Match preview | Imps vs Reading

15 December 2023

City will begin their festive fixtures when hosting Reading on Saturday 16 December (3pm KO) in Sky Bet League One.

All the key information you need to know ahead of the fixture can be found in this match preview.

TICKET INFORMATION

Subject to availability tickets can be purchased on the day of the game from the ticket office, with no price increase in place.

Alternatively, supporters can secure their seat online by clicking HERE.

Click HERE for the visiting supporters guide.

MATCH COVERAGE

The match is available for live streaming internationally for just £10, or the equivalent cost in your local currency.

The feed includes expert commentary from the BBC Radio Lincolnshire sports team, as well as match statistics and latest scores around the division.

Alternatively, UK-based supporters can listen to live match commentary using an iFollow Imps audio pass - which can be bought HERE.

City supporters unable to get to the LNER Stadium will also be able to follow the action with regular updates on the club’s official X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram pages.

READING

Nickname: The Royals

Founded: 1871

Stadium: Select Car Leasing Stadium

Manager: Rubén Sellés

Top scorer: Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan (six goals)

League position: 23rd

LAST TIME OUT

Accrington Stanley 1-0 Imps

Bristol Street Motors Trophy

Imps: Jensen, Sorensen, Erhahon, Hamilton, Mandroiu (Duffy 68’), O’Connor ©, Eyoma (Adelakun 90+2’), Roughan, Mitchell, Vale (Bishop 58’), Shodipo (Makama 58’). Subs (not used): Wright, Jackson, Burroughs.

Reading 1-1 Oxford United

Sky Bet League One

Reading: Button, Holmes, Knibbs, Smith, Azeez, Yiadom ©, Dorsett (Mbengue 58’), Wing, Abbey (Bindon 58’), Craig (Savage 67’), Vickers (Elliott 79’). Subs (not used): Pereira, Mukairu, Ehibhatiomhan.

LEAGUE FORM

Imps: LWDWD

Reading: LWWLD

SKUBALA’S THOUGHTS

Hear from the head coach below…

KITS

Imps: Home

Reading: Home

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Robert Madley

Assistant referee: Matthew Mcgrath

Assistant referee: Robert Merchant

Fourth official: Martin Coy

Head over to the LNER Stadium club shop or online to make the most of big Christmas discounts this weekend!

Match Reports

Imps 1 Reading 1

16 December 2023

City’s early goal was cancelled out in the second half as the Imps claimed a point at home against Reading.

City started the game the stronger of the two sides, and following some impressive work from Ted Bishop along the byline, the ball was bundled into the back of the net giving Michael Skubala’s side an early lead.

Reading were keen to get a foothold in the game after conceding early. Lewis Wing’s effort from a free-kick went narrowly wide of the post, and a corner was headed over at the near post.

The visitors thought they found an equaliser following a neat piece of play on the right, but the goal wouldn’t stand with Paul Mukairu judged to have pushed Lasse Sorensen in the back before finishing past Lukas Jensen.

Following a period of possession for the visitors, Wing rifled an effort towards goal, but Jensen was able to parry it away.

A dangerous ball from Wing caused problems for Jensen, forcing the Dane to parry the ball to the edge of the box. Andy Yiadom’s shot from 20 yards bounced around in the box before the ball ended up in the net, only for the assistant referee to disallow it for offside.

After starting the second half well, Reading found themselves an equaliser. Jeriel Dorsett’s ball split the Imps open, allowing Harvey Knibbs to finish low past Jensen.

Bishop was a bright spark for the Imps on his return to the side. The midfielder got past multiple defenders before dragging his shot wide of the post.

A ball into the box from Mandroiu caused problems for the Royals, but luckily for the visitors, the ball just evaded Bishop at the far post.

Going into the final five minutes, the Imps pushed for a winner. A ball into the box from substitute Hakeeb Adelakun almost found Sorensen at the far post, but a Reading defender got a vital touch.

Reading almost took all three points at the death, but Jensen made a remarkable save to deny Knibbs' close range effort to keep the score level.

City: Jensen, Sorensen, O’Connor, Jackson, Eyoma, Burroughs, Bishop (Adelakun 78’), Hamilton, Mandroiu, Duffy (Smith 45’), Makama (Vale 73’). Subs (not used): Wright, Mitchell, Roughan, Shodipo.

Goal: Abbey OG (3').

Reading: Button, Holmes, Knibbs, Smith, Azeez, Mukairu (Elliott 64’), Yiadom, Dorsett (Mbengue 90’), Wing, Abbey, Craig (Savage 64’).

Goal: Knibbs (56').

Referee: Robert Madley.

Attendance: 8,109 (904 away).