Paul over as Royals stagger to survival
PAUL INCE was happy to prove the knockers wrong as Reading fell over the line to secure their Championship status.
The Royals’ three-game unbeaten away run was brought to a halt as England Under-21s star Keane Lewis-Potter netted a goal in each half.
But Peterborough’s loss at home to Nottingham Forest ensured Reading are safe.
The Royals looked destined for League One during a 12-game winless run around Christmas that spelled the end for Veljko Paunovic.
But Ince steadied the ship after ending eight years in the managerial wilderness.
He said: “It’s a big achievement for me especially given the time I’ve been out of the game and some of the things said when I came in.
“I’m proud the fans will get to see Championship football next year.”
Lewis-Potter grabbed his first goal in front of home fans since January five minutes before the break when he beat keeper Orjan Nyland at his near post.
Alfie Jones doubled the lead eight minutes into the second half with his first goal for the club.
Josh Laurent and Michael Morrison missed chances as the second-best Royals were rescued by Forest.
Lewis-Potter strolled through to slot home the third in stoppage-time.
Hull boss Shota Arveladze said: “I could not wish for a better performance and outcome in front of our own fans.”
HULL: Baxter 7; Jones 8, McLoughlin 7, Greaves 7; Coyle 7 (Longman 82nd), Slater 7, Smallwood 7, Fleming 7; Honeyman 8 (Docherty 82nd), Lewis-Potter 9; Sayyadmanesh 6 (Eaves 77th)
READING: Nyland 5; Yiadom 6, Morrison 5, McIntyre 6, Rahman 6; Drinkwater 5, Dele-Bashiru 4 (Ejaria (57th) 6); Ince 6 (Meite 85th), Laurent 5, Hoilett 5; Lucas Joao 5
STAR MAN: Keane Lewis-Potter
REF: T Robinson