Cambridge United came from behind to beat Reading 2-1 at the Cledara Abbey Stadium on 12 September 2026, with second-half headers from Liam Bennett and Kell Watts turning the match around after Jack Marriott had put the visitors ahead.
The result mattered for more than just the scoreline. Reading arrived with momentum after winning their previous two league games, and they had also won their last three league matches against Cambridge United. This time, though, Cambridge United found a way back into the game and kept their own early-season progress on track.
How the match changed
Reading took the lead in the 38th minute through Jack Marriott, giving the visitors a first-half advantage and putting Cambridge United under pressure. But the home side responded after the break, and Liam Bennett levelled the match in the 52nd minute with a looping header.
Cambridge United then completed the comeback in the 62nd minute when Kell Watts scored what proved to be the winner. It was a straightforward swing in momentum: Reading had the first punch, but Cambridge United delivered the more decisive second-half response.
What it means for Cambridge United
The win gave Cambridge United eight points from their opening five league games this season and added another positive result to their home record against Reading. Cambridge United have now won six of their 12 home league games against Reading, a sign that this has often been a competitive fixture at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.
For Reading, the defeat ended a short winning run and underlined how quickly a game can change when a home side gets an equaliser and then pushes on for a second goal. Neil Harris was described as disappointed with what he saw, which fits the way the match slipped away after Reading had taken control in the first half.
For Cambridge United, the headline is simple: they found a way to come from behind, they got goals from Bennett and Watts, and they left with a result that strengthens their position in the early standings.
