Reading's near-faultless unbeaten start to the season came to an abrupt end as they were beaten 3-2 by Coventry at St Andrew's on Friday night

 

The Sky Blues edged ahead, in a first half devoid of clear cut chances, when Gustavo Hamer struck his first goal for the club (23), but Lucas Joao tucked home for his ninth goal in as many games to level proceedings.

Matt Godden then tapped in from close range (76) and Sam McCallum thundered in a brilliant effort just minutes after his introduction (85), but though George Puscas added a second for the Royals in stoppage time (90+2), it wasn't enough to earn a point.

In spite of the defeat, Veljko Paunovic's Reading remain five points clear of second-placed Bournemouth ahead of the weekend's action, while an important three points for Coventry sees them deservedly move out of the bottom three and up to 18th.

How the unbeaten Royals were toppled in the Midlands

While Coventry's return to the Championship had been difficult in terms of results, Mark Robins' side have displayed a good level of confidence in making the step up to the second tier, which was apparent from the first whistle at St Andrew's.

Setting aside a wayward pass from Fankaty Dabo that almost gifted Sone Aluko a goal inside three minutes, it was a competitive start and one that the Sky Blues took advantage of when they became the first team this season to take the lead against the division's leaders.

It was a goal born out of excellent team work. Ryan Giles raced down the left and fed Godden, who turned and laid the ball off to Hamer, who calmly guided home his first goal since a summer move from Dutch side PEC Zwolle.