Report: City 1 – 0 Reading

Hull City ended their await for a home goal and home victory by recording a 1-0 win against Reading at the KC Stadium.

City recorded the three points thanks to a late Robbie Brady strike, his first of his senior career; as a cross come shot eluded the grasp of the Reading keeper to nestle into the far corner of the net.

The performance was an improved one from Nigel Pearson`s side, who reverted to a 4-4-2 formation with Aaron Mclean handed a start in place of Corry Evans. In defence, Pearson surprisingly elected to field Andy Dawson in place of Joe Dudgeon, a move which would be vindicated with the veteran giving an impressive defensive performance.

Both Aaron Mclean and Robbie Brady went close in the opening stages as City played a more direct style, moving the ball from the back to the front quicker than they had done in their opening three league games. This movement opened up more opportunities for City, although the cutting edge in front of goal was still lacking.

Reading nearly punished this when Jimmy Kebe headed into the net at the far post, his goal ruled out by the offside flag. That proved to be Reading`s best opportunity after a spurned effort by Robson-Kanu, with last year`s play-off final winners heading to the KC for a draw.

City were producing more of an end product in comparison to recent fixtures, with Fryatt denied by Frederici on two occasions early in the second half. Yet it was new recruit Brady who finally made the break-through, taking Mclean`s pass to cross into the area. His cross was too close to the goal however, looping over Federici and into the net.

Reading offered little in response, with Manset shooting wide and Mills shooting a free-kick high over the bar as City held on for a vital victory.