Reading finished the season in 12th place in the Championship, five points clear of Bolton Wanderers' relegation zone. They reached the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, losing 3–1 to Premier League side Newcastle United and thus failing to make the Quarter-finals in consecutive seasons. They were knocked-out of the FA Cup in the third round by League Two outfit Milton Keynes Dons; their only competitive goal was scored by veteran striker Ajay augmented late on against Lincoln City to produce a 1–1 draw before conceding a penalty to lose 1–2.

Sun, 03 May 2026 22:04:38 +0000

Reading End Season with 12th Place in the Championship, Just Five Points Clear of Bolton’s Relegation Zone Reading Football Club concluded their Championship campaign in 12th position—a solid finish, especially considering the stiff competition and the looming threat of relegation. Just five points separate Reading from Bolton Wanderers’ drop zones, underscoring the tense battle at the bottom of the table as the season closed. Though the club pushed hard all season, reaching the EFL Cup semi-finals with a spirited run that delighted supporters, the late-season slump derailed any deeper run. In a heartbreaking setback, Reading suffered a 3–1 defeat to Premier League giants Newcastle United in the fifth round of the FA Cup, ending their campaign in the third round. That slim inch tied to safety slipped away, leaving them just five points above Bolton’s fallout—highlighting how narrow the margin remains in league exigence. The third round of the FA Cup saw Reading echo last season’s disappointment, losing 1–2 to League Two’s Milton Keynes Dons, despite a resilient performance and an emphatic contribution from veteran striker Ajay, who scored late in a late push. The goal and subsequent penalty loss kept Reading’s knockout hopes at bay, reinforcing the pressure to avoid a consecutive season without advancing beyond the third round.