Orlando Sa’s hat-trick saw Reading to a 5-1 victory over Town at the Madejski Stadium, the Blues’ heaviest defeat for nearly three years. Sa put the home side ahead in the seventh minute, Freddie Sears equalised soon afterwards before the Portuguese frontman made it 2-1 at the break. In the second half Nick Blackman made it 3-1 and Sa completed his hat-trick before Oliver Norwood lashed in a late fifth.
Town boss Mick McCarthy says Reading have a “fantastic squad” and admits he was surprised that their 3-1 win at Brentford before the international break was their first Championship victory this season. The third-placed Blues would return to the top of the table if they beat the Royals at the Madejski Stadium this evening (Sky Sports 5 from 7pm, KO 8pm).
In the 18th of a series of pre-season reports, HarryfromBath assesses the Royals’ mood after their pre-season with new boss Jaap Stam by delving into their forums. Reports on QPR, Fulham and Brentford will be on the site tomorrow with the rest of the teams in the division covered between now and the start of the season.