Reading U21 claimed a 3-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers U21 in Premier League 2 Division 1 on Monday evening, a result that keeps their early momentum intact while Blackburn remain winless at the bottom of the table.
M. Dashi gave the hosts an early lead in the 19th minute, but H. Lister responded almost immediately to level matters within two minutes. The game grew tighter, and by then the pattern was clear — both sides willing to attack but struggling to find a definitive edge.
Blackburn took the lead again through M. Decandia's own goal on 45+4 minutes, a moment that suggests they felt they had something to show at half-time. Reading fought back, though, and P. Duah's own goal in the 58th minute pulled the visitors level once more.
Three substitutions came on the hour mark as both managers sought to shift the balance, with C. Cliff and K. Mfuamba replacing Reading players while Blackburn brought on M. Dashi and another. The decisive moment arrived late, T. Ntege finding the net in the 90+1 minute to send Reading into the break with all three points.
Reading controlled possession at 53 percent and registered five shots on target compared to Blackburn's three, though the hosts managed more attacks overall at 56 to 69. Both sides showed discipline with two yellow cards each, and the match ended without any red cards.
The result leaves Blackburn rooted at 28th place after two defeats from two games, while Reading sit ninth with six points from three fixtures. It is a result that rewards their consistency and punishes Blackburn for a sloppy opening, but both teams have more to come.