Jack Marriott hits hat-trick as Reading overcome Wycombe

A superb hat-trick from Jack Marriott gave Reading a thrilling 3-2 home victory over Wycombe in their battle of the League One play-off hopefuls.

Marriott scored in the eighth and 44th minutes to give the Royals a 2-0 half-time lead but Wycombe defender Dan Casey reduced the deficit six minutes after the break.

Anders Hagelskjaer levelled in the 72nd minute, only for Marriott to complete his treble just two minutes later.

Reading struck early on when Jeriel Dorsett’s long throw caused confusion on the edge of the Wycombe area and Marriott nipped in to guide the ball past stranded goalkeeper Will Norris.

The Chairboys responded positively but Junior Quitirna wasted two good openings, shooting off target from good positions.

Marriott pounced again just before the break, seizing on an error by Casey to race through and beat Norris with a firm shot.

Wycombe made it 2-1 early in the second period, Casey making amends for his earlier mistake with a glancing header from an Aaron Morley free-kick.

They drew level when centre-back Hagelskjaer showed great composure to lash home from an acute angle.

But Marriott had the last laugh, again beating Norris with a precise finish high into the net to notch his 16th goal of the season.