Lucas Joao's birthday brace was enough for Reading to bounce back from midweek defeat with a 2-1 win over Stoke City.

A goal either side of the break and some more confident defending sealed a win live on the Sky Sports cameras on Sunday lunchtime.

Never dull at the start of Reading matches this season, the game went true to form as within 120 seconds the Royals were in front. From what appeared a basis kick from Joe Lumley, it bounced over everyone, including Stoke keeper Jack Bonham who had wondered out of his box. After misjudging the bounce, Joao was left with an open goal at a tight angle- expertly firing home despite the best efforts of Aden Flint who had attempted to recover onto the goal line.

With the crowd behind them early, Reading set their stall and defended comfortably for the vast majority of the half. Dominating possession, the Potters created very little, and their travelling contingent were getting restless. It should have been two for the Royals at the midway point as a corner reached the back post and was dragged back across goal. Fan favourite Shane Long was on the end of the cut back, but the former Irish international could only turn his effort over the bar from close range. It would not take long for the side to regret their missed chances, with Ben Wilmot converting a corner after some pinball in the penalty box.

Refreshed from a 15-minute rest at half time, it was 100mph football from both sides for the second period. Alex Neil’s men could’ve taken the lead within five minutes as Tyrese Campbell’s cross was teed up for Sam Clucas on the edge of the box, only for the midfielder to sky the ball over the bar. It would have been harsh on Reading though as they started the half with the strongest intent, and this was rewarded with a penalty just 10 minutes into the half.

A ball was threaded through midfield into Joao on the edge of the box, and goal scorer Wilmot took the Angolan out from behind. Stepping up himself, the striker slammed the ball past Bonham and secured his brace on his 29th birthday. Looking strong on the counterattack, Joao could have bagged himself a hattrick with 25 minutes remaining as a drilled cross deflected off a Stoke defender, narrowly avoiding Joao at the back post, who would’ve had an open goal to tap into.

With a lead to protect, breakaways were the name of the game for most of the final half hour, something the Royals have come accustomed to this season. Ince and Fornah lead the attacks for the most part, the former Potter Ince coming in for lots of close attention from his former side.

Stoke huffed and puffed in the closing stages, whipping dangerous balls into the box and forcing Reading to stay resolute, but it just was not happening for the visitors. 

With a clear week to recover, the Royals travel to newly relegated Watford on Saturday, back by 2,000 travelling fans.