Reading vs Preston North End. Sky Bet Championship.
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Saturday 6 August 2016 22:53, UK
Jaap Stam made an encouraging start as Reading manager as his side registered a 1-0 Sky Bet Championship victory over Preston at the Madejski Stadium.
Reading could have won more comfortably, but were let down by wayward finishing and had to settle for one goal - from former Chelsea midfielder John Swift in the first half - to secure the win.
The hosts, who finished a disappointing 17th last term, made the early running, with debutant Roy Beerens swinging at - and missing - a fine cross from Garath McCleary.
Preston, 11th last season, saw little possession in the early stages and, after a brief spell of pressure going forward, were forced to defend grimly.
Reading upped the tempo, especially on the flanks. Danny Williams released Chris Gunter and, after a dummy from Deniss Rakels, Swift - another home debutant - scuffed his shot wide.
The visitors' resistance ended in the 35th minute, courtesy of a slick move clearly designed on the training pitch. McCleary drilled a low corner into the area and Swift, rushing in unchecked, thumped home a superb first-time effort past Lindegaard.
After conceding 82 per cent possession in the first half, Preston had to improve after the break - and they did.
Daniel Johnson scampered away down the left wing and cut to the byline but was denied by a strong block from Joey van den Berg.Van den Berg then erred - almost in costly fashion - when playing a poor ball out of defence.
Johnson latched on to it and ran through alone. But, although his fierce shot was straight and true, the previously quiet Reading goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi made an agile save.
Reading lacked the intensity of their first half but should have increased their lead in the 65th minute. Swift played in a perfect pass from the right flank for Rakels, but his resultant shot was tame and straight at the diving body of Lindegaard.
Swift twice more had half-chances, only to squander them, and Preston defender Paul Huntington almost sliced a cross from Callum Harriott into his own net, but Reading were good value for the win.
