Reading 1-2 Preston: Ched Evans produces a winner for the Lilywhites

Reading fell to a home defeat at the hands of Preston North End at the Madejski Stadium on Friday. Reading were aiming to improve their league standing following a disappointing 0-0 draw with Luton Town in their previous game whilst North End were hoping to continue their winning streak after back-to-back victories against Swansea City and Middlesbrough. Reading are now in 11th place on the table and have 26 points while North End sit in 5th with 31 points after 20 matches.

After an uneventful first half, whatever was said in the dressing room at half time, seemed to have a positive effect on The Lilywhites who started the second half strongly, when Ched Evans found the net, at 51 minutes. However, they were unable to maintain their lead, Lucas Joao managing to equalize, 70 minutes in 1-1. North End in turn, then responded in the 79th minute increasing their lead with a 2nd effort from Ched Evans, leaving the final score at 2-1.

Substitutions for Reading included Tyrese Fornah, Lucas Joao, Shane Long and Nesta Guinness-Walker for Mamadou Loum, Yakou Meite, Andy Carroll and Rahman Baba, respectively. North End replaced Daniel Johnson, Emil Riis and Alan Browne for Benjamin Woodburn, Sean Maguire and Ali McCann.

There were bookings for Mamadou Loum from Reading. For North End, Robbie Brady, Ryan Ledson, Ched Evans and Brad Potts saw yellow.

Reading will next travel to Hull City, while North End will face Millwall at home.