Cambridge stage second-half fightback to beat Reading

Cambridge came from behind with two second-half goals to beat Reading 2-1 at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.

Defenders Liam Bennett and Kell Watts scored headers after the break to turn the game around after Jack Marriott’s first-half strike for Reading.

Reading controlled the first half, seeing shots from Udoka Godwin-Malife and George Earthy blocked before Marriott put them in front in the 38th minute.

Cambridge failed to deal with a floated ball into the box from Lewis Wing and the striker swivelled to score his sixth goal of the season.

The game sprang into life after half-time and the home side were level in the 52nd minute when the diminutive Bennett scored with a looping header from Callum Perry’s cross.

Kyreece Lisbie shot just wide for Reading before Cambridge hit the front. A 62nd-minute corner was cleared to Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu, who crossed for Watts to nod home.

Lisbie went close again moments later, cutting in from the left but seeing his shot rattle a post, but Reading could not force an equaliser.