Leam Richardson striving for consistency after Reading hammer 10-man Plymouth

Reading boss Leam Richardson is hoping his young side can now find some consistency after a clinical 4-1 win at 10-man Plymouth.

The Royals sped into a 3-0 lead within 20 minutes thanks to two goals from skipper Lewis Wing, including one from a penalty which earned Joe Ralls a red card, and a Kamari Doyle strike.

Argyle replied after 68 minutes with a 20-yard effort from substitute Xavier Amaechi, but Lorent Tolaj saw his 73rd-minute penalty saved by Reading goalkeeper Joel Pereira before Jack Marriott rounded off the rout four minutes from time.

Richardson said: “It was a great start from the players. All the credit goes to them for taking the information in and executing what we wanted.

“We have got a group that are learning, young, not been together that long, so we have spoken many times about how consistent we can be and it’s something we will keep striving for because that’s what good, successful teams do.

“It was a competitive and challenging game. Plymouth have come off the back of a really good run of form and a 5-1 win at Doncaster. Top goal scorer in the league and relegated from the Championship, they have got a good manager, good players, so it was everything I expected.

“Obviously we prepare through the week for different challenges. You have got to be adaptable in this league and so we had to make sure we started the game right here because the fans are excellent at Home Park, they get behind the team.

“You have got to manage certain situations.”

Reading moved up to 11th with the win while Plymouth remain just outside the bottom four.

Argyle boss Tom Cleverley admitted Ralls’ dismissal was the key factor, although was disappointed to see his player sent off.

“We knew were playing a very good team today. I think they are in a bit of a false league position and Reading proved that,” he said.

“I think with us winning three in a row and scoring five last week we were in for a really good game of football, at home on a Boxing Day which our supporters haven’t seen for years.

“I think the first penalty was a penalty but a yellow card for Joe Ralls. Not one of their players is asking for a red and everyone in the ground was surprised it was.

“I am disappointed the game got taken away from everyone there and then really.

“If we scored our penalty, you never know what might have happened and I am really proud how much gave it a go. If the penalty goes in you never know.

“We really want to win at home.”