MATCH REPORT: 2005/2006 Season

22 April 2006: LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 READING 1
goals
Reading: Kitson (34 mins).
Sheffield Wednesday: MacLean (59 mins, pen).
Half Time: 0-1
Attendance: 27,307

CHAMPIONSHIP 22 Apr 2006
Pos Team P Pts GD
1 READING 45 103 +66
2 Sheff Utd 45 87 +29
3 Watford 45 80 +24
teams
Reading: Hahnemann, Makin, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Shorey, Oster, Sidwell (Gunnarsson 64), Harper, Convey (Hunt 64), Kitson (Long 72), Doyle. Subs Not Used: Stack, Murty.
Sheffield Wednesday: Carson, Bullen, Diallo, Spurr, Folly, O'Brien, McGovern (Tudgay 75), Hills (Whelan 5), Simek, MacLean, Best (Burton 65). Subs Not Used: Collins, Partridge.
bookings
Reading: Kitson
Sheffield Wednesday: Spurr
Referee: L Mason (Lancashire).
report

Reading remain on target to break the all time Football League points record after picking up a draw at Sheffield Wednesday. The Royals are just two points away from Sunderland's current record of 105 points - meaning a win against QPR on the final day of the season, next Sunday, will see Reading finish the season with an amazing 106 points. After Kitson added another goal to Reading's season total, the Royals are also just three goals away from hitting 100 goals. If the Royals put three past QPR then they will also be the first side to finish the season with both points and goals scored in triple figures. There's already been plenty to celebrate this season, but a win against QPR with Reading hitting three or more, really would be the icing on what has been the best cake ever.

It was all about keeping the unbeaten run going as Reading look to finish the season with just two league defeats. After resting most of the side on Monday, Coppell opted to bring back a few of the familiar faces as Reading fielded a stronger side. It still wasn't quite first choice with Murty an unused substitute, however the intention to remain undefeated was clear. Dave Kitson put Reading ahead just after the half hour mark after Oster and Doyle cominbed to play Kitson through. After the break the home side got more into the game as they looked to draw level. Bobby Convey took down a player in the area and Wednesday equalised from the penalty spot.

FANS' POST MATCH OPINION

Tremendous support at Hillsborough yesterday with a display of blow up inflatables flying through the air before the game setting a great carnival atmosphere. Never before have I seen so many inflatable rubber rings, dolphins, police cars, palm trees, lilos, ducks, beach balls and the classic doll to name a few being bounced all over the heads of thousands of loyal royals who made the long trip north. The game was pretty forgettable and we should have really won but a draw sets things up perfectly for the last game next week where a win will see us set the new points league record, we now really do have something to play for. Nobody really stood out for us yesterday though Johnny Oster deserves great credit for a last gasp brilliant header of the line which would have given Wednesday an undeserved victory. Doyle as ever ran his heart out and Kitson took his goal well, but having watched Spurs-Arsenal before the game with some breathtaking moments and then realising our next away game will be in the Premiership, I could not help thinking, bloody hell, that's where we're going to be playing, gulp!
Next Sunday should be a great day and a fitting finale to this amazing season, especially when we get the Championship Trophy. I've no doubt we'll get the record with a win, and who could wish for a better way to end than Murty smashing home a penalty or better still firing home a 30 yard thunderbolt to win the game! Pigs might fly, but there again thinking about it, they have been all this season and they've been wearing blue and white scarfs!! UURRZZZ
Nick Newbury

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