A second half tactical switch by Noel Hunt paid off for Reading producing the only goal of a scrappy and ill-tempered local derby. Having switched wings with Camara, Chem Campbell cut inside from the left onto his favoured right foot and drew foul from Humphreys to win a penalty. After the obligatory and tedious delaying tactics to unnerve the taker, Harvey Knibbs stepped up and slammed the spot kick past Norris.

It was a goal, which in the balance of play after the interval, Reading deserved. Unsettled by some unforced errors and clumsy unpunished challenges from a physical Wycombe in the first half, Reading began the second half more positively and began to make better use of their possession.

The introduction of Wareham after sixty-three minutes once again brought the energy and aggression to the attack Ehiobhatiomhan appears unable to provide. At the same time the talented Garcia, having struggled to make an impact, was replaced by the defensively more reliable Rushesha. Reading looked more balanced, took control of the game and began to string passes together. Signs of panic set in at the back for Wycombe.

As expected, Wycombe raised their game in search of an equaliser, putting the Reading defence under pressure. However, with the presence and commitment of Mbengue, and another performance from Bindon which oozed class and quality, Reading looked very secure at the back. McCleary's looping header required an acrobatic leap from Pereira to deflect it over the bar, but that aside, the Reading 'keeper had little to deal with of any significance.

The return of Bindon and Mbengue from illness and injury respectively was well timed, with only half a dozen games remaining and everything to play for. The emergence of Abrefa at full back has also been a huge bonus. Solid defensively, and with ability to take players on going forward, he offers a potent attacking option on the right.

Today's result has probably killed off Wycombe's chances of automatic promotion as well as keeping Reading's hopes of claiming a play-off spot alive. There is a growing sense of belief within this resilient squad reflected in the response from the crowd. I was halfway across the car park on my way back to the station after the game, (and I NEVER leave early!) and could still hear the fans in the South Stand loud and clear, celebrating another fine win with the players.

John Wells