Royals Fall Into Bottom Two
Added by HNA? on 27/01/10
Reading slipped into the bottom two in the Championship, after a 0-3 defeat at Sheffield United, as relegation begins to look a more likely bet than survival for perhaps the first time this season. Caretaker boss Brian McDermott still appears to be favourite to secure the position of Reading manager despite picking up just two points from five league fixtures. McDermott's cup heroics have done him plenty of favours and may swing Madejski's opinion but those impressive victories will mean nothing when we eventually exit the cup and are faced with a tough battle for survival. As McDermott stated after the game it was another tale of missed opportunities: "They took their chances and we didn't." Reading could have pulled the game level at 1-1 but failed from the penalty spot - and instead the home side extended their lead before the break to leave Reading defeated.

Burnley Defeated. West Brom Next.
Added by HNA? on 25/01/10
Reading claimed victory over another Premiership side to move into the last sixteen in the FA Cup. Burnley were dispatched at the Madejski Stadium thanks to a late strike from Sigurdsson with three minutes left to play. However it was a deserved victory that reflected Reading's superiority over the ninety minutes. The Royals had the better of the first half with the visitors rarely venturing outside of their own half. The second half gradually saw the game spring into life with both sides having chances to move ahead. Federici was in fine form and made a string of excellent saves but it was Reading that finished stronger. Reading had a clear penalty denied and it seemed to galvanise our efforts as we threw everything at Burnley. The eventual winner saw Griffin, who had an excellent performance, set up Sigurdsson who finished with style, placing his finish to put Reading through. High flying Championship side West Brom will be next to visit the Madejski Stadium in the Cup on the 13th February as Reading look to continue what is becoming a memorable FA Cup run.

McDermott Still Hunts League Win
Added by HNA? on 18/01/10
Brian McDermott is still without a league win in his current stint as Reading manager as Reading failed to take advantage of Forest playing the last twenty minutes with ten men. Former Reading player Nicky Shorey was sent off after conceeding a penalty mid-way through the second half after taking down Kebe in the area. Howard was responsible for failing to take advantage from the penalty spot after seeing his kick saved by the Forest keeper. The missed penalty was crucial as Reading finished the strongest side and Kebe's late goal from a Karacan cross served only as a consolation rather than earning some points. The home side, pushing for an automatic promotion spot, had dominated the first half and took a two goal lead into the break leaving Reading with a tough job to pull it round. After Shorey's dismisal the Royals carved out a couple of good efforts on goal only to see the Forest keeper in fine form to deny Church. We should have perhaps left with at least a point but instead defeat leaves Reading fourth from bottom of the Championship table - and four points behind Scunthorpe who lie twentieth in the table. McDermott helped the Royals perform a miracle in the FA Cup and he will probably be glad to return to FA Cup action this Saturday with a record of just two points from his four league games in charge.

Liverpool Defeated. Joy For McDermott.
Added by HNA? on 13/01/10
What a night. What a result. An excellent away performance at Anfield resulted in a thoroughly deserved victory in the FA Cup Third Round replay. This was Reading's first win at Anfield and caretaker manager's Brian McDermott's first win as Reading boss. And what a way to claim such a historic result. Despite creating the best chances of the match, the Royals found themselves a goal down in injury time at the end of the ninety minutes when Shane Long was taken down in the area. Sigurdsson stepped up, sent the goal keeper the wrong way and calmly put the ball low, out of reach and into the back of the net to force extra time. It was no more than we deserved. Instead of Liverpool battering us we played the better football in extra time. On 100 minutes Gunnarsson was nothing short of pure genius on the right wing, twisting past two players to deliver the perfect cross. Shane Long got his head on it to send it into the back of the net. 2-1 to the Royals - a deserved lead and pure joy. Liverpool did little to put pressure on Reading and the Royals stayed ahead with near ease to complete an amazing night in Liverpool. Reading face Premiership Burnley at home in the fourth round of the competition.

Newcastle Game Off
Added by HNA? on 07/01/10
This weekend's fixture against Newcastle United at the Madejski Stadium has been called off due to this week's heavy snowfall. The pitch looks very playable but the snow in the area surrounding the stadium and the condition of local roads would have caused problems for supporters attending the game. A new date for the game has yet to be revealed. Meanwhile next week's FA Cup replay at Liverpool on the 13th January, assuming it goes ahead with more poor weather expected, will again be screened live on ITV1.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Management Team Departs
Added by HNA? on 17/12/09
It's all change once again at Reading FC with the confirmed departure of the management team, only six unsuccessful months after they arrived at the club. Brendan Rodgers left the club "by mutual consent" last night, to be followed by his assistants Dean Austin and Frank Lampard. Brian McDermott has been appointed caretaker manager while the club start another search for a new manager with the club struggling near the foot of the table. The departure of Rodgers comes as a suprise despite a poor start to the season. Recently Rodgers put together a couple of good results and performances, only to see it crumble with a home defeat to Crystal Palace and a poor home draw against Scunthorpe. There had been a glimmer of hope for Rodgers and his team - but the league table doesn't lie and Rodgers leaves having picked up just five league wins from 21 games. His Reading record will show just a single home league win after nearly half a season in charge. Darren Ferguson is the early favourite to become the new Reading manager, with caretaker McDermott second favourite to retain the role.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Liverpool In FA Cup
Added by HNA? on 29/11/09
Reading will face Premiership Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup, in a match to be played at the Madejski Stadium on the weekend of the 2nd January 2010. The game will be the seventh recent meeting between the two sides after they met for the first time competitively in 2006. The last match between the teams saw Reading defeated narrowly at Liverpool in the Premiership. However earlier that season Reading fans will remember the famous three-one victory with Hunt, Doyle and Harper all finding the net. This time around there are far more league places splitting the sides as Reading look to put together an unlikely, and rare, FA Cup run.

Royals Look To Leave Bottom Three
Added by HNA? on 26/10/09
Reading will be looking to climb out of the relegation zone tonight as they face Leicester City at the Madejski Stadium. The Royals dropped into the bottom three on Saturday as Peterborough picked up a win to move above Reading in the table. Only a win will be good enough for Brendan Rodgers' side - and that would only see the Royals climb one place. A draw will keep Reading in 22nd place and see the bottom four teams start to lose track of the teams above them. It's still early in the season but Reading's poor start has seen fans start to fear the worst and another defeat could see early pressure on Rodgers to be replaced, despite his lack of time at the club. The Royals have now lost three games in a row and are still waiting for their first home win since beating Wolves, thanks to an own goal, way back in January. Reading have only scored two home league goals all season in six fixtures - surely we're due a change of form?
Rumour Rating: Definite

Rodgers Under Pressure
Added by HNA? on 21/10/09
Reading manager Brendan Rodgers finds himself under huge pressure this morning after his side were soundly beaten at QPR - Reading's third straight defeat as they struggle at the wrong end of the table. The latest defeat sees Reading move to just three points from the foot of the table after collecting a measly ten points from thirteen games. This result should have been different for Reading considering the circumstances. The sides were level after 30 minutes after QPR had enjoyed the better start. However there had been little between the teams and when the home side were reduced to ten men it should have handed the advantage to the Royals. Instead Reading were instantly behind. A second followed before the break as QPR dominated the game despite playing with a man less. There was no way back for Reading already, but it was made worse straight after half time when Ingimarsson picked up a second yellow and victory was handed to Rangers. It was just a question of how big the defeat would become and the third and fourth goals inevitably followed. With four minutes left on the clock Howard scored an unwanted consolation for the Royals.
Realisation appeared, at last, to dawn for Rodgers. After Saturday's defeat to West Bromwich Albion he claimed his side we capable of being at the top of the table. After the defeat at QPR his tune changed as he owned up "...the reality is it's a very difficult job - all the best players have left". And that sums up Reading's situation after trying to run the club on a shoestring since the end of last season. We've sold or released all our best players and are left with a group of inexperienced youngsters playing with no settled formation or tactics. It's a mess and the season is no longer new. It's a relegation battle, but we seem to be missing the battle. Rodgers days may be numbered if he fails to get a win against Leicester City next Monday - but Madejski clearly has no budget or desire to bring in an experienced manager. An experienced manager would be foolish to take the job considering the state of the club. Is Rodgers really to blame for the mess? And is there any alternative?
Rumour Rating: Definite

Transfer Summary
Added by HNA? on 03/09/09
James Harper and Liam Rosenior has effectively finished their Reading careers after both players were released on season long loans. Harper has left for Sheffield United and Rosenior joins Ipswich. As both of their contracts run out at the end of the season it now seems highly likely that we have seen the last of the two players at Reading. Harper was Reading's longest serving player after a large group of players left in the summer and into the new season. The departures leave Reading with a very different looking side as the vast majority of Steve Coppell's team from last season and before have been shown the door. The Royals are left with a young side that has graduated from the academy plus the additions of Mills and new full signing Shaun Cummings. Cummings, also a youngster at just 20, signed from Chelsea just before the transfer window closed and is seen as a replacement for Rosenior at full-back. Cummings signs a three year contract at Reading after failing to make a first team start for Chelsea. He has been out on loan at Milton Keynes last season and West Brom recently. Perhaps the most exciting signing saw the arrival of highly rated Celtic defender Darren O'Dea on loan until the end of the year. O'Dea will ensure the average age of Reading's first team isn't increased too much - he is just 22 - and has made 32 league appearances for Celtic.
Rumour Rating: Definite

McAnuff And Rasiak Complete Move
Added by HNA? on 27/08/09
Reading have completed the signing of two new players as the Royals at last got moving in the transfer market today. Watford's Jobi McAnuff signs for £500,000 while Southampton player Grzegorz Rasiak completes his move to Reading in deal believed to be worth £300,000 to the Saints. Both transfers represent big cuts in value for the two players who both moved for multi-million pound deals earlier in their careers. Midfielder McAnuff moves to Reading with a back injury and is not expected to feature immediately, but Rasiak seems widely expected to make his debut as the Royals travel to Barnsley on Saturday looking for their first league win of the season. Meanwhile rumour continues to surround James Harper who is expected to leave now that Reading have signed what they consider to be a suitable replacement in the form of Jobi McAnuff.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Reading Chase New Players
Added by HNA? on 27/08/09
Following the collapse of the Tommy Smith transfer, Reading manager Brendan Rogers is continuing the chase for ex-Watford players as time to make new signings runs out. The Royals are rumoured to be in talks with Southampton forward Grzegorz Rasiak and Watford midfielder Jobi McAnuff. Rasiak had a successful loan spell with Watford last season after struggling to hold his place in the Southampton starting eleven. The Saints, currently bottom of League One, signed Rasiak from Spurs for £2M in 2006 - but his value has rapidly decreased since then and if he were to sign for Reading it would be for a fraction of that value. McAnuff was also an expensive player - costing Watford £1.75M two years ago. He too suffered from a lack of form but impressed under Rodgers and regained his place as a first team starter until picking up a recent injury. Watford are reported to be keen to shift the player who has failed to live up to expectations despite being one of their highest paid players. If the signings can be completed, Rodgers will be hoping both players can continue the form they showed under his management at Watford.
Rumour Rating: Likely

Transfer Target Smith Joins Pompey
Added by HNA? on 27/08/09
Reading's long standing transfer target, forward Tommy Smith, has left Watford and signed for Premiership side Portsmouth today. After months of speculation, Smith's move finally signals the end of an embarrassing public episode for Reading. Reports suggested that the Royals continued to offer less than Watford's demands despite many bid increases over several weeks. Finally Portsmouth came in and offered money acceptable to both Watford and the player, and the promise of Premiership football this season. Smith may or may not have been a vital player to Reading, but what is clear is that Reading need to make some new signings - and have only until the end of Monday to do so when the transfer window closes. In the meantime James Harper could still make a move away from Reading after the club made it clear they are happy for him to leave to increase the bank balance further. There are few million pound playing assets left at the club after the last few months of outgoing transfers - but expect any that remain to be the subject of rumour over the next few days. The question is will the club actually manage to sign anyone of note or will the academy players alone be left with the task of turning round a poor start to the season?
Rumour Rating: Definite

Lack Of Investment Shows
Added by HNA? on 24/08/09
Reading's continued lack of investment again showed on Saturday, as Reading's young and inexperienced side put in a good display of effort, but failed to avoid defeat against Sheffield United. There were promising signs from the Royals after they took an early lead from the season's only new full signing - Mills heading home from a Sigurdsson free-kick with 13 minutes on the clock. Reading then looked in control and should have increased their lead before the visitors drew level before half time. A rare mistake from Federici saw him fail to catch a long range effort to leave the Royals chasing the game. Reading's misery was complete in injury time when Sheffield United added their third. It was a small crowd, in our recent history, from the start but the ground was nearly empty at the final whistle. A large number of those who remained directed their boos at Reading Chairman John Madejski after seeing money pour into the club from the sale of several key players and a severe lack of incoming players in return. The situation appears to have worsened after Reading were rumoured to have refused Watford's demands for Tommy Smith - who appears to be Reading's only transfer target over the last few weeks. It's early days in Rodgers' Reading career but he is left with a very difficult task this season unless new players can be added to this squad - and quickly with the transfer window soon to close.

Still No League Goals
Added by HNA? on 19/08/09
Reading are still without a league goal after failing to find the net in their third league game of the new season. The Royals picked up a point at Swansea City but were perhaps lucky to do that with Adam Federici having an excellent game and saving Reading from defeat with a first half penalty save. The home side had much the better of the game and dominated the second half as Reading looked unlikely to take anything from the game. The point, Reading's second of the season, lifted them to 19th place in the Championship table.

More Millions In As Bikey Leaves
Added by HNA? on 19/08/09
Reading continued to shed established players for multiple millions as Bikey joined the flood of players out of the club yesterday. Bikey left for Premiership Burnley in a £2.8M move - meaning another tidy profit for the Royals after the player signed for £1M three seasons ago. The transfer leaves Reading continuing to rely on the academy players that now make up the majority of the squad. So far, the only signing remains Matt Mills as Reading continue the season with perhaps the Championship's youngest side. Meanwhile the club are rumoured to have offered Watford £1.6M in a final attempt to sign Tommy Smith for Watford.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Hunt Completes 3 Million Hull Move
Added by HNA? on 13/08/09
Stephen Hunt has today completed his moved to Premiership side Hull City for a fee that is expected to be £3 million. Both the player and Reading Football Club had made it clear that Hunt was expected to move this summer to a Premiership side, and it became just a matter of securing the right price. Hunt will sign a four year contract with Hull as he attempts to continue Premiership football. The move represents excellent business for the Royals after Hunt signed on a free from Brentford four years ago. Hunt, initially a very popular player, was involved in the most successful period in the club's history and should be remembered for his contribution in the ground breaking 2006/2007 season.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Barnsley In League Cup
Added by HNA? on 13/08/09
Reading will face Barnsley in the second round of the League Cup after this week's 5-1 victory over Burton Albion. Reading were three goals up after just nine minutes on Tuesday and were easy winners with Mooney and Bignall both scoring two and Sigurdsson grabbing the Royals other goal on the night. The second round game will take place at the Madjeski Stadium on Tuesday 25 August.

Farewell Kevin Doyle
Added by HNA? on 30/06/09
Reading striker Kevin Doyle is set to join Premiership side Wolverhampton Wanderers for a record £6.5million. Doyle has been stunning for Reading since joining from Cork City four years ago, recording over 150 appearances and banging in 55 league goals in his time at the club. His obvious talent saw him become a regular International player for Ireland - scoring six in 25 appearances while with the Royals. It's a shame he's had to go but no one can begrduge him a move back to the top tier of English football and I'm sure all Reading fans will wish him luck. Doyle links back up with Marcus Hahnemann at Wolves and leaves new boss Brendan Rodgers with a big job in rebuilding a reduced Reading squad in time for the new season.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

End Of Season Awards - Results
Added by HNA? on 26/06/09
The results are in for the 2008/2009 Hob Nob Anyone? End of Season Awards, with Chris Armstrong winning the most votes to pick up the title of player of the season. Armstrong was a clear winner picking up nearly two thirds of the vote.
Jem Karacan was voted most improved player of the season, after breaking into the first team and holding a place for an extended part of the season. The vote was well spread in this category with a number of players to choose from - Alex Pearce was a close runner up who beat Shane Long into third place.
It was a disappointing season in the end but Reading still managed a fourth placed finish - which left plenty of choice for both best and worst performance of the season. The 3-0 away victory at Champions Wolves was a clear winner of the best performance but there were a lot of votes for our 6-0 home win over Sheffield Wednesday and another stunning away victory over promoted Birmingham City. The home defeat against Birmingham which ended the hope of automatic promotion finished high up in the worst performances, but the home defeats in February which turned the season into failure finished in the top two places - defeats by Nottingham Forest and Bristol City.
Reading fans thought play-offs or automatic promotion this time last season. This time around Reading fans are expecting play-offs or midtable and expectations have dropped considerably. There's a lot of fans who think we may get a sniff of promotion but the general opinion seems to suggest people expect us to stay put this year and have the 2010/2011 still in the Championship.

Forest And Newcastle Utd To Start
Added by HNA? on 17/06/09
Reading start the new 2009/2010 season with a home game against Nottingham Forest on 8th August 2009. The following Saturday will see Newcastle United host their first home Championship fixture since last season's relegation - against the Royals. A tough start to the season for Reading is followed up by a trip to Swansea City followed by a home game against last season's third placed team Sheffield United. Home fixtures against the two sides relegated from the Premiership will take place on the 3rd October (Middlesbrough) and the 9th January (Newcastle United). Reading will both start and finish the season with home fixtures. The last day of the season will see Preston visit the Madejski Stadium.

New Season Fixtures Released
Added by HNA? on 17/06/09

Rodgers Joins Reading
Added by HNA? on 04/06/09
Brendan Rodgers is the new Reading manager, after agreeing a three year contract with the Royals. Rodgers was offered the position after an interview with the club on Tuesday - since then a compensation package has been agreed between the Royals and Watford. The Hornets will be given half a million pounds compensation that will rise to a million should Reading get promoted under Rodgers. The agreement left Rodgers free to complete his move to Reading. Rodgers is expected to bring with him the management team from Watford that includes coaches Frank Lampard Senior and Dean Austin.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Rodgers To Be Named New Manager
Added by HNA? on 04/06/09
Watford manager Brendan Rodgers is to be confirmed as the new Reading team manager. Rodgers, who has been favourite to take over the Madejski Stadium since Steve Coppell left, has retained many links to Reading since working with the academy side and comes with the Madejski seal of approval. Rodgers' short managerial career saw him take over at Watford in November last year and his record of 13 wins and 7 draws from 32 games was enough to lift the side away from the bottom of the table and record a mid-table Championship finish. The Hornets were keen to hang on to their boss, but Reading have agreed a substantial compensation deal with Watford to enable Rodgers to agree terms with the Royals.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

End Of Season Awards 08/09
Added by HNA? on 28/05/09
Although a bit later than usual, once again it's time to cast your votes in the annual Hob Nob Anyone? End of Season Awards. Reading's "season of two halves" finally ground to a disappointing end with play-off semi-final failure and the departure of boss Steve Coppell and his management team. The squad has also shrunk in size with a number of first team players set to leave. It wasn't all bad though. Was it? Following the link below to place your votes for the high and low points of the season - results will follow in a few weeks.

Murty, Hahnemann, Lita, Duberry Exit
Added by HNA? on 18/05/09
Following the departure of the management team, it's all change on the playing front too. A number of players are being shown the door by the club, under the guidance of Nicky Hammond, as the major spring clean continues. Players with a firm place in the Reading history books will not have their contracts renewed, including Graeme Murty and Marcus Hahnemann. Murty, the club captain, leaves after eleven glorious years at the club after signing from York. Murty made well over 300 starts for the Royals and was a key part of the team that made club history in our promotion to the Premiership. Hahnemann, perhaps a shock departure, also hit nearly 300 appearances for the Royals after signing initially on loan in 2001. The controversial Leroy Lita leaves after failing to really make his mark - it's also disappointing the club were unable to earn some cash from his sale and instead will see him leave for a free. Duberry's departure follows a steady run in the side and makes it clear that Reading will need to make some new signings this summer to fill the gaps. A number of players that had progressed from the academy are also set to leave, including Scott Golbourne who managed a handful of appearances for the first team.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Management Team Departs
Added by HNA? on 14/05/09
Kevin Dillon and Wally Downes have followed manager Steve Coppell out of the door and left the club following the club's play-off failure. The entire change of management has been confirmed after Steve Coppell quit after Tuesday night's second leg play-off defeat. It truly is the end of an era - our most successful era - after years of historic success were followed by relegation from the Premiership and a faltering promotion campaign this year. The club and it's fans owe all three men severe gratitude for transforming the club, but for all involved it appears to be the time for change. Steve Coppell will leave as a true Reading legend. He plans to take a break from football for a while before making a return to management and we are sure all Reading fans wish him the very best.

Burnley Tickets On General Sale
Added by HNA? on 07/05/09
There are still tickets available for both legs of Reading's play-off fixtures with Burnley - and the remaining seats are now on general sale. The Royals travel to Turf Moor on Saturday with a 5:20pm kick-off for the first leg, with the return fixture at the Madejski Stadium next Tuesday (kick-off 7:45pm). Both of the games will be shown live on Sky Sports as the Royals attempt to reach the play-off final - and a final attempt at promotion to the Premiership following Sunday's home defeat against Birmingham City. The other play-off fixtures see Preston North End take on Sheffield United who also missed out on automatic promotion on the final day of the season.

Long Double Sets Up Sunday
Added by HNA? on 28/04/09
Two goals from Shane Long secured a vital away win at Norwich City last night to set up a huge final day of the season next Sunday. It had looked as though Reading had thrown the season away two weeks ago, but two straight away wins and a Birmingham City defeat at the weekend leaves second place in the table still up for grabs with one game left to play. A victory over Birmingham on Sunday will see Reading return to the Premiership, on goal difference, if Crystal Palace manage to take at least a point from Sheffield United. It remains an outside bet but the possibility of automatic promotion has gone from no chance to a strong possibility on the back of two excellent away showings. If next Sunday doesn't work out then these two results, a pick-up in form, could see Reading well placed for promotion via the play-offs. Last night the Royals were faced with a tough fixture against a Norwich side desperate to win themselves to avoid relegation. After an even first half in which neither side had many chances to go ahead, Reading quickly looked comfortable in the second half. City may have had more shots in the first half, but these were from long range efforts that were often narrowly off target. The Royals were defending well, closing the home side down quickly and preventing them working any close range efforts. In the second half Reading built on this and City were pushed back into their own half nearly every time they ventured forward. In attack, Reading had Kebe and Long to thank for the two vital goals - each an excellent cross from Kebe on the left to Long in the box to head home. The first was easy for Long with a perfect cross and perfect positioning from Long for a simple close range header. The second saw Long do the difficult work, rising above two defenders in the middle of the box to score. The Royals now need to take their away form to the Madejski Stadium on Sunday, again in front of the live Sky TV cameras, and hope Palace can help out. It should be quite some day - an unexpected rush of excitement at the end of the season and the chance of completing a quick return to the top tier.

All To Play For As City Slip Up
Added by HNA? on 25/04/09
Birmingham City failed to seal a second place finish after a home defeat to Preston North End this afternoon. It was the result that Reading needed to keep the dream of automatic promotion alive. The result means that second place is still up for grabs with Birmingham City, Sheffield United and Reading all possibilites at this stage. Sheffield United took a big step to claiming second place with a home win over Swansea City today. Reading must now win away at Norwich City on Monday night to take their hopes of automatic promotion into the final day of the season. If the Royals do defeat Norwich, then a home victory over Birmingham City will see Reading finish second provided Sheffield United fail to win at Crystal Palace. Monday night's game has become of massive importance to both sides - Norwich need the points to help in their bid to stay up and Reading simply have to win or next Sunday's game will only be about determining play-off opposition for the Royals.

Royals Secure Play-Off Place
Added by HNA? on 22/04/09
Reading effectively secured a play-off position with an important away win at Derby County last night. The Royals, who looked much improved over their recent home performaces, controlled the game and could have won by more after having three first half 'goals' ruled out for offside. The victory came from second half strikes from on-loan David Kitson and Shane Long. The Royals are now set for a top six finish, but bizarrely the result means Reading still have an unlikely shot at second place and automatic promotion. Reading are six points behind Birmingham but have a better goal difference - if City lose at home to Preston, Sheffield United fail to win their last two games and Reading win both of their final fixtures then we could see a second placed finish on goal difference. With that in mind we had better start looking towards our play-off fixtures...

Slide Continues
Added by HNA? on 14/04/09
Reading effectively ruled out any remaining chance of automatic promotion and left themselves with the challenge of limping to a play-off position finish after another disasterous weekend of football. A home defeat against promotion rivals Sheffield United followed by letting a two goal lead slip to pick up just a point at Blackpool, saw Reading slide to fifth in the table. From a strong second placed spot the Royals are grimly holding on to a play-off position after an amazing lack of form in 2009. Reading will need to pick up some more points this season or even a top six finish is in doubt with the seventh and eighth placed teams now just five points behind. The goal drought continued at home to United with the visitors scoring the only goal in the second half. Things were looking up for a while at Blackpool after Noel Hunt and Karacan put Reading two goals up. However the home side pulled two back - one in each half - to share the points at 2-2.

Tight At The Top
Added by HNA? on 24/03/09
Reading and Birmingham City both dropped two more points at the weekend as the battle for second place heats up, with the season rapidly running out. Meanwhile Sheffield United's victory put them firmly in the frame for a second placed finish with the teams above them continuing to stutter. Wolves are starting to look good for top spot with a clear lead despite some recent poor results themselves. With both Sheffield United and Birmingham still to visit the Madejski Stadium before the end of the season, it remains firmly in Reading's hands. A home defeat in either of those games could well be fatal and see Reading set for the play-off lottery. Victory in those two, with points taken elsewhere, could see a quick return to the Premiership for the Royals. On Saturday Reading were, in the end, happy to settle for an away point after being reduced to ten men with twenty minutes still to play after Rosenior picked up his second yellow card of the game. Reading had chances to score themselves but the home side had the advantage in numbers and possession as the game drew to a close.

Promotion Hopes Kept Alive
Added by HNA? on 18/03/09
Reading's hopes of automatic promotion were kept alive last night as Reading ended a dismal run of form with an away win at Doncaster Rovers. On-loan David Kitson scored the only goal of the game inside the last ten minutes as Reading closed the gap on the top two by winning their game in hand. Following the recent poor run a finish inside the top two will need either Wolves or Birmingham to slip up in the run in - if the Royals win their other game in hand they would still be a point behind Birmingham. Kitson's goal was his first of the season after a barren spell at Stoke City. Perhaps the goal will be a turning point for both Dave Kitson and the Royals with enough of the season left to make a return to the Premiership possible.

Little Returns But Royals Drop Points
Added by HNA? on 11/03/09
Glen Little started for the Royals after arriving on loan from Portsmouth earlier in the week, but was unable to make an impact as Reading were only able to draw at home to bottom of the table Charlton. The Royals had to come from behind to score two second half goals but were unable to hold on to the lead as the game ended in a 2-2 draw. Despite the result, Reading still managed to stay in touch for the automatic promotion places as Wolves and Birmingham were only able to draw and Cardiff lost. Reading will have to view the game as two points dropped after hitting the woodwork three times in the first half only to go in a goal behind at the break. After half time Shane Long immediately won and then converted a penalty to put Reading level before heading home to make it 2-1. Sloppy defending saw the visitors score a late equaliser much to the joy of Charlton boss and ex-Royal hero Phil Parkinson. Saturday sees Reading face Ipswich town at home in a must win fixture and will almost certainly see the return of Dave Kitson at some point who returns to Reading on-loan from Stoke City.

Royals Score. Twice. And Win Away!
Added by HNA? on 04/03/09
Reading at last found the back of the net, not once but twice, to come from behind with second half strikes from Kevin Doyle and Shane Long. Reading's first three points in five games saw them climb back up into the automatic promotion places at the expense of Birmingham. This vital victory didn't look likely after a first half in which the home side were well on top and went in a goal up. The second half was a different affair with Reading looking good for the win. Doyle returned to scoring ways, heading home from a corner, before Shane Long scored the winner inside the last ten minutes. There were still some nervy moments and Reading were perhaps lucky when the home side had a goal disallowed earlier in the half. Perhaps this will be the turning point with Reading back inside the top two and with a game in hand over third placed Birmingham.

Goal Drought Continues
Added by HNA? on 02/03/09
Reading completed their sixth consecutive league match without scoring a goal after a 0-1 home defeat against relegation candidates Nottingham Forest. Reading's only goal since early January came courtesy of Wolves when they scored an own goal to provide Reading with only their second win since before Christmas. Despite a total lack of form, Reading somehow remain in third place just five points off the top thanks to the similar bad form of top two Wolves and Birmingham. February saw Reading collect just one point despite having three home fixtures. The Royals now face a string of away fixtures with just five home games left for the remainder of the season. The latest defeat saw Forest grab victory after the Royals dominated the opening forty five minutes but failed to take their chances. A poor second half saw the visitors score the only goal and Reading lack ideas as they attempted to pull level.

Reading Win Top Two Battle
Added by HNA? on 28/01/09
Reading moved to two points off the top of the Championship table with a 1-0 home win over leaders Wolves. The Royals wrapped up the points thanks to a Wolves own goal with only a minute on the clock. Under a small amount of pressure the defender somehow managed to send the ball looping over his goalkeeper and under the crossbar after attempting to head to safety. The goal was to be the only one of the game, but it was Reading that probably made the better chances in an entertaining fixture. The game was scrappy at times but played at high tempo. Wolves were reduced to ten men in the final minute but probably should have been reduced to ten men earlier when Ward escaped a second booking. Birmingham also picked up a win to see the top three teams seperated by just four points.

Two Points For Christmas
Added by HNA? on 31/12/08
Reading secured two points for Christmas and retained second place in the Championship table after twice coming back from behind. Both games saw dramatic finishes but the home game against Cardiff City on Boxing Day will be remembered for a long time to come. The score was 0-0 entering the final minute when Cardiff took a very late lead with a goal from an off-side position. Then, deep in injury time, Reading drew level with practically the last kick of the game. The Royals won a corner and put everything in the box - including goalkeeper Federici who scored with his second attempt to level the game at 1-1. Two days later Reading travelled to Southampton and recorded the same scoreline after again going behind late on. Shane Long was the hero, heading the Royals level with six minutes left to play.

Second At Christmas
Added by HNA? on 22/12/08
Reading will be second in the table at Christmas after a crucial win over Birmingham City at St. Andrews. The battle of second and third placed teams saw Reading dominate the fixture and chalk up a convincing win to make it five straight league victories, and move into the top two for the first time this season. The Royals were impressive throughout and the home side only ever looked likely to get something from the game with a goal against the run of play on the hour to pull level at 1-1. Before that Reading had looked comfortable after taking the lead on thirteen minutes. After winning a free-kick on the edge of the box a collection of Reading players lined up to take the kick before Noel Hunt's effort cleared the defensive wall and swung into the side of the net. Hunt was forced to leave the pitch before half an hour was played after a knock to the head but it did little to unsettle the Royals. We expected Birmingham to bounce back from a disappointing half for them, but the fightback failed to appear after the break. It look a lack of concentration from Cisse in midfield on the hour to allow City to break quickly with the ball. Phillips' powerful run ended with a scorching long range shot that was perfectly positioned out of Federici's reach. It was a shame for Federici, who had an excellent performance despite City's lack of attacking football; that deserved another clean sheet. Federici's distribution was amazing and was a key factor in Reading's forward play. City were level for just six minutes until Stephen Hunt's free kick saw Doyle connect in the middle of the box, putting the ball off the top of his head and into the back of the net. The home side's resistance was over. Doyle turned supplier with eight minutes left to play, beating two men on the right wing before delivering a perfect cross for Cisse to head home and seal the victory.

Late Flurry Makes It Four From Four
Added by HNA? on 14/12/08
Reading made it four wins from four league games with a late claim of the full three points against Norwich City at the Madejski. The game looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw until the Royals won a penalty with seven minutes left on the clock after the ball struck a Norwich arm inside the area. Stephen Hunt fired the resulting penalty off the left post and into the back of the net to turn the game Reading's way. Shane Long, fresh off the bench, made sure of the three points two minutes later when Henry crossed from the left and Long headed home at the near post. With Birmingham defeated at Preston, the Royals moved to within one point of second place. Reading have the change to finally overhaul City next week as they visit Birmingham - but will probably have to improve on this weekend's performance to do so.

Reading Keep In Touch
Added by HNA? on 02/12/08
Reading kept in touch with the top two in the Championship with 3-1 victory over Coventry City at the Madejski Stadium last night. The Royals recovered from their disappointing last home game, where Southampton were the first team to win at Reading this season, with a reasonably straight forward victory. It wasn't all easy going however, with the visitors going ahead with an impressive free-kick that floated into the top corner giving Hahnemann little chance on 26 minutes. The goal seemed to wake Reading up and Noel Hunt's effort was deflected in to put Reading level. The Royals then looked very comfortable and were happy to shut out a Coventry side that looked good on the ball but were lacking ideas coming forward. Reading's second goal put them ahead at the break - and it was an excellent goal following some flowing football. Once again the danger was down the right when Kebe received an excellent pass from Rosenior before cutting the call back for Cisse to bury. The game was won just after the hour when Stephen Hunt crossed, the defender got the ball tangled up in his legs leaving Noel Hunt with a chance to stick his leg out and guide the ball home. Neither side were able to manage much excitement with the score at 3-1 and the game was effectively over as Reading cruised to three more points.

Wolves And Birmingham Climb Away
Added by HNA? on 26/11/08
Reading came back from a goal behind to secure a point at Cardiff City last night - despite playing an hour with ten men. Bikey was sent off after just half an hour after bring judged to have "punched" an opposition player during an aerial challenge. Reading manager Steve Coppell was quick to deny there was that form of contact and was also disappointed that the home side were awarded a suspect penalty before the break. The score was 1-1 when Bikey was shown the red card after Doyle had equalised Cardiff's opening goal. Cardiff went ahead before half time from the penalty spot before Gunnarsson came to Reading's rescue five minutes into the second half to level the scores. It was a great result considering the circumstances, but combined with Saturday's poor home defeat against Southampton it saw Reading lose further ground on the automatic promotion places. Wolves won 3-1 away at Sheffield United last night to move 12 points ahead of Reading at the top of the table. Meanwhile Birmingham City extended their hold on second place with a 2-1 home win that saw them move 6 points clear of the Royals.

Royals Get Lost But Still Win 4-1
Added by HNA? on 03/11/08
Reading got back to winning ways on Saturday with an impressive 4-1 victory away at Bristol City, to move back to third in the Championship table. The Royals stormed into a 4-0 lead - despite getting lost on the way. After taking a wrong turn, ex-City player Liam Rosenior was put in charge of guiding the team coach to the ground but allegedly sent the whole team the wrong way to delay arrival. Those problems didn't put the Royals off though as they got off to a blistering start with Doyle scoring his tenth league goal of the season to make it 1-0. That was followed up two minutes later by Noel Hunt who made it two. Reading dominated the fixture and the game was over when Doyle struck his second just into the second half. The best goal of the afternoon came from Kalifa Cisse with 54 minutes on the clock with a superb strike. The Royals could then afford to sit back and relax, with the home side grabbing an injury time consolation goal.

More Articles Added
Added by HNA? on 21/10/08
We've updated the articles area of the website to include two brand new articles by Royals fan Steven Woodgate. Steven looks back at our last successful record breaking season in the Championship and looks at the squad giving his opinion on how the players progressed.
Hob Nob Anyone? Articles Index
Rumour Rating: Definite

Doyle Is September's Best Player
Added by HNA? on 06/10/08
Kevin Doyle has been voted the Football League's Championship player of the month for September. However his excellent form certainly hasn't been limited to just that month. Doyle ended August with a hattrick in the home victory against Crystal Palace - and immediately followed it with another three goals in September's first home game as the Royals demolished Sheffield Wednesday 6-0 at the Madejski. As Reading hit top form in September Doyle hit another two goals as Reading disposed of Swansea 4-0. He might not have scored since then but Doyle was in superb form again at the weekend as October got underway with yet another Reading home win - making it five out of five this season.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Out On Penalties At Stoke
Added by HNA? on 24/09/08
Stoke City won the battle of two reserve teams after the game went to extra time and then penalties. Henry, scorer of two goals in normal time, saw his spot kick saved before Leroy Lita blasted his way over the crossbar to send Stoke through to round four of the League cup. Reading started a low-key game with a mixture of youngsters and fringe first team players. Gunnarsson made a return, completing the full ninety minutes before being replaced in the first period of extra time. Long and Lita were given the full game up front, including extra time, but looked poor. Lita should have won the game for Reading before extra time after being set-up for a close range header but somehow failed to find the target. His poor showing was summed up with the final kick of the game when he handed Stoke victory with a low quality spot kick. On the other hand James Henry had an impressive game scoring twice - a first half penalty to pull Reading level just before the break and a strike on 75 minutes to make it 2-2. The Royals took a long time to get going and looked second best for most of normal time but finished the stronger side before dominating extra time without finding the vital goal to prevent penalties.
Stoke City 2 Reading 2 (Royals lose 4-3 on penalties)
Rumour Rating: Definite

Freak Goal Game Ends In Draw
Added by HNA? on 22/09/08
Reading and Watford shared the points at Vicarage Road this weekend after a game that grabbed national sporting headlines due to a goal that wasn't anywhere close to being a goal. The freak goal was awarded to the Royals, after thirteen minutes, when the linesman flagged when he judged the ball to have crossed the line - several yards away from the goal itself. Stephen Hunt swung a corner in from the right that was blocked by a defender in the middle and came back out wide to Noel Hunt who whipped the ball back in. It was questionable if the ball had crossed the line - if it had then Reading should have won a corner. Instead play continued with Bikey sending in a good effort on goal until eventually the linesman got the referee's attention. After a pitch side debate the referee gave the goal much the amazement of both sets of players, fans, and eventually the wider sporting world watching replays. It was a crazy moment that altered the game dramatically. However it wasn't the only moment of madness after Reading were denied a perfectly good goal in the second half that would have pulled them level after two legitimate Watford goals after the break. The Royals eventually did pull level at 2-2 after Long was taken down in the area and Stephen Hunt dispatched the penalty. On another day the final score might also have been 2-2 but Reading's goals might have come in a different manner.

Royals To Travel To Stoke
Added by HNA? on 01/09/08
Reading will travel to Stoke City in the third round of the League Cup. The tie is likely to take place at Stoke on Tuesday 23 September, with a 7:45pm kick-off. The fixture will enable Stoke's recent signings Kitson and Sonko to join back up with their old team mates. Sonko didn't feature at the weekend for Stoke as they lost at Middlesbrough, and Kitson, who remains without a goal this season, was substituted with the score at 1-1.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Squad Weakens Further As Sonko Exits
Added by HNA? on 29/08/08
Reading's sell off of first team players for multiple millions continued today with the confirmation that Sonko has moved to Premiership side Stoke City for £2.5 million. Sonko's form may have been up and down in recent times, but it was certainly on the up after an impressive start to the season that included three goals. He leaves as Reading's current top scorer so far this campaign. He follows Dave Kitson who joined Stoke in the summer. The Royals are now sat on an ever growing stack of transfer money with a squad shrinking in size and experience. With Duberry out injured for up to four weeks it increases the chances of the arrival of a low budget central defender before the transfer window shuts. In the other direction there's plenty of time for the club to collect a few more million with Doyle and Harper still in the frame for transfers back to the Premiership. It's a good job the reserve side did such a good job of beating Luton Town in the League Cup earlier this week.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Chris Armstrong Signs
Added by HNA? on 27/08/08
Reading appear to have at last replaced Nicky Shorey after completing the signing of left back Chris Armstrong from Sheffield United. Armstrong signs for an initial £500,000 fee, which could rise depending on appearances and the possibility of promotion back to the Premiership. He is expected to slot straight into the side after Stephen Hunt has been filling in the position following Shorey's departure. Armstrong's previous clubs include Bury and Oldham before signing for Sheffield United for £100,000 in the summer of 2003. This season he's appeared just once for the Blades - taking part in a home win in the first round of the league cup.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Mooney Completes Signing
Added by HNA? on 21/08/08
Reading have snapped up another player from Irish side Cork City as David Mooney completed his signing on a three year contract. Although the fee is undisclosed it is rumoured to be in the region of £200,000, making Mooney another low cost - hopefully good value - signing. Mooney had been linked to join Reading throughout the summer and his signing now will do nothing to end speculation that Kevin Doyle could be leaving the Royals before the transfer window closes. Mooney is already having an excellent season and leads the Irish goalscoring table with 15 goals in his 22 games.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Luton Town In Round Two
Added by HNA? on 14/08/08
Reading will face Luton Town in the second round of the League Cup. The Hatters lie bottom of the football league and are set to become non-league next season after kicking off the new season with a minus 30 points total. It was a rare moment of pleasure for Luton fans after they knocked out Plymouth in the first round while Reading won away at Dagenham and Redbridge. The game will be staged at the Madejksi Stadium on either the 26th or 27th of August.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Have Your Say!
Added by HNA? on 13/08/08
Hob Nob Anyone? thrives on the views of fans and the website wouldn't exist without the contributions and opinions of Loyal Royals. Once again we've teamed up with the Reading Evening Post this season to give fans the opportunity to have their say on the website and in print in the Evening Post every Thursday. This season we'd like to request more direct feedback for inclusion on the match reports section of the website and in the Post. The reports are archived and go all the way back to 1994 - it's a feature we'd like to grow. If you're posting something on the discussion boards but would like to give it a wider audience and have your thoughts stored for years to come then simply e-mail us your match report and opinion. To have your say stick it in an e-mail to opinion@royals.org
Rumour Rating: Definite

New Season Underway
Added by HNA? on 13/08/08
Reading's new season is underway with Reading picking up a point at Nottingham Forest on Sunday and progressing to the second round of the league cup with a win at Dagenham and Redbridge last night. Noel Hunt made his full debut and scored the winning goal with three minutes left to play. Full details and match reports below:

Royals Kick-Off At Forest
Added by HNA? on 16/06/08
Reading will kick-off the new 2008/2009 season with a trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday 9 August. The new season fixture list, released this morning, also reveals that the Royals will begin their home campaign with the visit of Plymouth, just as we did in the 2005/2006 season when we went on to win promotion in record breaking form. August concludes with a trip to Charlton followed by Crystal Palace at home. There's no league game scheduled for New Years Day 2009, but we have a home game on Boxing Day as Cardiff City visit the Madejski Stadium. Reading wrap up the season with the visit of Birmingham City who were relegated from the Premiership on the last day of last season alongside the Royals.

End Of Season Awards 2008
Added by HNA? on 14/05/08
As another season ends, this time in rare disappointment in the recent history of Reading Football Club, it's time once again to vote for the highs and lows of the season. The Hob Nob Anyone? End of Season Awards, running every season since 1994, are the orginal Internet votes for players and matches of the season. Voting is now underway - so follow the link below to get your votes in.

Fans Rally To Keep Coppell
Added by HNA? on 14/05/08
At least a couple of hundred fans staged a "keep Coppell" rally at the Madjeski Stadium last night to encourage the greatest manager in the history of Reading FC to stay. Following Reading's relegation at the weekend, after the game at Portsmouth involving Fulham didn't go our way, many expected Coppell to leave following comments that he was unsure of his future. Since our relegation to the Championship the vast majority of fans have been quick to show their support for Steve Coppell. Following discussion on the Hob Nob Anyone? website, a rally was staged at short notice that saw fans turn up at Steve Coppell's "manager" parking space at the Stadium. The lamp post and the railings by the space were covered in posters to show support for Coppell and to ask him to consider continuing his successful management with the Royals. There is no doubt that it would be great news if Coppell stayed on to guide Reading towards another promotion from the Championship. Last time round he took Reading up in record breaking style - the Royals are officially the best team ever to play in the Championship thanks to Steve. So far the signs are good and the rumours are that Coppell will stay in an announcement to be made today.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Relegated.
Added by HNA? on 11/05/08
Reading were relegated from the Premier League despite stuffing Derby 4-0 at their place. Everything rested on this fixture and Fulham's fixture at Portsmouth. The Royals did their part and were three goals up before news broke, with just fifteen minutes left to play, that Fulham had scored at Portsmouth. Fulham's goal secured their three points to enable them to finish above Reading on goal difference and send Reading back into the Championship after two seasons in the top flight. The Royals had been undone by poor results earlier in the season, today there was only one team in it as Reading notched up a comfortable, but empty, victory. Things had looked so promising throughout the afternoon until those last fatal fifteen minutes at Fratton Park. There was a party atmospehre at Pride Park with random inflatables filling the away end. The travelling fans were in good voice, and things looked good for Reading early on when we took the lead fifteen minutes into the game. An impressive move saw the ball played out to Harper on the right who hit a superb shot across goal and into the top corner. The rest of the half was a nervy affair with Derby rarely threatening. After the break, and with the score still 0-0 at Portsmouth a second goal seemed vital. It came just after the hour when Shorey's shot wasn't cleared and Lita did well to cut the ball back from a tight angle for Kitson to tap home. Reading, who had started with Lita and Kitson up front saw Doyle replace Kitson and nearly immediately get on the score sheet from close range. Doyle's celebrations were massive as the away end went mental, and he picked up a yellow card for his efforts. Reading were in full control and appeared to be heading towards Premiership safety. Murty had an excellent shot from the right just wide of the post, and Lita was about to bury one before a last ditch tackle. Then it all fell to pieces with Fulham scoring at Portsmouth - and reality came crashing down. Good work from Hunt saw Doyle cross and Lita to head home. It was a good goal to make it an impressive 4-0, but Lita found himself celebrating alone as the rest of the team trudged back to their own half for the restart. The fans behind the goal hardly celebrated this one and despite all our efforts on the final day we were relegated. Our best win of the season but too late to save us.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Spurs Deliver Probable Fatal Blow
Added by HNA? on 05/05/08
Reading look favourites for the drop after a massively disappointing 0-1 home defeat to Spurs. Fulham's victory over Birmingham saw them jump above Reading and out of the bottom three, while Bolton secured their Premiership status with a home win over Sunderland. The results mean it's two from three to join Derby in the Championship next season - with Fulham, Reading and Birmingham set to scrap for points on the final day of the season. However, most importantly, it is now out of Reading's hands. If Fulham match Reading's result, or do better, next weekend then Reading are relegated. We are fully reliant on Fulham dropping points at Portsmouth in their final game next Sunday - and we have to get a result at Derby. Although a draw could be enough for Reading if Fulham lose and Birmingham fail to win it seems unlikely it would do. Even a Reading win at Derby might not be enough to save us now. It's now six games without a goal for Reading who have managed just two points from those six games. We only have ourselves to blame for what now seems like a likely relegation. However, Spurs were a class act in this weekend and looked a class above their opposition who are likely to be separated by a division next season. Spurs dominated the first half with flowing football that saw Reading fail to get a look in. Whenever Spurs came forward they found space and looked dangerous, while Reading were static and out of ideas. Reading's defence simply couldn't cope. It was 0-1 on sixteen minutes when Keane walked through the Reading defence and scored with a simple finish for the only goal of the game. Spurs should have increased their lead before half time with Reading hardly taking part in the game. Just when we thought the team had given up all hope of avoiding relegation there was, at last, signs of a fight back. It took a long time for us to get going, with only half of the second half left, but when we did we might well have snatched a draw with some much improved football. Rosenior and Bikey both went close but were denied. The result was quite simply a disaster. We have to play like we did in the last twenty minutes for the full ninety at Derby to have any hope. We have to find the net at last and win. And Portsmouth, with the FA Cup final around the corner, have to do us a big big favour against Fulham. This result was probably fatal.

Pressure Increases Despite Away Point
Added by HNA? on 28/04/08
Relegation pressure increased this weekend despite the Royals picking up a point away from home in a goalless draw at Wigan Athletic. It was a lively game with both sides going close to finding what would have been the only goal of the fixture. Leroy Lita was recalled to the side and had a lively game, despite Reading extending their run to five whole League games without finding the net. The result would have been good on any other day, but the situation now looks worse after Fulham won away at Manchester City to move to just three points behind the Royals. Fulham's goal difference is better than Reading's opening up the relegation battle further with seemingly two teams from a possible four set to exit the Premier league. Meanwhile Birmingham picked up a point at home to Liverpool to stay within a point of Reading. Bolton drew away at Tottenham to stay above Reading on goal difference.


16th Bolton: 33 points, Sunderland (h), Chelsea (a)
17th Reading: 33 points, Tottenham (h), Derby (a)
18th Birmingham: 32 points, Fulham (a), Blackburn (h)
19th Fulham: 30 points, Birmingham (h), Portsmouth (a)

Relegation Fears Return
Added by HNA? on 12/04/08
This was a shocking result and a exceptionally poor performance from the Royals that showed a total lack of ideas. A win would have almost certainly meant another season in the Premiership - instead this result blows it wide open and dragged Reading right back into the relegation battle. It's hard to see where any more points are going to come from having just been so comprehensively beaten, at home, by a side seemingly doomed sitting just above Derby at the foot of the table. And we were soundly beaten. If it wasn't for the crossbar we'd have been on the end of a 0-5 humiliation. Fulham appeared a good side, playing some reasonable football and were supported by an excellent travelling support that made noise all afternoon. Reading were a distant second in all departments. Reading may have helped the visitors look good but this really must have been a magical day for the Fulham fans who saw their first away win for a season and a half and saw their team secure a lifeline for Premiership survival. The good news before kick-off was that Glen Little was back in the line-up - on the bench after a long lay off from injury. The bad news was Kitson was dumped on the bench. And the pattern was established early on with a fair few balls flying in the Fulham area and with no-one in there to get on the end of them. Fulham took the lead midway through the first half with a cross from the left which was buried from close range. Reading didn't know how to get back in the game. Time seemed to drift with little happening until our only real attempt of note during the entire first half was when Oster went on an excellent run past a couple of players before delivering a good cross to Doyle. It was a rare moment when Doyle was in the box to receive a delivery. He did well to get his head on it but perhaps should have done better as he could only direct his header wide of the left post. Keller in the Fulham goal must have been getting bored watching Hahnemann get more than his fair share of the action. Hannemann pushed a powerful effort onto the crossbar before having to perform a duplicate with a header that came off the inside of the bar as Reading hung on. A hatrick of crossbar hits saw a free kick fly into the bar again and back out into play. A brief moment of hope followed the introduction of Glen Little and David Kitson with thirty minutes left to play. Little got an amazing welcome from the home fans and immediately got stuck in, charging through to win the ball and run towards goal. The glimmer of hope was quickly forgotten with both Little and Kitson failing to make an impact as time slipped away. Instead Fulham looked more and more comfortable and Reading were doing precisely nothing in the final third of the pitch. In injury time we never expected to get anything but instead Fulham sealed the win with a break down the right and an impressive finish across goal and past Hahnemann. The home fans streamed towards the exits to leave the ground half full well before the final whistle. Meanwhile the Fulham fans were having a disco dreaming of a great escape. Their side are now five points behind the Royals with four games left to play. Bolton's win saw them climb to three points behind the Royals but with a better goal difference. With Arsenal next to surely provide us another beating there's a possibility we might rely on Fulham and Bolton failing to continue their recoveries in the next weeks.

Recovery Continues Despite Defeat
Added by HNA? on 17/03/08
Despite going down 1-2 at in-form Liverpool this weekend, it was clear that Reading have emerged from their bad run as a side well capable of retaining their Premier League status at the end of the season. This was a narrow away defeat, and Reading may have claimed a point with their determination, against a side that are flying. The Royals got off to an excellent start when Oster crossed from a free-kick to find Matejovsky well outside the area and unmarked. Matejovsky hit it first time to send an amazing effort fizzing into the ner for his first goal for the Royals. A goal of nearly the same style and quality saw Liverpool pull level 14 minutes later. Torres scored a free header after the break to complete Liverpool's turn around and put them ahead. However, it wasn't plain sailing for the home side as Reading attempted to secure an equaliser in the final minutes. There was a strong appeal for a penalty after substitute Kitson's goal bound effort struck the arm of Gerrard. Liverpool held on but it was another encouraging performance from the Royals.

Out Of Bottom Three With Second Win
Added by HNA? on 10/03/08
Reading jumped out of the bottom three with a second successive victory to finally put an end to a run of eight straight league defeats. Following last weekend's last minute winner at Middlesbrough, this was much more convincing. Reading played confident, positive football to earn a 2-0 victory that was a fair reflection of a game in which Reading were much the better side. The vistors did have their moments and might have earned a first half penalty when Ingimarsson looked like he had conceeded only for the City player to go in the book. However, after the break there was only one team in the game as Hahnemann had very little to do. The Royals enjoyed the better possession and eventually looked likely to find the openings with a string of chances. Kevin Doyle was excellent all afternoon. He might have scored but was best when creating. His cross found Long just after the hour to put Reading ahead. Moments later another excellent cross from Doyle found Long again as Reading looked to extend their lead. Kitson, off the bench, wrapped up the win with a couple of minutes left to play with a solo goal, getting the better of three defenders before placing his shot just inside the post to make it 2-0.

Big Changes As Record Run Extended
Added by HNA? on 25/02/08
Reading manager Steve Coppell has promised big changes to the line-up for next weekend's trip to Middlesbrough as the current side struggled to an eighth successive league defeat against Aston Villa. The only consolation was Nicky Shorey firing home a free-kick, with the last kick of the game, that saw Reading get on the scoresheet for the first time in six games. These are desperate times for Reading with the teams above the relegation gradually moving away as Reading suffer defeat after defeat. This wasn't an entirely terrible performance from Reading, we worked hard and played some good passing football but looked out of ideas up front once again. Defensive mistakes cost us and Villa defended with ease as Reading never looked likely to get anything out of the game. It was all too easy for the visitors who never looked in danger. The first half was poor and Reading had Barry to thank for firing a penalty high and wide after a harsh decision to give hand ball. Villa took the lead when Cisse went flying in and totally mis-timed a tackled leaving a simple pass and finish. The second half Reading were much improved and managed to go close a couple of times. Villa's second came on the break with Reading pushing forward - this wasn't a defeat through lack of effort. It's hard to imagine Reading winning a game at the moment and next week's trip to an improving Middlesbrough seems mission impossible whatever the line-up might be.

Reading Drop Into Bottom Three
Added by HNA? on 11/02/08
Reading's seventh straight league defeat - equally the worst in our history - saw the Royals complete their drop from mid-table to the bottom three. As Reading completed their fifth fixture without finding the back of the net Birmingham moved above the Royals with a point at West Ham. This was another fixture that Reading were unlikely to win that underlined the disaster of last week - losing at home to Bolton with perhaps our worst performance of the season. This was better from Reading but still short of finding a vital win. On another day we might have picked up a point. Stephen Hunt nearly scored with an early free-kick, James Harper hit the post when Reading were attempting to find an equaliser, and in the dying minutes Kebe - making his first Reading appearance - was denied with a last ditch tackle. We also had a penalty appeal turned down in a scrappy fixture in which neither side dominated.

Reading Slip Further Into Trouble
Added by HNA? on 03/02/08
Reading's "must-win" encounter with Bolton Wanderers at the Madejski Stadium ended in a sixth straight Premiership league defeat, leaving the Royals staring at the exit to the Championship. Following a run of tough fixtures this was the game Reading were expected to turn it all around but they failed miserably and slipped to 17th and just one point away from the bottom three. It started brightly enough with Reading looking a good bet as they controlled the opening twenty minutes. However, for no clear reason, the game gradually slipped away from Reading. Bolton scored with a direct goal just after half an hour - a boot upfield from the keeper, a knock on and a finish to put Bolton ahead. Reading quickly looked a spent force. Despite plenty of possession and a whole series of corners Reading failed to create any clear chances and looked unlikely to find their way back into the game. Bolton beat the off-side trap to double their lead and seal the win - sending the home crowd streaming for the exits. The Royals had no ideas to break through the Bolton defence, which held firm with ease, and time slowly passed to what eventually seemed an inevitable defeat.

Royals Face Relegation Battle
Added by HNA? on 31/01/08
There was only ever going to be one result from this fixture with Chelsea the in-form Premiership side and Reading struggling at the foot of the form table - this defeat made it a run of eight games without a win and it was our fourth straight defeat. The poor run has seen Reading slump to 16th position - just two places and two points outside the drop zone. Reading certainly didn't shame themselves in one of the toughest fixtures of the season - the narrow victory may have been slightly generous to the Royals, but while the result was never in doubt, Reading put in a reasonable performance in the second half. However the truth was that Reading failed to make any chances throughout. With Kitson missing up front we struggled and all we could take from the game was a narrow defeat and a set of corners that failed to produce. The Royals started brightly enough, winning an early corner, before Chelsea settled down into constant attack. Marcus Hahnemann showed his best and worst with two good saves followed by a flap at the ball which saw Reading need to hack the ball clear off the line. It was clearly just going to be a matter of time before the home side went ahead. With just over half an hour played the only goal of the game came when a cross saw Ballack out jump the entire Reading defence to head past Hahnemann. To Reading's credit they kept searching for the equaliser and won a whole series of corners at the end of the first half and into the second half but failed to make a break through, looking weak up front. We failed to force a save with our rare efforts failing to find the target. When we did threaten to at last break through Lita failed to read it as a rare chance went begging. Perhaps Reading's best effort was an Oster free-kick that wasn't far from the target. However Chelsea looked comfortable and played out time to pick up a straight forward three points against a side now facing a relegation battle.

Four Goals And No Points - Again
Added by HNA? on 30/12/07
Reading again scored four away from home and again came away with nothing in an amazing game of ten goals at White Hart Lane. This time Reading will feel disappointed at failing to come away with something after leading Spurs three times - including being 4-3 up with just fifteen minutes left to play. The Royals played some excellent attacking football in a pulsating game, but defensive errors against a striker in amazing form saw Berbatov hit four and ensure Reading left empty handed. Reading quickly found themselves behind when Berbatov scored after just seven minutes with a simple close range goal. The Royals pulled level with their first meaningful attack of the game. Nicky Shorey, who was to create plenty of chances througout the game, saw his free kick punched out by Robinson in the Spurs goal. The ball came out to Cisse who drove it in through a crowded area to make it 1-1. After the break Reading moved ahead after earning a corner. Shorey's delivery found Ingimarsson whose header beat Robinson. At this point Reading perhaps should have put the game out of Spurs' reach. Reading's first half equaliser may have been against the run of play but Spurs' equaliser was perhaps even more so as they pulled level just as Reading looked like they would go on to win. Murty's clearance found Berbatov rather than space and the Spurs striker buried it into the roof of the net to make it 2-2. Shorey provided his third assist of the afternoon from a corner with Kitson rising at the near post to direct a header into the far side of the net to make it 3-2. The lead was again short lived as Berbatov found plenty of room to complete his hat-trick. Hunt was the next to turn provider with a great ball through to Kitson. This time Kitson got the better of Robinson, cooly chipping the ball over him as the keeper came out to put Reading back ahead again at 4-3. Once again the lead was short lived as it became 4-4. There was still plenty of time for more drama and for Spurs to nick the three points. Sonko conceeded a penalty only for Spurs to see Hahnemann make a good save as he got down quickly. However Defoe, who was nearly level with the penalty taker when the ball was struck found himself illegally in the area with plenty of time to tuck home the rebound. It should have been retaken - but would Marcus have been able to make a second save? With time running short and Reading clearly knackered Spurs wrapped up the win with Berbatov's fourth goal which made the scoreline harsh on Reading.

Ten Man Royals Draw With Hammers
Added by HNA? on 27/12/07
The Royals extended their best spell of the season making it five games without defeat with a hard fought away point at West Ham United. The result could have gone either way, and would probably have ended with a Reading victory without the sending off of Gunnarsson after just 29 minutes. At that point, Reading were well on top, playing better football and looking far more dangerous. Gunnarsson's sending off with only a third of the game gone might have spelled disaster for Reading. It was a harsh decision that threatened to ruin what was developing into a good game. The instant red card put an end to Reading's excellent start to the game. Kitson set up Doyle after a great run into the left side of the box only to see Doyle's header fly straight at the keeper from close range. The two front men were at it again to set up Convey who couldn't find enough space to beat the advancing goalkeeper. With Hunt in his usual excellent form we were causing plenty of problems for West Ham until we were reduced to ten men. West Ham at last found some kind of pattern with Reading temporarily deflated, and the goal came from a scramble on the edge of the box just before half time. The ball came loose from a crowd of players and Solano found space to drive the ball home. After the break West Ham failed to make the most of their extra man. Eventually Reading themselves back on top again despite the lack of numbers. A corner from Harper was poor but came out to Shorey who made a clever run into the box before picking out Kitson with a short ball forward. Kitson had his back to goal but turned and volleyed home in style to make it 1-1. For a spell it looked like Reading might go on to win it as they enjoyed the better possession and continued to push men forward. However, with time running out West Ham finally came to life and might have stole it. Reading were forced to defend at West Ham swept forward. Hahnemann saved from close range and was in excellent form to claim everything sent into the box. In injury time Reading were saved by the post as they hung on to claim the point.

Another Deserved Win
Added by HNA? on 23/12/07
Reading needed a controversial late goal to get a full three points, which they should have secured much earlier in the game. The Royals were by far the better side throughout but Sunderland looked to have snatched an unlikely draw with a late penalty, before a Stephen Hunt effort, that may not have crossed the line, was awarded as a goal. Despite the drama, the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game after Reading, fielding another unchanged line-up, dominated the first half. The Royals were playing the better football but were finding it hard to create many clear cut chances with Sunderland defending in numbers. Dave Kitson hit an excellent long range effort just over the cross bar and Hunt perhaps could have claimed a first half goal when the keeper appeared from nowhere to save on - or perhaps just over the line. Doyle might have done better with a shot from a tight angle that flew across the face of goal as Sunderland hung on. After the break Reading remained on top and the excellent Hunt nearly scored with an amazing long range shot that slammed into the far post. We had to wait until twenty minutes from the end against an improving Sunderland side. A free-kick on the right was headed on by Sonko and the goalkeeper failed to cleanly collect leaving the ball to spill into the path of Ingimarsson who buried it from close range to put Reading ahead. Reading were guilty of attempting to sit on their lead from that point, and rather than attempt to wrap the game up we allowed Sunderland to attack and defended deep. It was nearly a fatal mistake. With eight minutes left Sunderland broke free and Sonko was judged to have played the man and not the ball inside the area. Chopra stepped up and sent Hahnemann the wrong direction with a clinical penalty. The Sunderland fans went mental and the game was turned on it's head as Sunderland went looking for a winner themselves. Steve Coppell sent on super sub Shane Long and he had an immediate impact. It was anyones game, but Long made the difference, striding forward into the area in the final moments of the game to cross to Hunt at the far post. Hunt got the contact, the keeper got a hand to it but it wasn't enough as Reading were awarded the goal, and a vital three points to move back up to 12th spot in the table.

Royals Earn Historic Win
Added by HNA? on 09/12/07
This was probably one of Reading's biggest results in recent history - our first ever Premiership win over a "big four" side, inflicting their first defeat of the season. This was special, very special. It wasn't just that we defeated Liverpool, it was the way in which they were beaten. Reading were the better side for much of the game and thoroughly deserved to win by two goals. This was an entirely different game and performance from last week. Reading's early pressure told when Doyle was taken down right on the edge of the Liverpool area with fifteen minutes gone. After much debate, the referee stuck to his original decision and awarded the penalty. Hunt cooly stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way before putting his penalty into the bottom left corner of the net. With Reading ahead, Liverpool looked dazed and Reading poured forward with Convey smashing a superb long range effort that was inches away from finding the top corner of the net. It was against the run of play when Liverpool drew level. After a previous effort that had hit the post, they'd looked quiet and were struggling to create any clear cut chances. With their lack of success in midfield or down the wings it wasn't much suprise that their goal came from a long hoof up field from their goalkeeper. The ball was played through and Gerrard run onto goal to bury it. After the break the pattern continued and it was Liverpool that had chances to take the lead. Hahnemann made a couple of good saves, and they should have perhaps done better from a close range effort that was blasted wide. However, Reading were soon back in the driving seat. It was Gerrard that found he had no option but to hack Hunt down not far outside the area, and picked up the only yellow card of the game for his efforts. Shorey floated in the free-kick, which might have found the target itself until the slightest of touches from Kevin Doyle's head saw the ball rest firmly into the back of the net. 2-1 to Reading and the Madejski erupted. Reading's amazing afternoon was summed up by the quality of the third goal. Bobby Convey saw Harper's run and played the perfect ball into his path. Harper out paced a couple of Liverpool defenders before taking the ball around the advancing goal keeper and calmly striking it home from an angle to make it 3-1. It was an excellent goal that killed Liverpool off.

Spurs Away In FA Cup
Added by HNA? on 02/12/07
Reading have been drawn away against fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the FA Cup. The draw means that Reading will travel to White Hart Lane twice in the space of just over a week, with the FA Cup fixture on the 5th or 6th of January closely following the League game on 29 December. Last season eighth placed Reading lost out by a single goal - from the penalty spot in the league meeting.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Continue To Struggle
Added by HNA? on 02/12/07
Reading ended a run of three straight defeats but struggled to earn a point against a poor Middlesbrough side in a poor quality Premiership fixture. Neither side showed much quality throughout and there was little excitement despite both sides being desperate for points. Throughout the game Reading suffered from a lack of productivity from the midfield and a lack of concentration in defence. We struggled to play the ball around or keep possession and it was typical that our goal, nine minutes into the second half, game from a long hoof from Hahnemann. Doyle flicked it on and Kitson finished well with a lob over the goalkeeper. It was a rare bright moment. The visitors could have gone ahead in the first half but Reading were saved by the post after the shot went through Hahnemann's legs. Middlesbrough could have pulled level after a defensive mix-up, but the equaliser came inside the last ten minutes - a cross from the right found Tuncay with plenty of space to head home.

Royals Lose To Late Goal
Added by HNA? on 25/11/07
Reading so nearly became the first team this season to take anything away from a trip to Manchester City - before an injury time goal stole the points for the home side. The Royals were massive underdogs and the game looked set to follow an expected pattern with Reading going behind after eleven minutes. The goal was a scrambled effort which saw the ball hit the foot of the post before being saved by Hahnemann, only for him to see the second rebound effort hit the back of the net. The rest of the first half was nothing to get excited about, with Reading defending well enough but rarely getting forward. It was probably the first meaningful effort of the game when Reading pulled level just before the break. Doyle did well on the left before playing the ball to Convey in the area. Convey threaded it through to Harper who volleyed home for an impressive equaliser. The second half saw Reading improved as they looked set to pick up a valuable away point. It all looked like it was going to go according to plan with City struggling to break through and Reading looked comfortable until the dying minutes. City wasted an opportunity to pull ahead before a spectacular long range strike in injury time claimed a late win.

Arsenal Clear Winners
Added by HNA? on 13/11/07
Reading failed at an impossible mission to take points from England's best side, and were never close to causing an upset against first class opposition. Reading put in a reasonable hard working first half showing and were unlucky to be a goal down at the break. However, the second half saw Reading fail to compete as they seemed to accept the game was lost. A late flurry saw Shorey score a consolation goal but Arsenal already had the game wrapped up. Arsenal hit the post, but Reading had one of the best efforts of the opening forty minutes when Gunnarsson unleashed a powerful long range effort that seemed to be curling into the side of the net before Almunia pulled out an impressive save. Right before the break Arsenal delivered a killer blow. Hahnemann shouldn't have come for it but did, allowing a gift of a goal after such strong defensive efforts for the rest of the half. The second half was a disappointment as Reading stuck to their defensive habits and allowed Arsenal to attack. We'd had some reasonable possession in the first half but that quickly drifted away in the second as Arsenal dominated the game. We'd barely touched the ball before it was 0-2 seven minutes into the half. Arsenal broke at ridiculous pace moments later and looked to have made it three only for Reading to be spared by the linesman's flag. As Arsenal began stroking the ball around, Reading could only watch. Hahnemann looked a little silly again as the ball was taken round him for Arsenal's third. Reading fans started making for the exits long before Reading attempted to make the game respectable in the dying five minutes. The introduction of Long gave us something extra and we, at last, looked capable of doing something up front. A free-kick from the edge of the area saw Shorey slam the ball into the foot of the near post, before a late consolation. Long caused some problems for Arsenal diving through the area to win the ball and Hunt's effort came back off the crossbar from the resulting attempt, before dropping to Shorey who slammed it home. Reading pushed forward looking for a second that didn't come, but we had already been well beaten.

"Like Seeing An Old Friend"
Added by HNA? on 28/10/07
Steve Coppell claimed it was "like seeing an old friend" after watching Reading put in one of their best performances of the season to claim a thoroughly deserved win over Newcastle United. However, the Royals needed a late goal from Shane Long, who came off the bench with seven minutes left to play and immediately scored the vital goal. Before that Reading had a frustrating first half with Lita missing a couple of golden opportunities to put Reading ahead. The second half saw Reading move ahead with an excellent long range shot from Kitson. After leaking a staggering number of goals this season, the defence looked much improved with Sonko continuing his comeback from injury. However, Duberry conceeded a weak own goal to put Newcastle level with fifteen minutes left to play before Long rescued the full three points.

Royals Visit Blackburn
Added by HNA? on 17/10/07
Reading visit sixth placed Blackburn Rovers this weekend as the Premiership returns to action after the International break. Reading will have a number of players returning from international duty, including England player Nicky Shorey who may feature in tonights crunch game in Russia. On Saturday, with a "standard" 3pm kick-off, Reading will be looking for a much needed first league win of the season on away soil. If the game is anything like last season’s epic at Ewood then fans are in for a treat. With both teams chasing a final day European place, the game finished 3-3, with the Royals coming from behind three times to finish 8th in the Premier League in their first season. Using money from the new TV deal Blackburn have significantly reduced ticket prices for both home and away supporters (Reading FC take note!). Match prices for Reading fans are just £7 for junior tickets, £10 for seniors and £20 for adult tickets. Supporters can purchase tickets by phone (0870 999 1871) or in person at the Madejski Stadium Sales Centre. Tickets will also be available on the day of the game for away supporters but buy in advance to avoid queuing.

Single Goal Victory Over Derby
Added by HNA? on 08/10/07
Reading secured a vital win over bottom of the table Derby County with Kevin Doyle scoring his first goal of the season for Reading - and the game's only goal. This was a nervous victory for Reading, and the game was by no means a classic, however the win lifted Reading away from the bottom three, for now, and into twelfth spot. Reading were good for their win after creating most of the chances but struggled to dominate against a poor visiting side. The Royals probably should have been ahead by half time after Hunt had two good chances. One he sent sailing over the crossbar and another saw his header just wide of the post. Doyle got in a header that needed a save with Reading clearly on top. However both sides were guilty of mis-placed passes and some pointless ball hoofing during the second half as the game looked to be drifting towards a goalless draw. Reading's lifeline came as Murty swung over a cross that missed a couple of players before finding Doyle wide on the left. Doyle headed back across goal and into the far side to give Reading the three points.

Portsmouth 7 Reading 4
Added by HNA? on 01/10/07
Reading managed to score four goals away from home but were still soundly beaten at Portmouth in a record breaking score-line. In a bizarre afternoon of eleven goals Reading perhaps could have clawed their way back into the game before being stuffed out of sight and then grabbing another late consolation. It was an afternoon of plenty of defensive mistakes with Reading taking the prize for being the most shambolic in a very entertaining open fixture. Portsmouth looked good for a two goal half time lead and probably should have been further ahead but for an impressive Hahnemann save. However, Hunt gave Reading a glimmer of hope with a header not far from the line that pulled a goal back before half time. After the break Kitson made the most of some poor goalkeeping to pull the game level.
With fifty-five minutes on the clock, Portsmouth restored their lead, only to conceed a penalty. Had Nicky Shorey put it home then the game may have taken on a different complexion with the scores level at 3-3. Shorey's penalty was simple for the goalkeeper and a potential life-line was wasted. Instead on 75 minutes the score was 5-2 to the home side and the game appeared out of reach of the Royals. But the goals continued to come. Shane Long, off the bench, got the final touch from a James Haper attempt on goal to make it 5-3 and set up a possibly dramatic finish. Portsmouth had looked the better side and made the score-line reflect that when they added two more goals making it a ridiculous 7-3, with the second of those from the penalty spot. There was still time for another goal deep in injury time when Shorey made up for his penalty kick by scoring a deflection to make it finish 7-4.

Liverpool Put Reading Out
Added by HNA? on 26/09/07
Reading went out of the league cup at the third round stage, at the hands of Liverpool, for the second consecutive season. Following last season's 3-4 defeat at Anfield, this game could have produced the same result as an encouraging Reading performance saw them pull the game to 2-2 before Liverpool finally got the upper hand to win 2-4. This was an entertaining evening, with plenty of goals and some good football from both sides. Despite big changes to the Reading side, we got off to an impressive start. The player list made the side look defensive, but we played anything but defensive. Halls on the right wing felt a bit strange but he went on to have a reasonable game - particually in the second half. He was involved in the first move that should have produced a goal - but Lita's header was straight at the keeper. Against the run of play Liverpool took the lead, but Reading's response was immediate when Convey smashed home a Shorey corner across goal and buried it in the opposite side of the net. After the break, Liverpool were quickly back in front but Reading couldn't be faulted for effort. The Royals pulled level again from another corner. This time Halls had two attempts at it before finally hacking the ball home to make it 2-2. Torres was causing Reading all kinds of problems despite a very solid display from Bikey, and put Liverpool back ahead. Reading might have pulled level again, but Lita's spectacular over-head kick was tipped over the crossbar, before Torres popped up again to make it 2-4.

Late Goal Seals Second Win
Added by HNA? on 22/09/07
Reading picked up a vital second win of the second - but perhaps were slightly fortunate to do so with a last minute strike from Harper that sealed the points. It was an up and down afternoon from the Royals, who mixed some excellent football with periods where they simply looked lost. Reading dominated the first half and should have gone in more than a goal up, but Wigan had the better of the second half and perhaps should have been ahead before Reading stole the win at the death. One of the clearest chances of the first half fell to Rosenior who burst through the middle and looked set to score before hitting his shot too near the keeper when he might have placed it better. Another chance fell to Duberry and he should have also scored but somehow managed to direct his header in the wrong direction and put it wide. It was Doyle's shot that saw Reading take the lead. The goalkeeper really should have held it but split it into the path of Kitson who made no mistake with his close range finish. Reading had hardly finished celebrating when Wigan were down the other end and looked to have won a penalty when Ingimarsson left his leg out-stretched. The referee pointed to the spot but the linesman continued to flag it was outside the area. After much debating Wigan were denied the penalty much to the joy of the home support. However, the resulting free-kick from the edge of the area hammered against the Reading crossbar with Hahnemann beaten. After the break, Wigan were clearly on top, and it was no suprise when they pulled level five minutes into the half. With time running out it was clear either side was capable of grabbing a late win - but thankfully that side was Reading when an excellent move saw Kitson play an intelligent through ball to Harper. The Madejski Stadium errupted for the highlight of the season so far. There was still time for some nervousness as Wigan forced a couple of corners late in injury time. However, Reading hung on to climb out of the relegation positions and up to fifteenth in the table.

Nine Months: Nine Goals Different
Added by HNA? on 02/09/07
It was exactly nine months since West Ham United last visited the Madejski Stadium. Last time the Hammers left Reading on the wrong end of a six goal thrashing. However, this weekend, a three goal victory for the visitors completed a massive nine goal turn around over the two fixtures. The scores do not lie. Nine months ago, Reading demolished West Ham and deserved the large win to maintain ninth in the Premership table. However this game saw Reading short of ideas after conceeding an early goal, one after half time and one right at the end to slump into the bottom three in the table. The Royals had enough of the ball but failed to trouble the West Ham defence. Down the other end of the pitch West Ham looked dangerous with every attack with the Reading defence looking suspect. Doyle missed a penalty when Reading were two goals down and any small chance of a comeback faded.

Liverpool In Round Three Again
Added by HNA? on 02/09/07
For the second consecutive season, Reading will face Liverpool in the third round of the league cup. Last season saw the first ever competitive meeting between the two sides as Reading travelled to Anfield and lost out 3-4. The draw means the two sides will have met six times over two seasons. This time around Liverpool will visit the Madejski Stadium, with the game likely to take place on Tuesday 25 September 2007.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Narrowly Beat Swansea
Added by HNA? on 29/08/07
For the third time this season, Reading had to contend with being reduced to ten men as Sodje was sent off on the hour mark at Swansea City in the League Cup second round game. Swansea, two Divisions below the Royals, may have looked favourites to win at that stage after an impressive start. However, Reading forced extra time before wrapping up a single goal victory with a Leroy Lita goal. Overall it was an uneventful night but Reading will be relieved to have recorded a victory after Saturday's 0-3 reverse at Bolton Wanderers.

Reading Record First Win
Added by HNA? on 19/08/07
Reading picked up their first win of the new season with a hard fought 1-0 victory against Everton at the Madejski Stadium. It was the third straight tough fixture as Reading followed up games against Chelsea and Manchester United with a visit from the team at the top of the table. Reading had already picked up a valuable point in Manchester and probably deserved at least a point against Chelsea, so the three points against Everton were the least we deserved. Despite the quality of the opposition Reading had much the better of the first half. Kevin Doyle was enjoying more of the ball up front and managed to fire in a couple of first half shots, while Seol and Hunt were causing plenty of trouble down both wings. Hunt, who had another excellent match, deserved his goal just before the break when he latched onto a long throw, controlled it well before stroking it past the goalkeeper. Bikey stood out alongside Hunt with a first class individual performance. He was a rock in defence and didn't let anything through as Everton were made to look lacking up front. However in the second half the visitors could have pulled level when they were denied by the crossbar and then Hahnemann's quick reactions.

Royals To Face Swansea
Added by HNA? on 17/08/07
Reading will travel to Swansea City in the second round of the League Cup. The Royals have enjoyed a good run of results against the Welsh side in recent history and will start as firm favourites. City were 2-0 winners against Walsall in their first round fixture. The game will be the first time a Premiership side has played in a competitive fixture at Swansea's new Liberty Stadium and is sure to attract a large home crowd. The fixture is expected to be played during the evening of Tuesday 28 August.

Disappointment As Chelsea Win
Added by HNA? on 16/08/07
This was another impressive performance from Reading, but ended in disappointment as the Royals failed to take at least a point from the encounter. Reading were much the better side in the opening forty-five minutes and ready should have taken a bigger lead into the half time break. Add to that another rather harsh red card midway through the second half and Chelsea may consider themselves fortunate to leave the Madjeski with the full three points. This was a very, very different occasion to Sunday's draw with Manchester United. Coppell altered the side to produce a much more attacking line-up with Long and Doyle up front, Oster on the wing, and handed Cisse his debut in midfield. Right from the start it was obvious we were going to push hard for a win and not settle for defending. On the half hour Duberry limped off to be replaced by Bikey. Bikey's first contribution was to push into the Chelsea box as the ball was crossed from the right. Chelsea keeper Cech made a right mess of the cross as he came for it and failed to make contact, taking out his defence in the process. Bikey ran around the bundle of players and calmly tapped the ball into the Chelsea net with his first touch of the ball. It was a deserved lead for Reading. And it really should have been more. John Oster was having a good game and nearly made it two with a shot that found the post with the keeper beaten. At the break Chelsea opted for major changes with two substitutions. It left Chelsea with no more options to them but it altered the game dramatically in the space of five minutes. With Sidwell off the pitch it allowed Lampard to push forward and a rare break in the Reading defence allowed him to break through and knock the ball past Hahnemann as he dashed into the box. Reading still hadn't settled when Drogba was allowed space on the edge of the area and turned to drive home an impressive effort that gave Hahnemann no chance. Murty might have pulled Reading level with a powerful low effort that was blocked by Doyle. However, Reading's chances of a come back suffered when Cisse was sent off for a harsh second booking that ended his debut early. After that Chelsea adopted an obscene time wasting approach that rewarded them with two bookings for their efforts. Despite the disadvantage in numbers, Reading kept on playing and the last couple of minutes saw the entire Reading side in the Chelsea half as Hahnemann became an outfield player to keep the pressure up. However, Chelsea's extra man made the difference and the Royals were unable to get in a shot as time ran out.

Ten Man Reading Earn Tough Point
Added by HNA? on 13/08/07
Reading kicked-off the 2007/2008 season with an excellent, hard fought, away point at current Premiership Champions Manchester United. Coppell opted to pack the midfield and defence and to stop Manchester United playing with tight marking. It worked. Up front Kevin Doyle was the sole striker and was to have a very quiet afternoon as Reading went about the job of shutting United out. Reading's acheivement in getting a draw was made even more impressive after playing the last seventeen minutes with ten men when Kitson was sent off before touching the ball. Right from the off it was Manchester United enjoying the possession, but Reading were content to let them play, but every attempt of United's to break into the final third of the pitch found stiff resistance. Players were closed down instantly and there was never anywhere to run. Every slight movement of a United player found instant pressure from a designated marker. There were excellent defensive performances from the entire Reading team as United simply couldn't find any room to play. Rooney was to grab the headlines again - but for the wrong reasons after being replaced at half time with a suspected foot injury, picked up as he charged through on goal and was covered by Duberry. The other incident of note was Dave Kitson picking up a red card after about thirty seconds of replacing Kevin Doyle. Kitson's season was destroyed on the opening day of last season by a horrendous tackle. This wasn't in the same league as that as Kitson went flying in to block the United full back clearing the ball. It was a bad challenge worthy of a booking, but there's no doubt that the red card was harsh. It made Reading's job even tougher, yet we kept at the job to record a very successful result.

Season Kicks-Off
Added by HNA? on 10/08/07
The new Premiership season kicks-off this weekend, with Reading travelling to defending Premier League champions Manchester United in their first game on Sunday. The fixture has been selected for live coverage on Sky TV and will kick-off at 4pm. Reading will be starting the new season with a similar squad to last season, with the only new additions being Khalifa Cisse (who signed from Boavista for £650,000), and Emerse Fae - Reading's record signing at £2.5 million. Steve Sidwell and Greg Halford left during the close season leaving the Royals with a the same backbone to the squad that finished 8th last season. Marcus Hahnemann is expected to return in goal, however Leroy Lita will be missing from action after picking up a bizarre injury in bed! Manchester United will have controversial new signing Carlos Tevez available for selection along with Owen Hargreaves.

New Season: Man Utd Then Chelsea
Added by HNA? on 14/06/07
The new season's fixture list, released this morning, has given Reading the toughest possible start to the 2007/2008 campaign. The fixture computer has drawn Reading against Manchester United and Chelsea in the opening two games of the season. The Royals will travel to Old Trafford to kick off the season on Saturday 11 August before Chelsea visit the Madejski Stadium on the following Tuesday 14 August. Everton visit Reading on the second Saturday of the season. Arsenal visit Reading on 10 November, with Liverpool playing their game at the Madejski Stadium on 8 December. The festive period sees Reading play at West Ham United on Boxing Day followed by a home New Years Day fixture with Portsmouth. The return game with Manchester United will be on 19 January 2008, while Reading will travel to Chelsea on 30 January. Reading's season will finish with a home game against Spurs followed by a trip to newly promoted Derby on the last day of the season.

Shorey In Full England Squad
Added by HNA? on 26/05/07
Reading full back Nicky Shorey has been included in the full England squad after an impressive showing in yesterday's England B fixture. Shorey, who started for the B team, played 73 minutes as England cruised to an impressive 3-1 victory over Albania. The England call-up completes a superb season for Shorey who had played another key part in Reading's success. However, Reading fans will know that Shorey has been amazing for years. Reading's first season in the top flight has finally got Shorey into the spotlight and allowed him to gain experience against world class players. It's been a constant upward path for Nicky who signed from Leyton Orient for just £25,000 at the start of 2001, and has made over 250 starts for the Royals. Shorey is in the squad for next Friday's friendly against Brazil and will remain in the squad for England's vital European qualification game in Estonia on Wednesday 6 June. There's a reasonable chance we might see Shorey make his full England debut against Brazil as McClaren tries out a number of players ahead of the Euro game.
Rumour Rating: Definite

End Of Season Awards 2006/2007
Added by HNA? on 16/05/07
The voting form is up once again for the Hob Nob Anyone? end of season awards. The awards, which have been running on the site since 1994, are an entirely unofficial vote to let fans pick the best and worst performances of the season. The vote also includes the player of the season and the most improved player over the season - last years awards went to Glen Little and Bobby Convey. To cast your votes for this season follow the link below:

Royals Finish Eighth
Added by HNA? on 13/05/07
Reading's fantastic season finished with a thrilling 3-3 draw at Blackburn Rovers as the Royals missed out on a UEFA Cup qualification finish by a single point. Bolton secured seventh place in the table, and edged Reading out, by drawing at home with Aston Villa. Reading came from behind three times to take an impressive point. If we had managed to score another goal it would have sealed a European place, but the draw still meant Reading finished eighth - an indication of just how successful this season has been. This game typified Reading under Coppell as we battled back each time we went behind and refused to be beaten. It was an entertaining end to end game with plenty of action that included six goals and two goals ruled out. Reading immediately set about trying to win this fixture and won a series of corners for their efforts. Nicky Shorey twice went close in the opening fifteen minutes including one effort that come off the inside of the post. Despite Reading's early pressure it was the home side that moved ahead when Hahnemann come off second best under a challenge that forced him to leave the field injured. The ball came loose with Marcus in a heap leaving an easy finish. However, Reading were level before the break when the lively Hunt swung the ball across and Seol was there to head home at the far post. The second half saw more goals as Blackburn restored their lead before the hour mark when the ball came back out off the post and was put home at the second attempt. But just two minutes later and Reading had fought level again when De La Cruz crossed and Doyle confidently headed home for his thirteenth of the season. Again Blackburn took the lead and again Reading equalised - this time Lita fired the ball into the wall from a free-kick before Gunnarsson blasted the ball home. Reading had four minutes of injury time to try and turn the game into a vital win but couldn't conjure up a final piece of magic to end a magical season.

Europe Still Up For Grabs
Added by HNA? on 10/05/07
Reading still have a reasonable chance to claim a European place - if they can draw or win against Blackburn in the final game of the season on Sunday. Everton are already set to take a place meaning four teams are fighting it out for the final two UEFA Cup places. Blackburn's 1-1 draw with Spurs tonight means that Spurs are three points ahead of Reading but with a worse goal difference. The result also means that Blackburn now have nothing to play for with a top seven finish out of their reach. Blackburn would need to win by four goals or more to overtake the Royals. If Reading can win and Spurs lose at home to Manchester City then Reading would finish above Spurs. Bolton host Aston Villa. If Bolton lose then a Reading draw would be enough to see the Royals overtake Bolton on goal difference. Portsmouth are a point behind Reading and are at home to Arsenal. Realistically the Royals need to pick up a win from a tough fixture and hope Bolton fail to win or Spurs lose at home.
Sunday 13 May 2007:
Blackburn v Reading
Bolton v Aston Villa
Portsmouth v Arsenal
Tottenham v Man City

Watford Spoil The Party
Added by HNA? on 05/05/07
After three straight league wins we were set up nicely to take another step towards European qualification with victory over Watford. That was turned on its head as relegated, and bottom of the table, Watford ruined the party and took away a two goal victory. Reading will now have to travel to Blackburn next Sunday and finish the season with a win to stand a realistic chance of finishing in seventh position. However, the scoreline was misleading. Reading had a lot of the game and nearly all the chances, but it simply didn't work out. Add to that a couple of players having off days and our passing game breaking down far too often and it didn't look likely we were ever going to score. Man of the match was almost certainly Foster in the Watford goal who didn't do a thing wrong all afternoon. Watford played the perfect away performance - keeping Reading shut out with a masterful defensive performance and looking strong on the break when they managed to hit two second half goals to take the win. It was promising enough early on as Reading started clearly on top. Leroy Lita was up to his usual tricks up front and was struggling to stay on his feet. Perhaps his constant going to ground under every challenge worked against him when he was clearly taken down for a penalty. The referee waved play on with every Reading fan on their feet screaming for the obvious. Leroy's strike partner, Dave Kitson, came closest to scoring for either team during the opening forty five minutes with an effort that hit the top of the crossbar with the Watford goalkeeper beaten. After the bright start the game had started to drift with neither side making much of an impact. gainst the run of play Watford took the lead on the hour when a free-kick beat Reading's offside trap allowing Shittu to score. Watford small band of travelling fans went mental. Reading fans sat back in stunned silence. Seol was stunned into action as he whipped in the best couple of crosses of the game as Reading tried to find the equaliser. With five minutes left on the clock Watford sealed the victory. The ball was crossed from the left, Hahnemann failed to hold it and it was a simple finish in the middle for Watford's King. The Watford fans went even more mental. The Reading fans made for the exits. Reading knew they were beaten and, although we never give up, we offered little for the last five minutes as Watford skillfully played out time. This was a rare home defeat against lower table opposition. We've been spoilt for years and forgot what it feels like.

Reading Reclaim Seventh
Added by HNA? on 01/05/07
Reading reclaimed seventh place in the Premiership table - jumping back into a UEFA cup qualification postition - with a deserved single goal victory over Newcastle United. Reading's third straight win was settled with a second half strike from Dave Kitson who blasted the ball home from a Seol cross. Kitson and Doyle's involvement up front for Reading over shadowed the return of Michael Owen. Owen found the net early on from a clearly offside position but seldom looked dangerous enough to swing the game. Doyle on the other hand nearly did enough to put Reading ahead in the first half when he was clearly bundled to the ground inside the area. Strangely the referee failed to give the penalty. A mistake from the United keeper saw Doyle put a shot just wide of the post and Duberry put a clear chance way over the bar from a corner. After an even first half Reading had the better of the second and Kitson's goal secured victory.

Late Show Defeats Bolton
Added by HNA? on 22/04/07
Reading came back from the dead to record a memorable late victory over Bolton Wanderers. The Royals looked to be down and out after conceeding a unfortunate own goal midway through the second half - but fought back with a late showing that saw three goals in the last six minutes turn the fixture on its head. Bolton seemed on top during the first half with Hahnemann being called into action a couple of times earlier on - although the home side probably should have done better with their chances in front of goal. The patern of the first half was broken up by Bolton being forced to use all three of their substitutes, due to injuries, before the second half had even got underway. After the break Bolton remained vaguely on top in the fixture and they took the lead twenty minutes into the half through Reading's Nicky Shorey. A cross from the left saw Shorey slide in the middle to cut the ball out and he was only successful in putting the ball past Hahnemann and into his own net. Despite Reading being a goal down and time running short, the game was far from being over. Bolton's early substitutions may have given Reading the edge late on in the game. Coppell was able to bring on three fresh players from the bench - all late in the game - to help begin Reading's fight back. Inside the last ten minutes Kevin Doyle went steaming into the Bolton area, only to be taken out as he was starting to run out of pitch. It was a certain penalty and Doyle made no mistake as he steped up to blast the ball into the roof of the net and level the scores. Reading might have settled for the draw at this point - but Reading under Steve Coppell just don't operate like that - winning is the only option. Reading poured forward inside the last few minutes and Seol's cross from the right found Doyle in the middle who slotted home from close range to put Reading ahead. The three points were already now coming to Reading when Shorey got down the left on a great run and provided the perfect cross. Reading players were all lined up in the middle, but it was Hunt that got his head on it to complete the scoring - making it 3-1 to Reading and completing a miserable afternoon for Bolton.

Hunt Fires Winner
Added by HNA? on 16/04/07
Stephen Hunt continued his excellent season by firing the only goal of the game as Reading ended their eight game winless run with victory over Fulham. It was a poor afternoon's entertainment in which Reading narrowly deserved victory for their first half performance. Fulham had much the better of the second half but couldn't find the equaliser as Reading hung onto the three points. Steve Sidwell took the headlines after being dropped from the squad as Coppell prepares for his departure at the end of the season. Gunnarsson was a more than adequate replacement in midfield and did very well to carve out a couple of chances in which he might have added to his goal tally for the season. Hunt's goal came on fifteen minutes when Doyle crossed and Hunt scored from close range for the game's crucial goal.

Reading Let Points Slip
Added by HNA? on 08/04/07
This was Reading's fifth defeat from seven games - and it was the seventh game without a win. However those statistics and this scoreline isn't a fair reflection of events on the pitch. Today Reading more than matched Liverpool, and were in fact the better side for much of the game. It's to Reading's credit that Liverpool's first goal came against the run of play - on a counter attack after Reading lost possession from a free-kick deep inside the Liverpool half. Before the Royals found themselves a goal down they might have moved ahead. John Oster was awarded a start with Glen Little out injured and was working hard up front. Some of his clever passes inside the Liverpool area didn't quite work out with his team mates failing to read his intentions. However Oster nearly fired Reading ahead with a powerful effort that needed the first save of the game. Kevin Doyle broke through moments later to fire a decent effort not far over the crossbar. With Reading pushing there was a strong case for a penalty before Hahnemann's first real involvement was to pick the ball out of the back of the net. Gunnarsson was simply stunning at right back. He didn't do a thing wrong, keeping it simple and effective. He was also decisive coming forward - hitting the equaliser not long after the break. Oster played a great cross into Gunnarsson's path on the right. He looked like he might have taken it too wide but then hit the ball across the goal, and the goalkeeper, and into the far side of the net. A top quality strike to make it 1-1. With the scores level again and most of the second half to play, we felt that Reading were most likely to take the win. Crouch headed the ball against his own crossbar as Reading continued to threaten. However, when the next goal didn't come quickly, Liverpool settled down. The game went nearly scrappy for a bit and three Liverpool substitutions appeared to break Reading's grip on the game. With eight minutes left Lita replaced Oster - but he hardly got a touch of the ball. Reading seemed to be out of ideas and instead Liverpool broke free to cross from the right and head home at the far post. Three minutes of stoppage time came and went as Liverpool saw out the win.

Royals Defeated By Suspect Penalty
Added by HNA? on 02/04/07
It took a very dubious penalty decision, five minutes before half time, to earn Spurs the full three points at Reading's expense. The scoreline and the single goal from the penalty spot hid the true story of a lively encounter with a string of good chances to both sides in front of goal. We'd expected an entertaining game and that's what we got as the home side were the first to go close. Right from the start Spurs carved out two excellent chances within a couple of minutes. Hahnemann was quickly called into action but was equal to the job making two excellent saves - one from close range sticking out his leg at the vital moment. After Tottenham's impressive start Reading didn't take long to get into the game as the fixture developed into an end to end encounter between two good passing sides. Leroy Lita nearly put Reading ahead with a superb header, meeting a long cross ball from Glen Little on the right. Moments later Reading broke through again with Kitson sending in a powerful shot that was too close to the keeper. After both sides had survived the storm it was a shame that the only goal came from the penalty spot. Halford was very unlucky to been judged to have controlled the ball with his arm as it bounced across him in the Reading area. Perhaps technically it was a penalty but with the ball already with Halford and no immediate danger it seemed very wrong that this vague incident should cost Reading the game. Hahnemann's dive was the right direction but not far enough as Keane's penalty tucked inside the post to make it 0-1. Spurs definitely had the better of the second half but Reading could have pulled level from the head of Lita - this time his header from a corner was just wide of the near post. As usual Reading didn't give up and there was slim hope until the end with Doyle, Kitson and Lita all up front. With the game in injury time Reading pushed forward with every player except Federici in the opposition half, but Spurs held firm to take the win.

Coppell Signs Two Year Deal
Added by HNA? on 27/03/07
Steve Coppell, the most successful manager in the history of Reading Football Club, has signed a new deal to keep him at the club. The news is even better than expected - Coppell was expected to sign a one year deal but has instead agreed to stay with the Royals until the Summer of 2009. Coppell started with two straight wins after taking over at Reading in October 2003 and hasn't looked back since. He's managed to win nearly half of his 180 games in charge, taking the Royals into the top tier for the first time in the club's history and quickly establishing Reading as a top half Premiership club. The man is already a Reading legend and Reading can now look forward to two more seasons of stability under his command.
Rumour Rating: Definite

No Goals As Points Shared
Added by HNA? on 17/03/07
Reading at last returned to league action, after two weeks off, but were unable to add to their league goal tally as Portmouth shared the points at the Madejski Stadium. There was plenty of effort on show from both sides in a game that was at times very entertaining, and at other times rather scrappy. Reading had much the better of the first half and should have gone in ahead at the break, but the visitors had the better of the second half and were unlucky not to score themselves. All things considered the draw was certainly the right result - and after two excellent defensive performances from both sides. Right from the off Reading were on the attack forcing three corners in the opening couple of minutes. Portsmouth were struggling to get the ball out of their own half as Reading continually pinned them back. It was looking very promising and Reading looked seemingly set to dominate the game. Glen Little went closest with a header that was just wide of the post. However, despite spending the entire first half winning corner after corner David James in the Portsmouth goal was rarely tested. Portsmouth defended with determination - the centre backs continued to cope with everything we threw at them. Reading couldn't force a breakthrough and it certainly wasn't for lack of trying. Kitson looked certain to put Reading ahead but found himself robbed of the ball by Campbell as he was surely about to blast it home. Eventually, Portsmouth started to get into the game and drove a shot just wide of Hahenmann's right post before wasting a free-kick by blasting it into the Reading wall. After the break, the game swapped around with Portsmouth starting the brightest and winning a series of corners. Duberry was excellent but man of the match Ingimarsson was even better. Nothing got past Ingimarsson as his vital tackles frustrated Portsmouth in the same way Reading had been in the first half. Portmouth looked like they'd won it late on when a long range effort smacked against the Reading post with Marcus beaten - but that would have been harsh. 2.5M signing Greg Halford at last made his Reading debut but was only given a couple of minutes - and a couple of brief touches - as both sides settled for the draw.

Arsenal Take All Three Points
Added by HNA? on 04/03/07
Reading once again failed in a late comeback bid as they so nearly stole a point at the Emirates Stadium. However, in all honesty, there was never any likelihood of Reading becoming the first team to win at Arsenal's new ground. Arsenal dominated most of the fixture and looked comfortable throughout - with the exception of the final five minutes when Reading nearly managed to scramble an unlikely late draw. After letting in three in six minutes against Manchester United and after going down 0-4 in the reverse fixture earlier this season, the opening ten minutes were nervous for Reading. Thankfully Marcus Hahnemann was in excellent form. Arsenal missed a golden chance from a few yards out but somehow failed to connect with the ball. At half time it was a case of job done with the score at 0-0. But Arsenal stepped up their game after the break. With their flowing football they continued to create chances and really should have gone ahead with an excellent long range effort that looked to be heading into the top corner until Hahnemann suddenly appeared to put the ball round the post. A few minutes later and Arsenal took the lead from the penalty spot. Reading continued to play in their usual style and it was immediately after a Reading attack, just over ten minutes later, that Arsenal doubled their lead when Murty was beaten in the area. Inside the last five minutes, Lehmann handed Reading a late lifeline after he failed to hold the ball from a Reading corner. Oster, who had replaced Hunt fired in an excellent corner, which Fabregas turned into his own net under pressure from Lita at the near post. It set up a dramatic finish as Reading enjoyed their best spell of the game as they so nearly secured a last gasp point. Leroy Lita hit a shot straight at Lehmann, before the best chance fell to Sidwell on the right. We felt he was certain to score and Reading fans were on their feet expecting to celebrate when the Arsenal goalkeeper appeared to push the ball around the post and secure the three points for Arsenal.

Royals Comeback Narrowly Fails
Added by HNA? on 28/02/07
Reading fans were treated to the worst and the best of the Royals last night as Reading made, in the end, a very respectable exit from the FA Cup against Manchester United. The opening ten minutes was the worst ten minutes we've experienced all season as the visitors tore into a shambolic home defence to go three goals up with just six minutes on the clock. Reading were all over the place right from the start, as United took the lead with just a minute played. After all of Federici's first round heroics, he probably should have done better with the first goal after United were allowed to pull the ball back from the right and the shot went under his body. Reading didn't get a chance to recover - it was two a couple of minutes later as United were allowed all the time on the ball they wanted. The third, after six minutes, seemed to make it game over as Solskjaer ran through surely from an off-side position to go one-on-one with Federici before burying it. There was no sign that Reading were even going to compete as passes continually failed to find targets and United were allowed to bring the ball forward again and again. With ten minutes on the clock we feared the worst. But slowly Reading clawed their way back into the game as United sat back on their comfortable lead. Just when neutral fans at home, watching on BBC1, were probably hovering over the remote control buttons Reading began their recovery. A well worked corner from the right saw Oster's delivery headed back and Kitson was presented with an easy header form close range. From that point on there was only one side in it as Reading dominated the rest of the game and began playing some much better football. The second half was an excellent performance from Reading. Defensively we got it together with the determined Bikey putting in some vital tackles. In midfield Gunnarsson was everywhere, giving United no time on the ball and constantly winning it back and playing a simple pass to set up another attacking move. We swarmed forward. With six minutes left we got a reward when de la Cruz crossed and substitute Leroy Lita's finish was perfect beating Van der Sar just inside the post to make it 2-3. Reading so nearly forced extra time with United on the ropes. The visitors brought on Rooney and then Ronaldo to break up Reading's play as the Royals continued to threaten. The best of several further chances saw the superb Gunnarsson smash an effort against the United crossbar in the dying minutes. It would have been fair return for our efforts and who knows what with have happened in extra time with Reading playing so well.

Middlesbrough End Run
Added by HNA? on 26/02/07
Reading tasted their first defeat of 2007 as Middlesbrough ended our run of nine games without defeat. After an uneventful first half it took Reading a long time to get going as the home side looked good for their win. Reading were up against it early on after a clever Middlesbrough set-piece saw the first goal after seven minutes. A strangely placed group of players caused confusion in the Reading defence and allowed the ball to reach the far post where it was headed back before being back heeled past Hahnemann to set Middlesbrough on their way. Reading struggled to respond in the first half - Coppell had opted to pair Long and Lita up front but they were to have a quiet afternoon. Hunt headed a reasonable chance well wide before another chance fell to Long who shot wide of the of the target. After half time Reading picked up the pace of the game but struggled to break through. Despite the improved possession from the Royals, chances were limited. Long hit a shot against the top of the crossbar but Middlesbrough continued to look dangerous on the break. Instead, Middlesbrough doubled their lead with twenty minutes left to play with Yakubu driving a strong shot past Hahnemann. Reading were beaten but continued to play. Murty missed a decent opportunity to get Reading back into the game before substitute Oster grabbed a consolation with three minutes left on the clock. Little crossed from the right and Oster bounced the ball over the keeper for his first Premiership goal for the Royals. However time ran out for Reading to salvage a point.

Quarter Final Draw
Added by HNA? on 19/02/07
Reading or Manchester United will travel to either Middlesbrough or West Bromwich Albion in the Quarter Final of the FA Cup. The exact fixture will be known next week when the four sides involved meet in replays following draws at the weekend. While Reading recorded an impressive 1-1 scoreline at Old Trafford, West Brom travelled to Middlesbrough to hold the home team 2-2. The game will take place during the weekend of the 10th of March.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Earn Replay
Added by HNA? on 18/02/07
Reading earnt an FA Cup fifth round replay against Premiership Leaders Manchester United with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. As had been widely reported before the game, Steve Coppell stuck to his policy of fielding fringe players for cup fixtures despite the high quality of the opposition. However, in all honesty this remained a strong Reading side with players coming into the side who haven't been able to break back into the first team simply because of our excellent league form. It was the home side that got off to the better start but Reading soon enjoyed a good spell of pressure themselves. The best chance of the first half so far came when the impressive De La Cruz got forward and played a nice return pass before hitting the ball the wrong side of the goalkeeper. His effort was just wide of the near post, when he probably should have put Reading ahead. United had a couple of efforts shot wide of the target as Reading looked to be successfully containing them and taking the game into the break on level terms. However, with the last action of the first half Ronaldo, always a threat, broke through before passing to Carrick who hit it first time from a long way out. It was an powerful shot that flew into the bottom corner of the net giving Federici no time to get back and make the save despite his efforts. After the break Reading looked in trouble with United increasing the pressure, until we managed to break on 67 minutes to win our first corner of the second half. Oster played over an excellent corner that swung away from the defence to find Gunnarsson in the middle of the area. Gunnarsson capped a superb performance with a header that matched it as it looped over the crowd of players and the goalkeeper, dipping just under the crossbar to make it 1-1. Both sides had chances to secure a win but the game ended with a draw and a replay at the Madejski Stadium - which has been scheduled for Tuesday 27 February.

Auction of Signed Shirt For Charity
Added by HNA? on 15/02/07
Supporters may recall from an article last year that season ticket holder Richard Mason is missing Reading's first ever season in the Premiership. In June last year he set off from Reading cycling to China and back in aid of Cancer Research UK, covering up to 15,000 miles and 27 countries. Richard is currently cycling through Laos having just left Cambodia and Thailand. As part of his fundraising efforts the club has kindly sorted out another signed shirt, which is now being auctioned on eBay. Every penny of the highest bid will go to Cancer Research UK. The shirt incorporates 16 signatures, and also the Premier League badges. The auction closes on 25 February 2007. To find out more about Richard's trip, and to sponsor him, visit his website at 2 Wheels to China.

Reading Hit Forty Points
Added by HNA? on 03/02/07
Reading's insanely amazing season just gets better and better. With 26 games played Reading have already hit the magic 40 point mark - adding three points today with another impressive away victory at Manchester City. Leroy Lita's season has come to life - with the two goals he hit to seal the win today he made it nine goals in nine games. As usual it's all about the team performance, and this Reading team has now clocked up six wins from seven games in 2007. We're unbeaten all year and have won four in a row. After Reading's biggest ever dip into the transfer market during the week with millions of pounds leaving the club kitty it was perhaps a little suprising that none of the new players featured. There were chances for both sides during the game but after keeping City out, and frustrated, Lita wrapped up a late win for Reading with two goals in the last eleven minutes. The first came as City came forward pushing for a goal themselves. Shorey started off a quick move up field as Reading counter attacked, Sidwell ran forward before feeding Lita who drove his low shot into the corner of the net. The game was won for Reading but any doubt was ruled out in the last couple of minutes when Harper set up Leroy to finish in similar fashion to make it 2-0.

Duberry Completes Signing
Added by HNA? on 31/01/07
Stoke City captain Michael Duberry has completed his transfer deadline day signing for Reading for a 800,000 transfer fee. The former Chelsea player signs on a contract that runs until the summer of 2008. Leeds United paid 4.5 million pounds for the player from Chelsea before he moved to Stoke on a free transfer during the 2004/2005 season.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Five Wins From Six
Added by HNA? on 31/01/07
The Royals extended their excellent current run of form to make it five wins from six fixtures and move back up to seventh in the Premiership table. The visitors, Wigan Athletic, provided tough competition but their two goals at either end of the game weren't enough to stop Reading taking the three points and running out 3-2 winners. Wigan were quick to get stuck in taking a quick lead when a ball over the top saw a run on goal and a powerful finish. They could have extended their lead with another shot against the Reading crossbar before the Royals eventually settled down. Even when Reading did find their feet Wigan continued to carve out shots with Hahnemann making some good stops. Sidwell should have scored from close range and Hunt had a couple of shots wide of the target before Lita lobbed the ball over a stranded Wigan goalkeeper to allow Ingimarsson to head Reading level on the half hour mark. The equaliser saw Reading get on top and they always looked more likely to complete the win. As Reading's pressure increased we went ahead after the break when Hunt looped the ball to the far post and over the goalkeeper for Shane Long to head in on the line to make it 2-1. Dave Kitson came off the bench as Reading looked to wrap up the win and he might have done better with an open goal but blasted it wide. He made up for it by creating the third, winning a header against the keeper and leaving Lita to score from a tight angle with the keeper stranded. Wigan scored with the last action of the game but Reading already had it wrapped up.

Halford Signing Sets Club Record
Added by HNA? on 31/01/07
Reading have completed the signing of Greg Halford from Colchester United for a record club transfer fee. The transfer fee is thought to be 2.5 million pounds, which smashes Reading's record signing fee and also sets a new record for Colchester who had previously received 2.25 million for Lua Lua from Newcastle. There was rumoured to be a lot of interest in the player with Reading securing the signature before other Premiership sides. Halford has been playing full back for United but can play in a number of positions and will be available for selection on Saturday as Reading visit Manchester City. He signs on a contract that will keep him at Reading until the end of the 2009/2010 season.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Bennett Signs And Halford To Follow
Added by HNA? on 30/01/07
Alan Bennett has become the third player to recently sign from Irish side Cork City. Bennett follows Kevin Doyle and Shane Long who made the switch from the side to sign for the Royals. Bennett signs on a 300,000 pound deal - with the initial payment expected to be 250,000 with the rest to follow based on appearances. The central defender, who will not be available in time to face Wigan at the Madejski Stadium this evening, has initially signed a two and a half year contract. Meanwhile Colchester United player Greg Halford looks set to complete his move to Reading shortly, with the clubs discussing the exact fee. Halford, who can play in a range of positions, has made over 150 starts for United with 24 goals to his name.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Reading Live On BBC1
Added by HNA? on 30/01/07
Reading's game with Premiership leaders Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Cup will be screened live on BBC1. The live showing means that kick-off time on Saturday 17th February has been switched from 3pm to a 5:15pm kick-off. Meanwhile, there is a big ticket allocation for travelling fans with Reading set to receive 6,000 tickets. Adult seats will cost 35 pounds.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Manchester United Away
Added by HNA? on 29/01/07
Reading have been drawn away against Premiership leaders Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The fixture is Reading's reward for Saturday's 3-2 victory over Birmingham City. United have already beaten both Aston Villa and Portmouth, both at Old Trafford, in earlier rounds of the cup. The last time the two sides met in the FA Cup was a fourth round meeting at a sold-out Elm Park back in January 1996 with United running out 0-3 winners with goals from Cantona, Giggs and Parker. The game is scheduled to take place on Saturday 17 February - but is subject to change due to possible TV schedules.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Fifth Round Place Booked
Added by HNA? on 28/01/07
Reading booked a rare appearance in round five of the FA Cup with a 3-2 victory at Championship Birmingham City. This was an impressive result for Reading who rested several key players but still produced a convincing performance to earn a big win. Dave Kitson made another return from injury to start the game and complete his first full forty-five minutes of the season for the first team. That was good news alone, but it was better in the opening three minutes for Kitson as he scored the first goal of the game to send Reading on their way. It was a solid start for Reading with Seol immediately causing problems for the home side down the wing before crossing to Kitson. Kitson made no mistake in the middle, making the most of his chance to put Reading ahead. It was a key point in the game with Reading showing they would take their chances - while Birmingham wasted more than enough chances to get back in the game - and it cost them dearly. Firstly they managed to put the ball wide from close range and then headed directly at Federici from just six yards out. Federici was having another good FA Cup game, as was the defence in front of him as Reading defended their lead. City should have pulled level again before Reading went down the other end and doubled their lead with probably only their second clear chance of the half. Convey crossed from the left and Lita accepted the opportunity in the middle to put the ball into the back of the net. Birmingham pulled a goal back after the break to set up an entertaining second half but Reading remained solid in all areas. City were struggling to break through and Reading looked dangerous on the counter attack. With eight minutes on the clock, Reading wrapped up the win when Leroy Lita broke free to stride towards goal and finish for his second of the game to make it 3-1. The game was won at that point, but City did manage a late consolation goal when Larsson scored from a free-kick.

Sheffield United Well Beaten
Added by HNA? on 21/01/07
Visitors Sheffield United were well beaten after an explosive second half saw Reading run out 3-1 winners against a poor United side. The first half gave no indication of what was to come with most of the half being forgetable with the exception of good opening five minutes and a better closing five minutes. Reading were the better side but there was too much hoofing the ball in the air as the game became scrappy. Murty nearly put Reading ahead with an excellent long range shot that needed a save before Long scored the first from close range after the ball bounced off Sidwell from a clearance. After half time De la Cruz, a replacement for Shorey at left back, completed an excellent performance with a run from his defensive position that saw Harper return the ball. De la Cruz ran through down the right before taking the ball into the area and finishing the move with an excellent finish to make it 2-0. Sheffield United were clearly already beaten, but it got worse for them when Gillespie came off the bench and found himself sent off in a matter of seconds - the ball hadn't even come into play before he saw red. He immediately elbowed Hunt in the head before swinging a punch at Hunt after he'd already been shown the red card. Moments later it all kicked off as Wally Downes reacted to Neil Warnocks abuse and gesturing by giving him a shove. Both benches then waded in as the referee struggled to restore order. When the game did get back underway, Reading made it 3-0 when a Sidwell shot was cleverly touched into the back of the net by Stephen Hunt. It looked like Reading might extend the lead further but United scored a consolation goal when Reading's off-side trap went wrong.

The Pride Of Being A Royal
Added by HNA? on 17/01/07
Matt Williams has been busy putting finger to keyboard to put together another excellent article on the Royals. With Reading riding high in the Premiership, Matt looks at just how proud Reading fans rightly are as 2007 gets underway.
Pride and loyalty are characteristics that are sadly on the decline in football. Too often do we see fans in this day and age calling for a manager’s head just because they have lost a couple of games. How often do we see players deserting the club that gave them their big chance purely because another club chairman with a bigger chequebook comes knocking? The Reading players and fans have always kept faith, they’ve all committed to the cause and shown the pride and passion that is needed to succeed, and because of this it is no coincidence that Reading achieved what they did last year.
And why shouldn’t we be proud? We have not forgotten where the club was as little as eight years ago. We were there when we moved into a stadium that was far too big for us. We have certainly made it our own now, but we won’t forget those times when we felt more like guests than owners. We are proud of the fact that this patient ‘brick-by-brick’ approach has worked, we appreciate how the club is being run, that we have a strict wage-structure and will not contradict our ethics for anyone. Collectively as a club we feel like we have earned our position, we are now the team whom others base themselves on, and for that we deserve to be proud.
To read the full article follow the link below:

Everton And Reading Share Points
Added by HNA? on 15/01/07
Reading were within ten minutes of taking the full three points from Everton after frustrating the home side all afternoon. In a good away showing, Reading led for most of the game after taking the lead just before the half hour mark and held it until Johnson headed a late eqauliser to force a share of the points. With Murty out, De la Cruz stepped into the full back position and had probably his best ever game in a Reading shirt, in a solid defensive performance. De la Cruz also looked good coming forward as Reading created chances of their own despite pressure from Everton. It was the home side that had got off to the better start and looked more likely until Reading took the lead on twenty-eight minutes. Doyle was taken down outside the area and Shorey's free kick into the area saw the goalmouth crowded with players. As the ball came in, Stephen Hunt emerged unmarked to run behind the defence and meet the ball with his head. The ball bounced on the keepers' leg on the line and came back out, but found the net via a defender to put Reading a goal up. The goal was quickly over shadowed for Reading as Kevin Doyle was forced to limp off the pitch after going down when chasing the ball. Doyle's suspected hamstring injury will be confirmed after tests - but he seems likely to be out for at least the rest of Janaury and perhaps beyond. Shane Long came off the bench and looked lively as the game developed into an end to end affair after a quiet opening half. There had been very few chances in the first half but the game opened up after the break with Hahnemann quickly needing to make a good save to hold a powerful long range shot. Johnson shot just wide of the far post as Everton stepped up the pressure. Reading looked dangerous on the break but Everton looked more likely to pull level. With nine minutes left on the clock a high ball in the area saw Hahnemann come way off his line when he should have stayed put. The mistake left Johnson free to head into an empty net to make it 1-1.

Royals Through To Round Four
Added by HNA? on 10/01/07
Reading went through to round four of the FA Cup, to meet Birmingham City or Newcastle United, after a 3-2 home victory against Burnley. The Royals fielded a mixture of first team and fringe players with Federici and Golbourne making starts. Meanwhile there was more excellent news for Reading with Convey returning to action and playing a full ninety minutes as well as showing plenty of his old self. Dave Kitson also made his return from injury, coming off the bench to play the last thirty minutes. At that stage of the game Reading were holding onto their lead and Kitson didn't get much action up front - but he was running around well and played a couple of good balls to show he's ready for league action. Adam Federici was man of the match with an excellent Reading debut making plenty of saves throughout the game and showing some good distribution. Without his contribution there would have been a very different scoreline. Reading's weakened defence of De la Cruz, Sodje, Ingimarsson and Golbourne struggled at times and Federici was called on to make two important first half stops and a string of saves in the second half including some great reactions from close range. Convey and Bikey had good games but Seol and Oster were quiet in midfield. Despite Burnley's chances and big contribution it was Reading that controlled the opening hour of the game to carve out a three goal lead and put the game out of the visitors reach. Convey hit the post early on after Long played him through and moments later Long flicked on to Leroy Lita who finished with an excellent strike. Ten minutes later and Shane Long scored another superb goal after taking the ball wide and firing it home from the tightest of angles. Although Reading were poor in defence we were looking very good coming forward. After half time Golbourne, also making his first start, crossed from the left and Sodje headed home. At 3-0 up Reading relaxed, and Burnley pulled back a deserved goal for their efforts with Federici being lobbed as he come out to the edge of his area. Burnley scored the last goal of the game, making it 3-2 in injury time, which probably made it a fair reflection of the night's play.

Birmingham Or Newcastle Drawn
Added by HNA? on 08/01/07
The winners of tomorrow evening's third round game between Reading and Burnley will travel to Birmingham City or Newcastle United in round four of the FA Cup. Reading and Burnley were forced to wait until Tuesday night to play their third round fixture after heavy rain forced a postponment on Saturday. Meanwhile Birmingham came from a goal behind to force a 2-2 home draw against Newcastle - despite playing the second half with ten men - and will need a replay to decide who goes through. Should Reading defeat Burnley with their mostly reserve line-up on Tuesday night they will travel for the next round on Saturday 27th January.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Waterlogged Pitch
Added by HNA? on 06/01/07
This afternoon's FA Cup Third Round tie between Reading and Burnley has been called off, just before kick-off, due to a waterlogged pitch. There could be no arguing with the referee's decision, with the pitch covered in surface water and the rain still coming down just before 3pm. Some areas of the pitch were covered in large puddles, particularly down towards the South Stand that would have clearly taken a long time to drain. In typical fashion as approximately 12,000 fans made their exit from the ground, immediately after the abandonment announcement, the rain stopped. At ten minutes to three the Burnley team, still in tracksuit tops, had jogged over to applaud their traveling fans before disappearing back down the tunnel - making it clear the game was off. The Burnley supporters were left with a frustrating trip home and will need to make the same trip on Tuesday when the re-arranged game will take place - kicking off at 8pm in three days time. The current met office forecast for Reading for Tuesday is more heavy rain - with further rain expected on both Sunday and Monday. It might therefore be a wise idea to check before traveling to the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday. Meanwhile, both Reading and Burnley will go into Monday's draw for the fourth round.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Doyle And Hunt Extend Contracts
Added by HNA? on 05/01/07
Reading players Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt have both signed new contract deals this afternoon to extend their existing contracts with the Royals. The Premiership's third highest goal scorer so far this season, Doyle, has signed a contract that will keep him at Reading until 2010. Meanwhile, Stephen Hunt, who signed from Brentford on a free transfer in the summer of 2005 has a new contract that runs until 2009.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Reading Thrash West Ham
Added by HNA? on 01/01/07
Reading followed up two excellent away performances at Chelsea and Manchester United, and ended a six game winless run in style by thrashing West Ham United 6-0 at the Madejski Stadium. The impressive scoreline was in fact the result of a typical Reading performance. As usual we chased down every ball and never stopped looking for more goals. Regardless of the scoreline we stuck to the gameplan and looked dangerous every single time we attacked. It could have been an even bigger win with Green making some saves and Oster hitting the side netting three times after coming on in the second half. We also played the last ten minutes with ten men after Gunnarsson limped off with all our substitutes used up. After West Ham's promising start it must have been a cruel blow to them to effectively find themselves beaten after just fifteen minutes. Perhaps even against the run of play Reading went ahead on twelve minutes when Shorey floated in a perfect free kick from the edge of the area. It was a repeat of Sonko's goal at Manchester United as this time Gunnarsson rose to head home and send Reading on their way. Three minutes later it was 2-0. Sidwell was played in on the right and he crossed to Hunt who found himself totally unmarked at the far post. Hunt made no mistake. All West Ham's early efforts quickly faded into distant memory as from that point onwards it was all one-way traffic as Reading dominated the game. It was three on the half hour mark when Shorey played the ball into the area and Ferdinand positioned himself in front of his keeper to head the ball into the back of the net. We were playing excellent football and West Ham could only watch. Except most their supporter chose not to as they made their way for the exits a long time before Doyle made it 4-0 ten minutes before half time. Man of the match Shorey, weaved his way past four or five players on a long distance run that created the goal. He ended his run with a simple ball to Harper in the area who set up Doyle to finish off the move. A Premiership goal of the highest quality. West Ham went on damage limitation after half time, switching to a more defensive formation and removing Harewood from their forward line. It made little difference as Reading looked like they could score at will. The fifth came from a Sidwell cross that saw Lita hit the ball under the keeper from close range.Lita and Doyle both forced saves out of the keeper as Reading looked to extend their lead still further. On 78 minutes Nicky Shorey came down to take a corner from the North East corner of the ground and was greeted by huge chants of "Shorey for England". He responded with the perfect corner for Doyle to head home his second goal of the afternoon and complete the scoring at 6-0.

United Win By Odd Goal In Five
Added by HNA? on 30/12/06
Reading completed their sixth straight Premiership game without victory despite a gallant performance at Old Trafford. The Royals put in another impressive showing in front of nearly 76,000 people and eventually lost 2-3 after being level with United at half time. As expected Ronaldo was to be the key man for United. He continually caused the Reading defence problems and it was only a matter of time before he found the net. United took the lead just after the half hour mark when Ronaldo provided the cross and Solskjaer found space in the middle to head home. Our response to finding ourselves a goal down was to try and restore the balance. A Reading attack was rewarded with a free kick, and Shorey put it into the box where Sonko met it to head Reading level at 1-1. The Royals had been behind for just five minutes. Reading were working hard but it was an onslaught after the break as we tried to keep United out. On the hour mark Reading's resistance crumbled. Graeme Murty was clearly struggling with an injury - which may have contributed to United getting extra space to attack down the left. Rooney was able to break free and provided the cross. Solskjaer hit the post but Ronaldo was there to hit home the rebound and put United a goal up. Sodje, who replaced Murty, was to have a very unfortunate afternoon - picking up two bookings and playing just ten minutes before Reading were reduced to ten men. So Reading found themselves playing with ten men, and already a goal down, at Old Trafford, against probably the very best side in British football. Luck clearly wasn't on our side as United poured forward again. On 77 minutes Giggs crossed and Ronaldo scored from an offside position to seal the points. However, Reading never stopped playing and grabbed a consolation goal at the end of normal time when Lita ran through and finished with style to make it 2-3.

Chelsea Hold Reading To Draw
Added by HNA? on 26/12/06
Reading twice came from behind to record a historic away draw at the current Premiership champions. It was no more than Reading deserved after a spirited second half performance in which they outplayed Chelsea with some determined attacking football. At full time it was Reading's comeback and impressive football that took the headlines rather than accidental injuries to goalkeepers. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was much calmer this time round and stuck to the facts: "That was a fair result." Chelsea had dominated the first half with Drogba giving Sonko a very tough afternoon. It was clearly just a matter of time before Drogba would hit the net after getting in two good shots on target that Hahnemann did well to save. He didn't do quite so well on 38 minutes when a corner saw Hahnemann rooted to the ground to be outjumped by Drogba who headed home. The second half was a different story. Rather than settle for keeping the score down we took the game to Chelsea and went on the hunt for an equaliser. A couple of dangerous crosses caused problems before Steve Sidwell unleashed an excellent shot that went the wrong side of the post - and in the top corner of the side netting instead. Glen Little had already threatened by cutting past players at the end of the first half. He again twisted past his man and beat a second before delivering the perfect cross from the right on 67 minutes. Leroy Lita had found the perfect space in the middle and delivered an exact header to send the ball into the side of the net. 1-1, the Reading fans went crazy and Lita picked up a yellow card for his celebrations. However, Drogba was still the same threat up front and Chelsea were back in front just five minutes later. The cross found Sonko sucked in the middle and out of position. Drogba took advantage of all the space to put the ball past Hahnemann to restore the lead. But it wasn't all over. Reading's effort paid off with five minutes left to play. Doyle broke down the left and his excellent run ended with a cross into the middle. Under little pressure Chelsea substitute Ashley Cole played the ball into his team mate Michael Essien, and the ball pinged off him and into the back of the net to make it 2-2. The last five minutes and the additional three were always going to be nervous for Reading as they attempted to secure an excellent away draw. And Reading finished well, looking comfortable and very good for the point.

Everton Secure Away Win
Added by HNA? on 23/12/06
Reading's second straight home defeat saw Everton move above them in the league table as Reading dropped to ninth at the half way point in the season. Unfortunately that very healthy position is likely to be further eroded as Reading travel to second placed Chelsea and leaders Manchester United over the Christmas period. Everton dominated the first half to take a one goal lead in at the break, and quickly followed it up with a second goal after half time to seal the win. Reading looked a transformed side when Lita came off the bench with 54 minutes on the clock, but despite some good football and plenty of effort from Reading, they failed to find the goal that would have got them back into the game. Everton's first goal came just before the quarter of an hour mark. They were given plenty of time down the right and the eventual cross saw Johnson given an equal amount of time inside the Reading area to turn and loop the ball into the top of the net. It looked like it had taken a deflection - but even so Marcus was well beaten as the ball crashed into the root of the net. After that it looked like a question of how many Everton would add. The impressive Johnson produced the second goal just after the break - winning the ball and setting up McFadden to seal the points. Reading pushed forward when Lita arrived off the bench - Lita quickly forcing a save from the Everton keeper. We had chances to score with Harper blasting over from close range and Sidwell getting a shot on target. However, we ran out of time and Everton took the full three points.

Reading Waste Half Time Lead
Added by HNA? on 17/12/06
Reading wasted an opportunity to earn more Premiership points after losing at home to Blackburn Rovers - despite being deservedly ahead at half time. The Royals looked to set to notch up another home victory after James Haper had put Reading ahead four minutes before half time. Hunt played through an excellent ball for Harper to run onto and finish with style from the edge of the area. At that stage Reading looked fully in control after a scrappy start to the game. Harper could have put Reading ahead with a shot straight at the goalkeeper and Sonko hit the crossbar as Reading ended the first half looking much the better side. It was all change after the break as the visitors looked a changed side. They immediately took the game to Reading who seemed unable to get back in their stride. After already hitting the net twice with off-side efforts, Blackburn pulled level just after the hour mark. Reading then struggled to get any kind of opportunities to regain their lead with the Blackburn keeper having very little to do. There was always a threat down the other end and when John Oster's wayward pass let Rovers run at goal they secured a victory with a stunning shot that flew into the top corner after an excellent run on goal. It was a dramatic turn around - but a well earned away win for Rovers.

Watford And Royals Share Bore Draw
Added by HNA? on 09/12/06
Last season Reading and Watford played out two 0-0 draws in the Championship - and it was the same forumla today in the Premiership as neither side managed to find the net in a scrappy draw. In a game lacking entertainment there were few chances and very little impressive football on show as both sides struggled to retain the ball or make an impact going forward. The Royals were without Murty and Seol - giving Bikey a start and Lita a chance up front. Lita had Reading's best chances of the first half after being played through by Hunt and then by a Doyle header but both times he failed to find the target from close range. Watford finished the first half with the better chances as Hahnemann became the first goalkeeper to need to make a save with five minutes of the half remaining. He had an easy save from a long range effort and former Royals striker Henderson might have done better from close range but shot straight at Marcus in the Reading goal. The second half was the same again with neither side looking likely to break the deadlock with no accuracy up front. Henderson again had a chance but put it over the crossbar, and when Watford did break through they failed to hit the target. Hahnemann had one save of note to make in the second half while down the other end the keeper wasn't tested. Both defenses put in solid performances but both sides seemed unable to keep hold of the ball and were seemingly happy to settle for the draw. Oster picked up the only yellow card of the game as the game drew to a close. Glen Little appeared for a minute but it never seemed likely he could make an impact in a disappointing game.

Reading Miss Out On Third Place
Added by HNA? on 07/12/06
Reading missed out on the chance to take third spot in the Premiership table as Newcastle United bought a run of four straight wins to an end. The game turned on a controversial penalty awarded to the home side ten minutes into the second half, when Reading were a goal ahead and looking the most likely side to go on and win. In an entertaining fixture, Newcastle looked to have got off to the better start. Half way through the first half Newcastle took the lead when a cross from the right was headed past Hahnemann in the Reading goal. John Oster had retained his place in the starting eleven after his excellent performance last weekend, but there was more injury worries for Reading when Hunt was forced to leave the pitch with ten minutes of the first half remaining. Glen Little appeared off the bench as Reading enjoyed their best spell of the game. The equaliser came after Oster did well to break down the left and cross to Harper. Harper's low effort took a defelction and found its way into the back of the net. Just a few minutes later and Harper was on the scoresheet again to put Reading ahead at the half time break. Little made the most of a defensive mistake to get a shot in and the loose ball came out to Harper on the edge of the area who drove the ball into the corner of the net. It was an excellent goal that put Reading firmly in control of the game. After the break Reading looked firm favourites to complete a fifth straight victory, until the referee awarded a dodgy penalty after a player went down in the area and Sonko was judged to have made contact. The resulting penalty was scored, with a low effort that Hahnemann failed to stop. All of a sudden the home crowd started making some noise, and with the game level again Newcastle were very much back in it against the run of play. A few minutes later and it looked like they had taken the lead - only for the goal to be ruled out for offside when it probably wasn't. That might have evened things up but the penalty had turned the game and Newcastle were on the ascendancy. We'd have settled for a point at that stage but with six minutes to go Newcastle won it with an impressive long range effort. Kevin Doyle had already limped off with nine minutes left to play and Murty followed him with a foot injury right at the end, as the night ended on a sour night for the Royals.

Burnley In FA Cup
Added by HNA? on 03/12/06
Reading have been drawn at home against Championship side Burnley in the third round of the FA Cup. Burnley will visit the Madejski Stadium on Saturday 6 January 2007. The Clarets are exactly a league division below the Royals, currently sitting in sixth place in the Championship table. Last season Reading took six points from Burnley in the league - winning 2-1 at home, with Lita and Doyle scoring, and 3-0 away with Convey, Sonko and Kitson hitting the net.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Four Straight Wins
Added by HNA? on 02/12/06
Reading made it four straight Premiership victories with another impressive performance - this time beating Bolton to move back up to sixth in the table - level on points with third placed Arsenal. The Royals played the better football throughout the afternoon, made the better chances, and played much fairer and were excellent value for their win. Bolton were given little space to play the ball and struggled to break through. Down the other end they struggled to contain Reading's forward line that was heavily assisted by a superb performance from Oster who started his first Premiership game for Reading. Reading could have won by more but the decisive goal once more came from the boot of Kevin Doyle. It was top drawer team combination that led to the goal - much like the performance across the ninety minutes. Nicky Shorey did well to beat his man and cross from the left to Oster on the right. Oster cut past his marker and into the area before playing a perfect cross between defenders to Doyle at the far post. Doyle's header matched the move as he powered it across the goal and into the back of the net.

Murty To Stay Until 2009
Added by HNA? on 01/12/06
Club captain Graeme Murty has signed a new deal that keeps him under contact with the Royals until the summer of 2009. Murty follows Glen Little and Marcus Hahnemann who signed new contracts earlier this week, as the club look to keep together the core of the currently very successful side. Murty, who signed from York City for £0.7 million in July 1998, has made over 250 league starts for the Royals and is only four away from hitting 300 appearances in all competitions.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Safe Standing Campaign
Added by HNA? on 29/11/06
STAR (the Supporter's Trust At Reading) are putting their support behind a new motion to bring back standing at all-seater stadiums - and need Reading fans' help to make it happen. STAR have released the following:
STAR calls on all Reading fans to contact their MP to ask them to support Early Day Motion 101 in the House of Commons. This EDM states "That this House urges the Government to re-examine the case for introducing small, limited sections of safe standing areas at football grounds; further urges the Government to recognise that there is widespread support for such areas, and that improvements in stadium design and technology mean that with rigorous safety specifications standing areas could be safely re-introduced; and calls on the Minister concerned to convene a meeting of representatives of the police, supporters, Premier League clubs and the Football Licensing Authority to find a way forward."
Both STAR and the FSF (Football Supporters' Federation) strongly endorse this view - the current conflict over standing at football matches cannot go on, but the Government refuses to re-open the debate on this subject. We believe that if we can get enough signatures on this EDM it will put additional pressure on the Government to discuss options for safe standing, but without dialogue nothing will be resolved. Already 46 MPs have signed this motion, including Bracknell Forest MP Andrew Mackay, but other local MPs have not yet signed. The more football fans who contact their MPs about this, the more they will realise that this issue is important to fans. For more information, including how to contact your MP see the STAR website.

Little And Hahnemann Extend Contracts
Added by HNA? on 27/11/06
Glen Little and Marcus Hahnemann have both signed extensions to their current contracts to keep them at the club until the Summer of 2008. Both players have been a key part of Reading's recent success - and look set to continue to play major roles as Reading cement their status as a Premiership side. Marcus was in good form again on Saturday to keep another top tier clean sheet, as Reading were victorious over his former club Fulham at Craven Cottage. Glen set up Reading's winner after being involved in the move that lead to Kevin Doyle's penalty kick. Little was forced to limp off injured before the half time break. The good news is that the injury is not serious and he could still be available for selection on Saturday although he is likely to be rested. Reading club captain Graeme Murty is expected to be the next player to secure his Reading future with a contract extension currently under negotiation.

Another Win: Seol And Doyle Score
Added by HNA? on 19/11/06
Reading climbed back into the top half of the Premiership table with a straight forward victory over a poor Charlton side. The Royals didn't need to put in their best performance but showed enough good football over the ninety minutes to cruise to victory against the side bottom of the table. Reading, at times, played some attractive passing football and created the best chances - enough to make them look a class above the visitors. At times the game was scrappy and the ball spent an above average time in the air, but Reading did more than enough and probably should have won by more. Reading took the lead after an excellent move that Stephen Hunt created with a cheeky back-heel in the left corner of the pitch. The ball came back to Shorey who whipped in an excellent cross. Seol did well to pull away from two defenders to earn a clear header with which he made no mistake to put Reading ahead. Reading could have extended their lead with a similar move minutes later when another excellent cross found Little in the area. Little's low shot was inches wide of the left post. During the game Kevin Doyle twice found himself played through and looked favourites to run on to score but the ball didn't quite roll for him. However, he did get on the score sheet to seal the win with twenty minutes left to play. Sidwell did all the hard work to win the ball and when the return pass came he looked to blast it home. Instead he entirely mis-kicked the ball, which looped into the air before Doyle made contact, to volley it over the keeper and dip it perfectly into the back of the net. Reading had two penalty appeals waved away as they looked to extend the lead further while Charlton were offering little resistance. Hahnemann made a couple of tidy saves but had little involvement in the second half. Hunt got in a good shot that was pushed wide and Reading had to settle for the two goal win that saw them rise to eighth spot.

Back To Winning Ways
Added by HNA? on 12/11/06
Reading returned to winning ways, after a run of four straight league defeats, with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Madejski Stadium. The Royals had to come from behind to take three points and move ahead of Spurs in the Premiership table - back to 11th palce. This was an impressive Reading performance all round as we showed a return to form after some disappointingly straight forward recent defeats. It was clearer than even that we'd missed Murty after he made his return from injury at full back and put in a superb performance. Reading had got off to a good start and were building on a controlled performance when Spurs took the lead, if anything against the run of play. The visitors took full advantage of a Sonko leg stretched out in the area, falling over it to win the penalty. Hahnemann went the wrong way and the ball was played into the bottom corner of the net to make it 0-1. Reading's determination paid off seven minutes before half time when the ball came loose to Shorey on the edge of the box on the left and he drove in a beautiful shot that swerved away from the keeper and into the far corner. The game had swung around suddenly back in Reading's favour. Just before the break the real breakthrough came. Reading won another corner on the left and Little's cross dropped for Sidwell to guide it home with the away defence static. The second half continued in the same vein with Reading preventing Spurs from playing. Spurs switched it around, taking off a defender and bringing on a striker and there was always a danger Spurs might pull level. They probably should have done with just over ten minutes left to play when substitute Defoe broke free in the area and fired into the side netting as Hahnemann did well to narrow the angle. It could have been 2-2, but instead Reading immediately made it 3-1, and sealed the win, as Hahnemann pumped the ball up-field from the goal kick. Doyle collected the ball and ran on goal before firing across the keeper into the far corner to wrap up the points for Reading.

Reading Drop Out Of Top Half
Added by HNA? on 05/11/06
Once again there was no disgrace in Reading's performance, but the Royals were always a long way from taking any points from Liverpool. This was Reading's fifth straight defeat, a run that's included four league losses, and saw Reading drop out of the top half of the Premiership table for the first time since August. With Murty still out missing there was more re-arrangement in defence with Sam Sodje making his second Premiership start and I thought having an excellent game. However, it was a tall order to deal with the Liverpool front line and even our best efforts weren't to be quite enough. It was Reading that got off to a solid start and the best chance of the opening ten minutes came to the Royals. After winning the first corner of the game we also nearly scored as the ball was crossed from the right and Harper hit a low shot that needed the first real save of the match from Reina. Reading were looking impressive down the right with Gunnarsson and Little combining well to hold possession and Little putting in a couple of dangerous crosses. In fairness we'd probably come to take a point with just Doyle on his own up front, and a packed midfield. It was looking promising for Reading until the killer blow came within the opening fifteen minutes. Gerrard pumped the ball into the box and Crouch rose high into the air to head the ball back down. I'm not sure what happened to Hahnemann, but the next second the ball was driven into the net to make it 0-1. Reading stuck at it but Liverpool were superb defensively and we were limited to a couple of corners and some half decent crosses from the right for the rest of the first half. Still, 0-1 at half-time wasn't a disaster and Reading started the second half as the better side. We were working really hard and playing some good passing football coming forward. We did manage to bundle the ball into the back of the net with twenty minutes left on the clock, but the referee had blown up long before the ball was in the net for a foul on the goalkeeper. Moments later and it really was all over as Liverpool ended Reading's spell of pressure by stringing a few passes together and putting the ball past Hahnemann again for Kuyt's second goal. This time it really was all over. Liverpool had done all they needed to do.

Royals Score Three But Exit Cup
Added by HNA? on 26/10/06
Reading's first trip to Anfield resulted in a third straight defeat for the Royals as an essentially reserve line-up battled hard against a strong Liverpool side. It was a shame that the League Cup draw meant Reading's first ever competitive game against Liverpool came a week and a half earlier than expected, on a Wednesday night, in a cup competition none of the top flight appear to take seriously at this stage. Despite that, a big crowd was treated to seven goals in an entertaining fixture that saw Reading battle from 0-3 and then 1-4 down to nearly force extra time. It was always going to be a huge task for Reading to progress to the next round without a first team line-up, but Reading played well and worked hard throughout. The Royals put in a solid first half performance and looked to be taking the game into the break on level terms until two Liverpool goals right before half time unjustly skewed the score-line. A minute before half time a through ball saw Robbie Fowler run through to produce an impressive performance to put the home side ahead. Moments later the lead was doubled when Stack couldn't hold a shot and the rebound was put into the back of the net. After half-time it seemed to be all over for Reading when Liverpool put Reading under instant pressure. It was all one-way traffic for a while as Liverpool added the third just five minutes into the half. In usual Reading style, we kept at it and pulled a goal back with fifteen minutes left to play, when Bikey headed home, which led to an entertaining finish. Liverpool immediately restored their three goal margin when Crouch walked the ball into the net past a very confused Stack. However, it wasn't all over as Reading added two more goals in the last ten minutes. Halls set up Lita who produced a decent finish to make it 2-4 before Little passed to Shane Long who scored his first goal of the season. Reading had chances to pull level in the last few minutes but Liverpool could easily have added a fifth as the post came to Stack's rescue.

Royals Beaten By Classy Arsenal
Added by HNA? on 22/10/06
Reading were given a footballing lesson by a stunning Arsenal side this afternoon. There could be no complaints about the final score - although Reading worked hard in their attempts to pull back a consolation goal, and perhaps deserved that for their efforts. Arsenal were in a different league to Reading with a team packed full of world-class individuals working as a solid team unit. It was the kind of performance that Reading will aspire too. It was the first time Reading had lost by more than a single goal for years - and the first time the visitors had scored in the North Stand goal for nearly as long. There were two changes to the starting line-up with Long given his Premiership debut alongside Doyle with Lita left out on the bench. Long worked hard but struggled to make an impact. With Murty out injured and Bikey suspended, De la Cruz stepped into the right back position and had a rough time of it until he was replaced by Gunnarsson at half time. With little over a minute gone, Arsenal were ahead with a trademark goal. A quick series of passes, all played low and perfectly to feet, saw a break down the right, and the ball was cut back and driven home by Henry on the edge of the box. We knew it was going to be a tough afternoon. Reading nearly pulled level after a Seol shot that was heading into the top corner was well saved by the Arsenal goalkeeper. Instead Arsenal doubled their lead before half with after a quick one-two sliced through the Reading defence. Reading started the second half brightly, but soon found themselves three goals down. There was now clearly no way back, but we kept playing and looking for an opening. The fourth, Henry's second, was from the penalty spot as Hahnemann took down the imressive Fabregas. The spot kick hit the base of the right post before resting in the back of Hahnemann's net. Oster and Little came off the bench and Reading were playing some good football themselves down the right flank. The statistics would have shown that Reading had a reasonable showing as we won a string of corners in the last ten minutes. Although in honesty it was a solid thrashing, it was not a disaster. In our first ever Premiership season we can lose at home to teams of Arsenal's quality - as long as we continue to pick up points against teams in the bottom half of the table. With a quarter of the season already gone we're sitting very nicely in the top half of the table.

Convey To Return But Murty Out
Added by HNA? on 19/10/06
Graeme Murty will be out of action for up to three weeks after suffering problems with hamstrings in both legs. Murty was forced to limp off during Saturday's 0-1 defeat against Chelsea. Murty was already suffering from a hamstring problem and is has been confirmed that he now has the same issue with both legs and will need time off to recover. Meanwhile, Bobby Convey is expected to be fit again by the weekend after having to sit out at the weekend, giving Stephen Hunt the chance to make his first Premiership start. Following Hunt's excellent performance it seems likely that Hunt may continue his role with Convey on the bench. Meanwhile, striker Dave Kitson is still some way off making a return. Kitson was expected to be back by now but has made slow progress. The good news is that he is starting to build up fitness again and may be back within a few weeks.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

FA Confirm No Action
Added by HNA? on 19/10/06
As expected, the FA have today confirmed that no further action will be taken following incidents on the pitch that led to two accidental injuries to the Chelsea goalkeepers last weekend. The Football Association statement read: "The FA has reviewed the incidents involving Stephen Hunt/Petr Cech and Ibrahima Sonko/Carlo Cudicini and has contacted referee Mike Riley, who confirmed that the match officials saw both incidents at the time. There will therefore be no further action." It remains to be seen whether action will be taken against Chelsea manager José Mourinho for bringing the game into disrepute with his false allegations.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Mourinho: Plot Officially Lost
Added by HNA? on 17/10/06
Congratulations to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for further elevation of his idiot status. Mourinho's latest bleatings to the press appear again to be so far from the truth it's impossible to take anything he says seriously. Early tonight Mourinho came up with the following stream of rubbish, when again discussing the Cech incident: "He left 30 minutes after my doctor called for an urgent ambulance. If my goalkeeper dies in that dressing room or in the process it is something English football has to think about. This is much more important than football. I would like someone to tell me why my goalkeeper was left in this situation." Where do you start with that? I guess the first place would be to explain that any delay in the ambulance was caused by the Chelsea team doctor who only arranged for the ambulance to be called when Cech's condition had deteriorated. There is no blame to be allocated, but, if there was then it rests with Chelsea. Then there's the outright sensationalist lie. The ambulance took seven minutes to arrive after the call was placed and not thirty. In fact, Cech was in hospital 26 minutes after Chelsea asked for the ambulance. These are just the facts reported by independent sources. Still, what do we expect from the man who accused Stephen Hunt of deliberately injuring Petr Cech - another pathetic lie. I hope both Reading Football Club and the NHS take this matter further. Mourinho is the kind of individual that English football would do well to be rid of. This whole episode makes Reading fans even more thankful that we have Steve Coppell is charge of our team - ensuring we continue to play fair and honest both on and off the pitch.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Fed Up With Anti-Royals Media Frenzy?
Added by HNA? on 17/10/06
Yes, us too. Days after the event, everyone seems to be jumping in with their comments following the accidental injury to Chelsea's goalkeeper Petr Cech on Saturday. Cech initially seemed ok after his collision with Stephen Hunt in the opening minute but his condition worsened after he left the pitch - and he later required surgery for a fractured skull. Along with the majority of experts, football fans, and non-Chelsea supporters, we feel it was simply a tragic accident as Hunt rightly went to chase down the ball. But what do you think? Every week comments from Hob Nob Anyone? readers are published in the Reading Evening Post. You can join the likes of David Mellor and Arsene Wenger and get some (hopefully some more down to earth) comments in print by using the link below. Perhaps you'd like to provide some deserved support to Hunt or comment on Reading's unlucky defeat after an impressive performance against last season's Premiership winners.

Chelsea - Lost The Plot?
Added by HNA? on 16/10/06
You have to wonder if the powers that be at Chelsea have any grip on reality after a string of ridiculous comments following Chelsea's narrow victory at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday. The visitors were unfortunate to have both goalkeepers stretchered off after two accidental collisions at either end of the game. Both incidents were clearly accidents, yet the Chelsea propaganda machine is in full swing to try and harm the good name of Reading Football Club. Who knows why? Perhaps simply ashamed by their club's performance after they were lucky to take a win following a game full of theatrical dives for the benefit of the referee? Chelsea manager Mourinho practically accused Hunt of trying to kill Cech, when replays show Hunt did his best to avoid the goalkeeper when rightly going for the ball. The Chelsea website features a bizarre article that compares Reading, winners of last season's Championship fair play award, to Wimbledon of the 1980s: "I thought he [Mourinho] was kind to Reading as well. Their game reminded me of the 1980s when English football hit an all time low, of lump and run, of challenge and challenge, of Wimbledon and Watford and… sorry, Steve Coppell, but of Crystal Palace." Anyone at the game would have seen two unfortunate accidents either side of Chelsea's continual attempts to cheat and intimidate the referee. Thankfully only Chelsea and certain tabloids are promoting such ridiculous comments. Bob Wilson was quick to set the record straight when speaking with the BBC: "I was sad to hear Jose's comments after the game. The first one looked bad because Hunt was trying to move his foot away from Cech but in doing so bent his knee towards his head. But keepers expect to get bumps and bruises, it's part of what we do. We don't want to be protected all the time." Reading's official website is much less sensational and simply underlines the facts: "We reiterate Steve Coppell and Stephen Hunt's post-match comments that there was absolutely no intent to injure Petr. We firmly believe that the collision was an unavoidable accident, a view which is supported virtually without exception by independent media observers." Every Reading fan will want to wish both Chelsea goalkeepers a quick recovery. In the meantime Mourinho and Chelsea FC should start working up their press release to apologise to Stephen Hunt - a fair and honest professional who doesn't deserve having his name dragged through the press like this.

Chelsea Scramble Lucky Win
Added by HNA? on 15/10/06
Chelsea ended Reading's 14 month long unbeaten league run at the Madejski Stadium - but were extremely fortunate to do. Chelsea defended well, but it was a classic smash and grab away victory where the visitors clung to the points after a lucky goal just before half time. It was hard to feel anything other that bitterly disappointed at the final whistle - beaten by Chelsea's bad attitude to the game and our inability to carve out an equaliser despite having the majority of the second half. Stephen Hunt started in place of Bobby Convey and immediately showed he was up for the game breaking down the left to chase the ball inside the opening minute. His run led to the first major incident of the game as the Chelsea keeper came charging out to beat Hunt to a 50/50 ball. Hunt did the right thing and leaped over Cech but unfortunately couldn't avoid contact, leaving Cech injured. The best chance of the first half went Reading's way and nearly saw Reading take the lead. Hunt was causing continual problems for Chelsea down the left and took the ball close to the line before cutting in and twisting past three defenders before crossing to Doyle. Doyle had his back to goal and turn to shoot, sending the ball against the far post with the keeper beaten. Just before half time Lampard took full advantage of Sonko's leg on the edge of the box and chose it to take a tumble over. No doubt a foul but well executed by the Chelsea player to win a free-kick on the edge of the area. The resulting free-kick was smashed against the wall, and pinged wide to Ingimarsson who couldn't do anything apart from watch as the ball hit his leg and sped across goal and into the back of the net for the only goal of the game. The game swung Reading's way when Obi was sent off for a second booking just after the hour mark. It was suddenly all one way traffic as Reading pushed forward in search of a goal. We won a number of corners and got plenty of men inside the box but failed to test the goalkeeper. Sidwell hit a good low shot from outside the area that was just wide of the post, but unfortuantely it was a rare attempt on goal as Chelsea hung on comfortably. In the dying minutes the ball was still firmly in the Chelsea half. Hahnemann went up for a last minute corner as everyone crowded the box. The resulting ball in saw Sonko attempt to get on the end of it, but instead collide with the Chelsea keeper who felt the full force on an incoming Sonko. And so, Chelsea, with all substitutes used were forced to swap their keeper again with the mouthy Terry pulling on the keeper's shirt. At the final whistle it was like Chelsea had won the cup final, with wild celebrations in front of their fans. It showed how far Reading have come in recent seasons with the existing Premiership Champions realising what an acheivement they had managed in winning at the Madejski Stadium.

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Tuesday, 09-Feb-2010 11:09:20 GMT

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