ON YOUR BIKE, TOM!

HOLMES HITS STUNNER

READING FC defender Tom Holmes made it an afternoon to remember as he got off the mark with his first goal in senior football against Hull City.

After an underwhelming first-half of football, Holmes got the home crowd off their feet in stoppage time of the first 45 with his extraordinary opener.

He showed his excellent athleticism and quick thinking as he was first to react from a knockdown from a corner and thump the ball into the net with a bicycle kick to give the Royals the lead going into the break.

It’ll be a moment that the Royals academy graduate and former Maiden Erlegh pupil will be eteched in his memory, as he was met with jubilation by the adoring fans at the SCL and his delighted teammates who joined him to celebrate by the corner flag at the South stand.

After the match, Holmes posted a picture to his Instagram account of his celebration with the caption: “54 games later... a moment I will never forget.”

Reading manager Veljko Paunovic said: “I’m proud of the continued effort and character.

“The whole team performed well and I’m happy with the way we played with the ball.

“I’m very happy for Tom (Holmes). It’s a huge boost for his confidence and everything he’s doing for the team.

“It was a very intuitive piece of play. I’m so disappointed for him he doesn’t take the ball home with a big memory of a win.”

Despite getting their noses in front with the final action of the half, Reading were unable to finish the job in the second-half.

Mallik Wilks levelled the game in the 55th minute after goalkeeper Luke Southwood could only spill his effort into the corner.

To the frustration’s of the home fans and those in blue and white hoops, referee Steve Martin made the call to deny the Royals’ three penalty appeals.