Reading FC Striker Marriott Scores Hat Trick in Away Win

Bobbins waxes lyrical about Reading's goalscorer-in-chief, but has mixed feelings about the team as a whole.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a surprising turn of events, Reading FC striker Jack Marriott scored a hat trick in the team's recent 3-2 away win against Wigan Athletic. The author, known as Bobbins, expresses mixed feelings about the team's overall performance, noting their inconsistency and tendency to shoot themselves in the foot, while also praising Marriott's sublime finishing and intelligent play.

Why it matters

Reading FC's recent form has been a rollercoaster, with the team sitting seventh in the league table despite their defensive vulnerabilities. Marriott's hat trick has helped the team secure an important away win, but the author's conflicted feelings about the team's style of play highlight the broader challenges the club faces in their quest to escape League One.

The details

Marriott's hat trick included a "fox-in-the-box prod" for his first goal, followed by two "sublime strikes with either foot" that the author argues could both be considered the best of the three. The author praises Marriott's technique, movement, and street-smart reading of defenders, noting that he makes goal-scoring look easy.

  • Seven days ago, Reading suffered a 3-2 loss away at AFC Wimbledon.
  • Yesterday, Reading secured a 3-2 away win against Wigan Athletic.

The players

Jack Marriott

Reading FC striker who scored a hat trick in the team's recent 3-2 away win against Wigan Athletic.

Marcus Browne

Former Oxford United player who scored a hat trick against Reading in their 3-2 loss to AFC Wimbledon.

John Swift

Reading FC midfielder who scored a hat trick against QPR in a previous match.

Rob Couhig

One of the new owners of Reading FC, who took over the club recently.

Leam Richardson

Reading FC's current manager, who has overseen the team's recent shift in form.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When he signed, it felt like a budget move - someone cheap, available and experienced enough to plug a gap. The owners didn't seem in a position to chase a Benn Ward‑type prospect, so expectations were modest.”

— Bobbins, Author (sbnation.com)

“The mark of a proper striker is making goals look easy, and Marriott does exactly that. His weaker foot looks like his stronger one. His technique is so crisp it's become a recurring nightmare for goalkeepers.”

— Bobbins, Author (sbnation.com)

What’s next

The author notes that the team's continued success and Marriott's form are questions for another day, as the focus now shifts to maintaining their current momentum and playoff push.

The takeaway

Reading FC's recent performances have been a mix of sublime and contradictory, with the team's ability to outscore opponents overshadowed by their defensive vulnerabilities. However, the author acknowledges that the team's progress, under new ownership and management, has been impressive given their starting point, and he is willing to embrace the rollercoaster ride as they continue their quest to escape League One.