Reading Narrowly Defeats Wigan in Ugly Match

Royals grind out a 2-1 win despite poor first-half performance

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Reading FC secured a 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic in a match described as "one of the worst 45 minutes of football" the author has seen in a long time. The Royals went ahead through a Jeriel Dorsett goal, but Wigan equalized before Paudie O'Connor scored late to give Reading the win. While the three points were welcome, the author expressed concerns about the team's overall performance and lack of attacking intent, noting that more needs to be done to restore positivity among the fanbase.

Why it matters

This result is important for Reading as they look to climb the table, but the poor performance raises questions about the team's overall direction and ability to sustain success. Wigan, meanwhile, remain in a relegation battle and the loss is a setback in their fight for survival.

The details

Reading set up in an unusual formation with three center-backs, wing-backs, and a double pivot in midfield, which the author felt showed a lack of attacking intent. The first half was described as "turgid" with both teams struggling to string passes together. Dorsett gave Reading the lead early in the second half, but Wigan equalized through a goal from substitute Joe Taylor. Late in the game, O'Connor scored the winner for the Royals from a free kick.

  • The match was played on February 10, 2026.

The players

Jeriel Dorsett

A Reading FC player who scored the opening goal for his team.

Paudie O'Connor

A Reading FC player who scored the late winning goal for his team.

Leam Richardson

The manager of Wigan Athletic who named an unusual starting lineup for the match.

Joel Pereira

The Reading FC goalkeeper who was beaten for Wigan's equalizing goal.

Joe Taylor

A Wigan Athletic substitute who scored the equalizing goal for his team.

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What they’re saying

“We've been around the block a fair few times by now. We all knew that visiting a team who were hit for six last time out and have just sacked their manager - combined with our current run of form - was the perfect recipe for a home win.”

— Harry Chafer, Author (sbnation.com)

“Simply put, the first half was one of the worst 45 minutes of football I've seen in a very long time. Both teams had moments, but neither could string together more than five passes, let alone build any kind of consistent pressure.”

— Harry Chafer, Author (sbnation.com)

The takeaway

While Reading secured a much-needed away win, the poor performance and lack of attacking intent raises concerns about the team's overall direction and ability to sustain success. The fanbase remains disconnected, and the manager and players will need to find ways to restore positivity and confidence moving forward.