Reading beat Mansfield to preserve strong home record

Reading maintained their excellent home form with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over fellow League One play-off chasers Mansfield.

In an open and fast-paced first half, Reading led through Mamadi Camara only for Town to equalise on the stroke of half-time thanks to Will Evans’ well-placed header.

Tyler Bindon restored the home advantage in the 55th minute with a spectacular overhead kick and the hosts held off Town’s late rally to make it 13 wins from 15 home games in all competitions this season.

The Royals went in front in the 17th minute. Lewis Wing played through a precise pass from midfield and Camara ran on to it before calmly slotting past Town keeper Christy Pym.

Mansfield deservedly drew level just before the break as Evans stooped to power home a header from Elliott Hewitt’s pinpoint cross for his third goal in successive games.

Reading regained their lead 10 minutes into the second half when Wing’s deep free-kick caused chaos in the Stags area. Chem Campbell and Sam Smith both nodded on in the six-yard box and central defender Bindon acrobatically hooked in from close range.

Aaron Lewis had Mansfield’s best attempt at forcing a late equaliser but home keeper Joel Pereira made a fine save from his 20-yard shot.