantastic number nine and leads the line so well. He is pivotal in what we do. He reads the game so well and brings others into play.

"He deserved the goal today and I said to him he would get one with his work rate, that something would fall for him, and he would score. From the minute he hit it, it looked sweet, and we knew it was in."

Despite suffering with injury and illness in the camp, Hunt is sure the players know what it takes to win.

"It doesn’t matter who we put onto the pitch, they know what is required and understand what is needed for the team. You have to give everything you’ve got for this club, this team and the fans- I think they got their money’s worth. We have a vision- are we there, no we’re not- but we can keep building on what we’re doing and improving as best we can."

On Saturday, the Royals travel to Charlton Athletic as their unlikely play-off push continues.