Town climbed back into the top six and extended their extraordinary record of Tuesday night home victories to 16 as an 89th minute Brett Pitman goal saw them to a 2-1 victory over Reading. After a lacklustre first half Ryan Fraser put the Blues in front on 57, Royals sub Garath McCleary equalised from the spot before Pitman’s late winner.

Boss Mick McCarthy made three changes to his side, two of them forced. Bartosz Bialkowski took over from the injured Dean Gerken in goal, while Luke Hyam replaced Jonathan Douglas, who started a three-game ban for his red card at Birmingham.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles came in for Kevin Bru, who dropped to the bench, in a switch to 4-4-2 with Freddie Sears moving up front with Daryl Murphy.

Keeper Jonathan Henly was on the Blues bench for the first time against the club where he came through the academy before being released last summer.

Central defender Piotr Malarczyk was available after serving his one-match ban and was in the 20-man squad but was left out of the 18 in favour of Paul Digby.

For Reading, who wore an unusual all mauve kit, Yann Kermorgant, a Town target during his time with Bournemouth, made his full debut."
The game made a very quiet start with the only incident of note in the opening 10 minutes Kermorgant requiring treatment after a clash of heads.

On 11 Ryan Fraser whipped in a corner from the left which Ali Al-Habsi in the Reading goal was forced to punch away from under his crossbar at the near post.

Four minutes later, Royals skipper Oliver Norwood wasted a freekick - won when Stephen Quinn rather obviously ran straight into Town skipper Luke Chambers - in a promising position on the left, hitting a low shot well wide of the near post with his team-mates waiting in the box.

Jordan Obita got his name in referee Tim Robinson’s book in the 19th minute for a foul on Hyam down the right as the Blues started to get on top. Maitland-Niles whipped in a dangerous freekick, then Fraser’s corner from the left was headed away from inside the six-yard box by Jake Cooper.

The Blues continued have the better of what had been a largely drab game played in a pre-season type atmosphere. On 24 Al-Habsi failed to deal with a low Daryl Murphy cross from the right and Chris Gunter somewhat uncomfortably cleared.

On 24, following a Town corner, Reading broke quickly through Hal Robson-Kanu on the right but Hyam got a heel to his low cross as he looked to find Quinn at the far post.

Two minutes later the Blues threatened when Hyam fed Maitland-Niles but the England U19 international’s well-struck shot was blocked by Anton Ferdinand. The on-loan Arsenal youngster was by now playing in the advanced central midfield role with the Blues having switched to their 4-3-3 system with Sears back out on the right.

As the game approached the half-hour mark Matej Vydra was sent away between Tommy Smith and Christophe Berra but the New Zealand international did enough to send him away from goal. The Czech did well to find Robson-Kanu but the Wales international was crowded out.

Two minutes later, Murphy surrendered possession to Vydra inside the Town half but the visitors were unable to work themselves a clear-cut shot at goal.

Fraser smashed a long distance effort across the face of goal on 34 and then, with Reading now on top, Vydra hit a low 25-yard effort which Bialkowski claimed comfortably.

Sears broke away down the right in the 44th minute and found Fraser who took a difficult ball down deftly before hitting a shot which Al-Habsi blocked. After the corner, Smith scuffed a volley wide off Sears.

In injury time Norwood was booked for tripping Fraser as he broke towards the area after Jonas Knudsen had won the ball. From the freekick, Murphy and then Chambers headed the ball goalwards but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside and referee Robinson immediately blew his whistle for half-time.

Town had had the better of a not overly entertaining half with Al-Habsi the busier of the two keepers, albeit without having made too many serious saves.

The Blues had got on top after a very slow start to the game, then Reading had a short spell in which Vydra in particular had been a threat, but Town had ended the half looking the more dangerous side.

Bru took over from Maitland-Niles ahead of the second half, slipping into his regular role ahead of Skuse and Hyam.

The Blues were the first to threaten three minutes after the restart when Reading failed to deal with a ball in from the left. Chambers crossed back from the right and Hyam scuffed over when he probably should have left the ball for Skuse.

Reading created an opening on 56 when Kermorgant escaped down the right and sent over a cross for Vydra, who turned his shot against Smith.

But a minute later, Town claimed the lead. Sears burst away down the right before cutting the ball back behind Fraser, who spun on to his left foot and hit a low shot which struck Cooper, hit the inside of the post and crossed the line behind Al-Habsi.

Having grabbed their first goal, Fraser’s sixth of his season-long from AFC Bournemouth, the Blues went looking for their second, Murphy shooting into the Sir Bobby Robson Stand, then Sears going closer with a low 25-yard strike which deflected into the side-netting off Cooper. On 65 Berra was booked for a foul on Kermorgant

Smith powerfully headed a Bru corner straight at Al-Habsi on 66. The Royals immediately broke two on one and should have got back on terms but sub Garath McCleary crossed against Skuse when he should comfortably have found the unmarked Vydra.

However, after Kermorgant had headed powerfully straight at Bialkowski, Skuse went from hero to zero by conceding a penalty from which the visitors equalised.

Robson-Kanu was harmlessly taking the ball across the area away to the right when the Blues’ midfielder slid in and somewhat needlessly brought him down.

Referee Robinson pointed to the spot and there were only muted appeals from Skuse and his team-mates. McCleary lashed the penalty down the middle of the goal past Bialkowski.

Town went about restoring their lead and on 72 Bru sent a shot not too far over Al-Habsi’s crossbar.

Six minutes later, after a long spell of Town possession, Knudsen smashed a low shot from distance which Al-Habsi claimed. Brett Pitman replaced the tiring Hyam on 82.

Reading were looking the more dangerous side in the final 10 minutes but on 84 a loose ball following a corner fell to Berra, who scrambled an effort towards goal which reached Pitman, whose effort was well saved by Al-Habsi down to his left, however, the linesman’s flag had been raised.

Luke Varney replaced Murphy on 87 and two minutes later Varney created the winner for fellow sub Pitman.

The former Leeds man chased a Fraser long ball down the left, took a touch and sent over an inch-perfect pass for on-rushing Pitman, who diverted the ball past Al-Habsi, off the keeper’s right post and in to seal another late, late Town home victory, just as he did against Leeds last month.

Town saw out injury time comfortably - Norwood’s deflected shot into Bialkowski’s arms was the visitors’ best chance - and Portman Road’s lowest league crowd of the season of 16,616 erupted with a mixture of delight and relief at the final whistle.

Having gone in front the Blues probably should have sealed the three points at that stage but as so often at home this season they allowed the visitors back into the game and then gifted the penalty via Skuse’s uncharacteristically rash tackle.

But, as ever, Town kept going right to the whistle and, despite Reading having looked the more likely winners for spells, subs Varney and Pitman carved out the late winning goal for the third time in the last four home league games.

The Blues’ victory and Sheffield Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at home to Burnley sees Town move back into the final play-off place a point in front of the Owls and Birmingham in seventh and eighth - who meet one another at St Andrew's on Saturday - ahead of the weekend trip to QPR.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Smith, Berra, Knudsen, Maitland-Niles (Bru 46), Skuse, Hyam (Pitman 82), Fraser, Sears, Murphy (Varney 87). Subs: Henly, Foley, Digby, Coke.

Reading: Al-Habsi, Gunter, Obita, Ferdinand, Cooper, Williams, Norwood (c), Quinn (McCleary 61), Robson-Kanu, Vydra, Kermorgant. Subs: Bond, Taylor, Hector, McShane, Piazon, John. Referee: Tim Robinson (West Sussex). Att: 16,616 (Reading 205).

Photo: Action Images

bonamassablue added 06:26 - Feb 3 What a strange atmosphere, more like a pre-season friendly but 16 on the trot is a fantastic achievement. How to win a match? Take it easy for 89 minutes, put on super sub and a winner is guaranteed, MM is a tactical genius! Well done lads, but on a serious point, we know that AMN is struggling with his touch and confidence but is it necessary to get on his back after his first touch? Let's get behind the team, that's why we are there.

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prebbs007 added 06:28 - Feb 3 Cakemxn you are so spot on PJH - Knudsen was good ??? Are you having a laugh ? He got beaten so many times he was almost the worst full back on the pitch - but no one can take that total from chambers !!! Jas0999 - totally agree with your wise words Once again we are "saved" by Pitts !! He has to play ahead of the woefully out of form Murphy who is a pale shadow of what we know know was a massively inflated season last year. Reading were a really really poor team who look exactly what they are. Mid table obscurity with nothing to play for. Our two full backs were yet again poor. AMN after a good start to the season looks lightweight and unable to beat an opponent. Skuse and Hyam together doesn't work, no creativity again in centre midfield until Bru's introduction. Fraser again outstanding against the rest of the mediocrity and we continue to somehow defy our ability. Long may it continue and long may Mick (dunno how he does it) carry on to get what he does out of a very very average group. The transfer window debacle will come back to haunt us unless we find a way of getting Bish & Didz fit. They would be like new signings. The dream is still alive but on performances like that I'm not sure how !! Ready for the downmarks from the rose tinted glasses brigade who will say why so negative but you lot complain there are only gripes after a defeat, well there is realism even after a victory that was hard fought (like all our wins) but not impressive. A good guide to teams relative strength is the +/- goal diff, look at all the teams around us +27, +23, +21, +14, +11, +9 ours is +3 which shows we only scrape wins. Only Brighton are close to us +6 as they have had so many draws. Well done for pushing till the end boys but we will have to do far far better if we want to stay in top 6

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dirtydingusmagee added 07:20 - Feb 3 well l hold my hands up,and admit i was wrong I thought we would bottle it last night after the defeat to them earlier.I also have to say i thought the introduction of Varney and Pitman came too late to be effective,I was wrong again .That said although the result was good and we deserved to win,Reading were very lack lustre. We did seem to play better 2nd half with Bru in, but i didnt think it was a great performance,it was a very average game .HOWEVER the 3 points were the objective and we got em . Well done lads .COYB

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atty added 07:21 - Feb 3 Great to win of course, two good goals, and brilliant to be back in the play off places. Shame that the other 89 minutes were dire
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Keaneish added 07:52 - Feb 3 Why is it that when we win, there's little substance from posters about how we played other than just the typical, "well done lads" but when we lose there's a lot more insightful, objective criticism that gets lambasted? There's a few posts about the quality of football on offer but its mainly the typical, "where are the moaners?", "only 3 page of comments" rubbish. Maybe an indication that a lot of fans can't see the wood for the tress and 3pts is all that matters Not a great performance tonight. Another slow start which is becoming a trend. Agree with some posters that other than Sears and Fraser, we look pretty ordinary. Its going to be nip and tuck for 6th place unless we can get McGoldrick and Bishop back fit and in contention.

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paulcooperisgod added 08:14 - Feb 3 Yeah we won and 3 points come in handy but the performance wasn't great and once again relied on a last minute goal, the atmosphere and attendance was shocking we really are a poor side with very little ideas but MM will scrape us almost into the play offs again and ME will be happy with that as he doesn't want us in the premiership NO AMBITION
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callmeted added 08:22 - Feb 3 Didn't think it was an inspiring win but one thing whether you favour MM or not you can't deny the teams spirit to go till the end. Varney and pitman combined wonderfully for the winner . Sorry to bring this up again but 59!posts when we win. 179 when we lose? I am not sure how but again we are in play off position. MM is looking at loan market . Nothing more we can do than get behind the team for the run in now

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Surco72 added 08:40 - Feb 3 Personally I really enjoyed last nights game so well done MM and the club , it has been a poor January and we needed any kind of boost which a home draw wouldnt have given us but like any MM side we dug in and ground out the win purely on attitude against a much poorer Reading than what we played earlier in the season . Although injury to Gerken has given Bart his chance surely MM can see that Berra , Smith and Chambo all have more confidence with Bart behind them especially for crosses coming into the box . Knudesn for me still looks scared when players run at him and a number of crosses still get in from that side . Thought Hyam added more than Skuse with energy and tackles , but cannot ever see Skuse not starting . The biggest concern I have is if we get an injury to Fraser again we are not the same side regarding quality or creativity on the ball , the little man is a match winner and we will be lost without him . Also agree with the comment that what has Pitman got to do to start over Murphy , and do we tend to hoof the ball more when Murphy is playing as it is an easy option ? We certainly didn't miss him at the start of the season and were playing better football with Fraser , Sears and Pitman interlocking , but again MM does like his target man . Overall a good evenings work but lacking in quality for the majority

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Cloddyseedbed added 08:41 - Feb 3 Poor spectacle of a football match between 2 ordinary sides. Ipswich front line is too hot for most teams to handle however and if we're loosing or chasing the game having Varney and Pitman to come on always gives the team a boost. Once again it's midfield that lets the side down, creates nothing but break up the opposition play, most of the time to protect our defence. 1st half we were playing with 10 men, either Maitland Niles didn't know where he was supposed to be playing or didn't want to be there, his contribution was poor and if his name was Stewart or Henshall he would have his contract terminated. He needs to man up and want a place in the team, gave away the ball too many times and gets knocked off the ball too easily. Excellent result on paper but not good on the eye until we started to go at them using proper football...........on the ground passing. Fraser once again the livewire that made most things happen. What are we going to do when he's not around? Have to say poor crowd and atmosphere, probably due to supporters reaction to dull lack of an inspiring midfielder appearing before deadline day and the thought of yet another dull football game where we grind out a result.

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essexboy added 08:51 - Feb 3 Shame about the lowest gate of the season.! Never mind still a good win and just shows we never give up.Very well done lads.It would be great to get Bishop back soon.👍.Considering we now have about the smallest squad in this Lge I still feel we are good enough to get into the play-off's come the end of the season.Three points at QPR Saturday would be the icing on the cake.COYB.

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yogiblue added 08:52 - Feb 3 Although not a game of immense quality, Town certainly played a better a better style of football, and there were some excellent passing moves. The ball from Chambo to Sears that led to the first goal was excellent. Chambo has become a really good RB, time and time again he marauds up the right wing, overlapping the winger, always looking to either get a cross in or set something up. He's always wanting the ball from the keeper which is great to see, and so many times he is forward trying to get onto crosses from the left... Mick and TC have worked wonders with him! Back into the playoff places, and the Tuesday night streak continues! COYB!

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Gazelle added 08:56 - Feb 3 Pleased with the win until I watched the Premier League highlights. Don't tell me that we could compete against this.
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atty added 09:03 - Feb 3 Yes of course people have opinions, about everything not just footy! Two very good goals, very well executed and very well taken. Shame the rest of the game was dire. Look we know we don't spend any money so have to rely on free agents,out of contractNd loaneees. We know the way McCathry likes his teams to play. Last night he seemed to be saying that he preffered a tea of fighters to one that played can entertaining football. Does he really think that the likes of Barcelona, Bayern, Man City,Leicester, Bournemouth are not fighters? It is possible to have both. Great to be back in the top six. Yes I know that winning is the single most important thing, but it's not the only important thing in my book. All this has been said before, and I don't think it is negative, but it is realistic. We have to accept that it ain't pretty,in fact it can be awful, but it's all we have got, so no point in banging on about it. Get behind the team - your choice - and keep the faith! We might just do it.

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rachelsdad added 09:17 - Feb 3 great end result, thought that we played some good football at times, Sears and Fraser always looked dangerous but Murphy ineffective. Lads always give everything up to final whistle and thank you Pitman/Varney for the late goal. we may be lacking quality in places but this team has got us into the top six. Come on Mr Evans where is your ambition/love for our club .
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PJH added 09:29 - Feb 3 @prebbs007-no,not having a laugh. Looking forward to going to QPR then having you tell me what I saw. Looks like for some on here it was another lucky win against mediocre opposition,amazing how many times that happens isn't it?
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:43 - Feb 3 Keaneish,if you go back and read your post its exactly the same as the posts you are criticising ,
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bluey123 added 09:46 - Feb 3 What a load of garbage people seem to forget the first 70 minutes of this dribble manager forced to make changes to get points and the team then look reasonable back to normal Saturday 2 defensive midfielders . People on here are so easily pleased if anyone thinks this lot will get to the playoffs or anything better you are deluded. Look at the attendance 16000 reality 12500 this speaks volumes of what you are watching MCCarthy and Evans OUT

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dirtydingusmagee added 09:52 - Feb 3 PJH ,it wasnt a lucky win,it was deserved ,BUT you cant say that Reading were anything more than mediocre last night .
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PJH added 10:02 - Feb 3 I agree dirtydingusmagee that Reading were very ordinary last night but I was trying to point out that not every time that we win it is because the opposition is mediocre.
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Crawfordsboot added 10:33 - Feb 3 To paulcooperisgod You can not be serious - to coin a phrase. Do you really believe it when you write: "MM will scrape us almost into the play offs again and ME will be happy with that as he doesn't want us in the premiership NO AMBITION" The financial rewards of promotion are mind blowing next year so why do you believe that ME does not want us in the Prem?
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whosroundisitanyway added 10:51 - Feb 3 PJH I too agree that Knudsen had a good game last night & not his first recently I might add, but even if he were to score a hat trick, make three goal line clearances & save a small child from being trampled under the hooves of a rampant Bluey & Crazee it would still not be enough for some on here. Looking forward to QPR Saturday & being with Town fans that will sing for more than the last 4 mins. COYB's

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prebsa added 11:04 - Feb 3 whosroundisitanyway - what a ridiculous comment
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hogster1970 added 11:28 - Feb 3 well what can we say about last night, awfull reading away strip for a start, i bet they dont sell m,any of them shirts. very slow lack luster 20 mins, then it started to crank up a bit building nicely for the end of the first half, although as said niles is getting worse overall, he looses the ball to much, but he is young. second half much better when bru came on and could get his foot under the ball and started not onlky breaking play up but doing some nice passes with it, i thought hyam done ok last night and only one bad pass but most players done that last night, he was alot more dynamic and in there faces alot more than douglas. wse wont talk about the scuse penalty but im sure he will lern. bart played well and as said the back line looked more comfatable, although chambo again keeps leaving the left winger with acres of space and quiet a few unchallanged crosses coming in, i would minf hyam playing that postion as atleast he would close them down !!!!! just a thought. but yes fraser defo MOM yet again and is just shear class, sears again worked his socks off and a great combo subs winning goal. bring on the QPR saturday and should be good with 3.5k going me and my daughter and her boyfriend being 3 of them

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Wickets added 11:32 - Feb 3 Lavender not mauve! or am i colour blind?
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Beattiesballbag added 11:55 - Feb 3 Well done to the Lads for Managing to scrape a win again! Don't agree with all the posters that say we need a creative midfielder, We neeed TWO players in the middle that can pass the ball if we are going to progress back to a footballing team! Having one of your midfielders just protecting your back four is a luxury. In a decent team (not just under Robson but Burley as well) ALL the midfielders could pass the ball & they ALL helped out in defence & ALL chipped in with goals, (some such as Warky & Hamilton a lot of Goals). Having a midfielder sitting back defending the back four is surrendering the middle of the park to the opposition & a big reason in most matches we are out played in that area,............& if it is so effective why are we conceeding so many Goals! Knowing we are not going to spend much, if any money, why is it that in 3 years MM & his scouting staff have failed to to trawl the lower leagues for suitable players, & please don't say there is not the quality there! or they all cost to much money.......only signing players you know & trust limits your scope rather alot. Someone in this area is not pulling their weight! Also developement & bringing through the youngsters , a major source of players down the years (as we have NEVER had much money to spend) has dried up ........who is to blame for that. That is why besides saving the club in his first season with us, sorry it just doesn't seem like we have progressed one bit under MM & wont do untill we have someone who has the vision to improve the quality of the first team & not just build a bigger squad................ Sorry if this view of the present state of the club spoils your dream but sorry I can't get ecstatic over another 3 points as it just papers over the cracks.

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