Key Points
- Jack Marriott put Reading ahead in the 38th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.
- Second-half headers from defenders Liam Bennett and Kellan Watts turned the match around for Cambridge United.
- Kyreece Lisbie hit the post for Reading shortly after Watts gave Cambridge the lead.
- Cambridge United held on to secure a 2-1 victory over Reading at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.
CAMBRIDGE (Cambridge Tribune) September 12, 2026 – Cambridge United staged an impressive second-half fightback to claim a 2-1 victory over Reading at the Cledara Abbey Stadium after trailing at the interval. The host side overturned a one-goal deficit through headers from defensive pair Liam Bennett and Kellan Watts, neutralising an earlier strike from Reading forward Jack Marriott.
As reported by Press Association reporter Lee Keuneke, Reading had initially asserted control over the contest during the opening period. The visiting team created early opportunities, seeing attempts from Udoka Godwin-Malife and George Earthy blocked by the Cambridge defence before eventually breaking the deadlock.
As detailed in match summaries by Press Association journalists, the opening goal arrived in the 38th minute when Cambridge failed to deal effectively with a floated delivery into the penalty area from Reading midfielder Lewis Wing. Marriott reacted quickly to the loose ball, swivelling inside the box to direct his finish past goalkeeper Jake Eastwood. The goal marked Marriott’s sixth strike of the season across all competitions.
What triggered Cambridge’s second-half resurgence at Abbey Stadium?
The dynamic of the fixture shifted following the half-time interval, with the host side displaying greater urgency in possession. Cambridge restored parity in the 52nd minute. Callum Perry delivered a targeted cross into the penalty area, allowing defender Liam Bennett to generate enough height and leverage to direct a looping header past Reading goalkeeper Joel Castro Pereira.
Reading attempted an immediate response, as Kyreece Lisbie registered a shot that drifted narrowly wide of Eastwood’s post. However, Cambridge maintained their momentum and completed the turnaround ten minutes after their initial equalizer.
In the 62nd minute, a Cambridge corner was partially cleared by the Reading defense to substitute midfielder Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu. Ruddock-Mpanzu recycled the attack, swinging a precise cross back into the penalty box, where Kellan Watts rose to nod the ball into the net to make it 2-1.
Reading came close to levelling the scoreline almost immediately after falling behind. Lisbie cut inward from the left flank and unleashed a powerful drive that hit the post. Despite late pressure from the visiting side, Cambridge held their ground through the closing stages to secure all three points.
What is the historical context and background of this fixture?
The fixture at the Cledara Abbey Stadium marks another chapter in the recent rivalry between Cambridge United and Reading in EFL League One. Going into the match, Reading had held a superior head-to-head record over recent encounters, having won three of the previous five meetings between the two sides. Their last league meeting in January 2025 ended in a 3-1 victory for Reading at Abbey Stadium.
Cambridge United entered the fixture seeking consistency following a mixed start to their domestic campaign. Head coach Monk’s side had drawn 2-2 away to Burton in their preceding league outing. Reading had built momentum prior to the trip to Cambridgeshire, entering the weekend on a three-match unbeaten run in the league, including a 3-1 home victory against Blackpool.
How will this outcome affect both clubs moving forward?
For Cambridge United, securing three points from a losing position provides a significant boost to their League One campaign. The victory reinforces their defensive threat from set-piece situations and secondary deliveries, demonstrating resilience against top-half opposition. Supporters can anticipate a potential rise in team morale and league standing as the club looks ahead to upcoming league fixtures.
For Reading and their traveling supporters, the defeat highlights vulnerabilities in defending crosses and managing leads away from home. Despite showcasing attacking threat through Marriott and Lisbie, failing to convert chances in critical moments cost them points. Reading management will likely focus on addressing defensive organization from recycled set-pieces in preparation for their next domestic fixtures.
