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After a tricky run of three games without a win, which included some sub-optimal performances, a straightforward and comprehensive win was needed to ease some of the fans’ concerns.
Such a thing doesn’t really exist unfortunately, especially for us, but Saturday afternoon’s victory against Northampton Town was as close as we were going to get.
The game should’ve really been done by half-time, but it was two moments of quality after the break that did the business. Here’s how the fans reacted to the key talking points…
Lewis Wing
Although the records will show it was goals from Jack Marriott and Will Keane that won us the game, in reality it was the assists from Lewis Wing that really made the difference.
The first was good – a perfectly weighted ball over the top for Marriott, but the second was even better – a wicked whipped cross that strikers like Keane can usually only dream of.
He’s been the difference-maker time and time again for us, and Saturday was another of those afternoons…
Since joining us, Lewis Wing has been the best league one player.
No other player has been as consistent or as influential as him during that spell.
It does feel like he doesn't get enough recognition outside of our fanbase.
Just enjoy him whilst he is still here.
#ReadingFC
— Reading FC (@bluewhitewall)
January 31, 2026
Today is further proof why we don’t drop Wing. What a player!
#readingfc
— Matt Painter (@Mattpainter21)
January 31, 2026
That is why Wing should always be in the team. Something from nothing twice!
#ReadingFC
— Barry Lee (@ReadingFCFan)
January 31, 2026
All those dropping Lewis Wing from their lineup this week, walks away with both assists and wins us the game as he does so often. The real problem is getting him on the ball in higher areas, that’s not a Wing problem, that’s for Leam to sort out.
#ReadingFC
— Alex Sheppard (@Alex_Shep_Urzz)
January 31, 2026
Lewis Wing’s crosses for
#readingfc goals were better
— Leigh Griffin (@LeighGriffin76)
January 31, 2026
Joel Pereira
As I said before, straightforward wins don’t really happen at this level, so it definitely helps having a ‘keeper as good as Joel Pereira. There can’t be many, if any, better shot-stoppers at this level and he showed his qualities again at Northampton.
A save late on in the first half ensured we went into the break level, and he popped up with some more crucial interventions as the hosts pushed to get back in the game late on.
The goalscorers and creators tend to get all the headlines, but Pereira’s contribution didn’t go unnoticed among the fans…
Chuffed for Pereira today. Off the top of my head, he hasn’t reeeally had a game where he’s had to make several saves for a win and a CS this season (compared to last year where he had plenty )
Viva El Gato
#ReadingFC
— fIN (@FinSouthKlein)
January 31, 2026
El Gato the best GK we've had since Emi Martinez
#readingfc
— Alan of the Shire (@Munro_888)
January 31, 2026
Joel Pereira once again came to the rescue today and ensured we kept ourselves in the game and then once we were leading, he didn't give Northampton a chance to find a way back into the match.
Having him extend his contract was one of the best things we did this summer
#ReadingFCpic.twitter.com/YWnZ6Kwlmr
— Reading FC (@bluewhitewall)
January 31, 2026
MOTM EL GATO
#ReadingFC
— PEDRO
(@PictonPedro)
January 31, 2026
We are a sight for sore eyes, Will Keane is absolute pony, thank god for El gato
#readingfc
— Ben (@benjxyy)
January 31, 2026
2 good goals, 2nd half better than the first, Pereira with some great saves
#ReadingFChttps://t.co/f247UDQfP1
— Erik O (@Orrgarde)
January 31, 2026
An important win
While we came into the match on a run of just one loss in eight games, the last three of those have been a bit more frustrating than that run may suggest.
Saturday afternoon was a much-needed win, and while the performance was still by no means perfect, getting a clean sheet and three points is always a confidence-booster.
Here’s what the fans had to say…
Good win yesterday, did what was needed.
Could have been 2-0 down at half time, but got over the line.
With clinical strikers in your team you have every chance.
Need a winger and another game changing attacking mid before 7 tomorrow
#readingfcpic.twitter.com/EHpiF5b883
— Jack (@thesimpsonRFC)
February 1, 2026
Great 2-0 win away, after 3 poor performances it feels good to grab a comfortable win.
️ Marriott scores again
️
️ Lewis wing 2 assists ️
️ 3 points on the road
️ Pereira clean sheet
On to Wimbledon (a)
#readingfc#ntfc#wimbledonhttps://t.co/HlQz0pcZrC
— Oscark_rfc (@Oscar_rfc1871)
January 31, 2026
That’s a great win, needed one to. Didn’t create much but when you have Keane and Marriott your going to get goals
#readingfc
— Owen Atkins (@owen_atki)
January 31, 2026
After a poor first half thought we did a very good job in the second and 2 moments of quality won us the game. Great away day all in all and very important win
#readingfc
— James Grant (@jamesgrant1992)
January 31, 2026
Improved. Definitely felt we just needed to win and get a clean sheet, and we did that. Wing, Marriott and O'Connor were good IMO. Just feel we still need to improve in possession, but UTFD!
#ReadingFC
— Taylor (@TaylorStannett3)
January 31, 2026
Amazing what happens when you actually get the ball forward… 2 lovely goals and an important win!
#readingfc
— Becki White (@MissBeckaEllen)
January 31, 2026
Conclusion
Saturday afternoon proved that, while we’re still not the finished article by any means, we don’t necessarily need to be to pick up results.
It’s been said before but the standard of this league is relatively low, so having match-winners such as Wing, Pereira and Marriott still gives us a great chance to do something with this season.
The top six is by no means off the cards, but the most important thing is we keep evolving and developing. Yet more signs of that were on show against the Cobblers but, as ever, more work needs to be done.
URZ.
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