Another win for the Royals has put them one point behind the playoffs, and in a genuine fight to try and secure that Wembley trip.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan not only scored, but scored a hat-trick! I actually can’t believe it. In all seriousness, he pounced on mistakes, and for the first time this season he looked like a proper striker.
That second goal was beautiful. Matt Ritchie played an insane trivela cross straight onto Ehibhatiomhan’s head and he put it into the back of the net. The third was another
where Ritchie capitalised on a defender’s error; Ehibhatiomhan put it through the legs of the ‘keeper and into the net.
Mansfield Town lost their last game – in the FA Cup to Arsenal – but their last league match was against Rotherham United. It finished 0-0 in what was a tight contest.
There’s not really much else to comment on that one. Their cup tie against Arsenal went well, although they lost, putting up a good fight against “the best team in England”, as their fans call them.
The head-to-head is in Reading’s favour with the Royals having 25 wins, 17 draws and 11 defeats.
In this preview I will mention players who have played for both team and I will give my predictions.
What? League One matchday 36
Season? 2025/26
Who? Mansfield Town
Where? One Call Stadium
When? Tuesday March 10
Time? 19:45
Opposition manager? Nigel Clough
Players who have played for both
Here are four of the players to have appeared for both Reading and Mansfield.
Darius Henderson played 77 times for Reading between 1999 and 2003. He managed 13 goals. For Mansfield he made 16 appearances, scoring twice and getting two assists.
Academy graduate Caylan Vickers played 22 games for Reading, scoring three and assisting three in his time with the club. For Mansfield he played 19 games, scoring two goals and assisting three.
Chris Smith didn’t play a competitive game for Reading but managed 16 appearances for Mansfield, scoring one goal.
Finally, Stephen Quinn played 45 games for the Royals, scoring two goals and getting five assists. For Mansfield he played 179 games, scoring 12 and assisting 27.
My lineup
Joel Pereira will be in goal.
Andy Yiadom, Paudie O’Connor, Derrick Williams and Benn Ward will be the defence.
Kamari Doyle, Lewis Wing, Charlie Savage and Randell Williams will be the midfield.
Sean Patton and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan will be the attack.
Score prediction: 2-0 Reading!
Good luck to those going to the game!
Come on you Royals!
