Reading opened a nine-point gap on the relegation zone following their 2-0 victory at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night. Goals from Sam Smith and another ‘worldie’ from Lewis Wing made sure the Royals left Bristol with three points. This started the run of Reading’s four closing games all coming against teams who begin with ‘B’.
However, it would be unfair to suggest that any of the teams will be playing their ‘B’ team as all go into their closing fixtures needing points for different reasons. One side is currently in the playoffs, while one is chasing the spot they currently occupy, and the final team is trying to escape the drop at the opposite end of the league.
With results going Reading’s way, like Carlisle United’s win over Cheltenham Town, the victory made survival chances look just that bit more likely. Along with this, Fleetwood Town losing to Blackpool, The Fishermen look to be the next side to join Carlisle in League Two next season.
A trip to playoff contenders Barnsley is next up for Reading, but the varying form of both sides suggests an exciting match and a closer game than league positions may suggest. The Tykes have struggled to get results of late and have failed to win at some since late February. However, Saturday’s hosts won the game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium earlier in the season 3-1, with goals from Devante Cole and Max Watters completing the comeback.
The following weekend the Royals travel to The Pirelli Stadium to face Burton Albion, the side currently sat just above relegation places. The two sides played out a bore draw, in Berkshire, earlier in the season. Albion currently sit level on points with Port Vale, who currently take up the last relegation spot, that could be a battle that goes down to the wire. Reading fans will enjoy at least some of their trip north as they will be celebrating ‘inflatables day’ as it is their last away fixture of the season.
Finally, a home game wraps up the season for Reading as they welcome Blackpool to Berkshire. By this time the Royals will have hoped to have secured safety and be in a party mood to round off an impressive season considering all the adversity they have endured. The Seasiders are chasing playoffs, and currently sat just three points adrift of sixth, they may be coming to the SCL needing a victory to stand a chance.
Port Vale lost on Wednesday night meaning another team in the relegation battle dropped points and edged Reading closer to safety. As a result, safety could be secured this weekend should Reading win and other results go in their favour.