Reading 1-2 Preston: Ched Evans’ brace see’s Lilywhites climb to fifth in the Championship

Ched Evans’ excellent run of goals led to a 2-1 win for Preston against Reading on Tuesday evening, moving the Lillywhites to the top four.

After a slow start to the game, the Welshman opened the deadlock in the 52nd minute, putting a perfectly timed header into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Reading soon made his way back into the game, with Robbie Brady taking down Andy Yiadom just outside the byline after the Reading fullback went around the Preston defense with fantastic skill.

Ched Evans (pictured) scored his first goal in 34 appearances with a quick header

Lucas Joao (right) converted from the dot to Reading’s claw back in the match at 1-1

Lucas Joao converted a vicious penalty into his fourth goal of the season and leveled Reading.

But it was Evans who had the last laugh and doomed Reading to their second league defeat in three games with a thumping blow over the goal mouth in the bottom left corner.

Preston now rises to fifth in the championship standings, level with Queens Park Rangers and seven points behind Burnley at the top of the table, having now won three of their last five games.

Preston now rises to fifth in the championship, seven points behind leaders Burnley

Reading, who pushed through late in the game, was unable to find an equaliser, with Tom Ince and Tyrese Fornah both coming in late with long range attacks.

Paul Ince’s side remain in 11th place in the standings, then travel to seventh-seeded Watford, who have lost just one game in their last five games.