Sam Smith strike enough for Reading to beat 10-man Bristol Rovers

In-form Reading secured a third successive League One victory by edging past 10-man Bristol Rovers 1-0.

The hosts dominated much of a lively first half but were kept at bay by a series of fine saves from Rovers goalkeeper Josh Griffiths.

Rovers’ hopes dipped in the 55th minute when midfielder Shaq Forde was sent off for a second yellow card, and Sam Smith scored not long after to settle the game.

After a quiet opening from both sides, the Royals upped the tempo and forced Griffiths into smart stops from Harvey Knibbs and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan.

The visitors replied through Ruel Sotiriou, who should have done better with only home keeper Joel Pereira to beat but shot narrowly wide of the far post.

Griffiths starred again approaching the interval, first denying Lewis Wing and then thwarting Knibbs in a one-on-one.

Rovers’ task was made harder when Forde received a second booking from referee Simon Mather having foolishly kicked the ball away after conceding a free-kick.

Reading went ahead 11 minutes later when Smith darted on to Ben Elliott’s pass to slide in his fifth goal of the season.

Rovers still made a fight of it and Pereira had to save well from Clinton Mola in the closing stages, but Reading held on.