Match Report: 2009/2010 Season
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22 August 2009: LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
READING 1 SHEFFIELD UNITED 3
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goals
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Reading: Mills (13).
Sheff Utd: Quinn (42), Ward (62), Cotterill (90). |
Half Time: 1-1
Attendance: 16,025
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teams
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Reading:
Federici, Rosenior, Cisse (Davies, 66), Mills, Pearce, Bertrand (Harper, 88), Sigurdsson, Tabb, Karacan, Hunt (Church, 75), Long
Subs not used: Hamer, Henry, Robson-Kanu, Gunnarsson.
Sheff Utd: Bunn, Montgomery, Morgan, Kilgallon, Walker, Taylor, Quinn, Treacy (Cotterill, 26), Ward, Evans (France, 85), Henderson Subs not used: Bennett, Bromby, Reid, Sharp. |
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bookings
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Reading: -
Sheff Utd: Cotterill, Morgan. Ref: Mick Russell (Hertfordshire). |
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report
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Reading’s poor start to the season continued today with a home defeat against a workmanlike Sheffield United side. In spite of taking an early lead with a well taken goal by new signing Matt Mills, Reading engineered their own downfall with sloppy defending and an appalling goalkeeping error from the usually reliable Federici. For most of the game there was little to choose between the teams. United were physically superior but Reading were playing the more creative football albeit in the middle of the pitch.
United created the first clear chance of the game when Treacy was allowed to turn far too easily in the box. Fortunately for Reading he was insufficiently composed to convert what was a good chance and blasted over. An early spell of Reading pressure produced the first goal. Having won a free kick wide on the left Sigurdsson’s excellent delivery was headed in by Mills. Reading continued to press and a sharp exchange of passes ended with Tabb firing just over the bar. Bertrand was causing United problems with his willingness to take players on. Tabb and Karacan were busy in midfield and kept the ball moving. Cisse provided an essential physical presence in midfield but occasionally reacted too slowly and was struggling to get the right side of his man. With half time approaching very sloppy marking all round resulted in Quinn having the simple task of sidefooting the equaliser at the far post with Federici stranded. Reading responded well after half time and were causing panic in the United defence although were unable to create any clear openings. It was an open game and Mills had to make a superb tackle to prevent United from taking the lead. Sigurdsson began to grow in confidence and took on two United defenders before hitting a great long range effort which clipped the outside of the post. In the sixty-third minute, against the run of play, United took the lead. Poor marking from a throw in allowed United to work a shooting opportunity just outside the box. Ward’s strike was powerful but straight at Federici who surprisingly allowed the ball to squirm though his arms and into the net. It was a savage blow to a team already low on confidence. Reading’s shortcomings in attack became increasingly apparent as they toiled to get back into the game but never really looked likely to score. The final blow was struck by Cotterill when the Reading defence failed to close him down. It was a good strike but he should never have been allowed to shoot. The scoreline flattered United who, in my opinion do not look like strong candidates for promotion. Brendan Rodgers gave an honest and accurate appraisal of the game and Reading’s current situation and the need to bring players in. It was encouraging to see Reading resist the temptation to resort to hoofing long balls but we need to see more of the spark provided fleetingly by Sigurdsson in midfield. Also I am not sure Long has the qualities required to lead the attack. He is a direct and positive player but lacks the skill and guile to link up effectively with midfield and bring other players into the game. I am also concerned by Rosenior’s decision making which far too often results in giving conceding possession. It is too early to panic but there is a lot of work to be done and it seems likely that the Royals will be looking to stay rather than go up this season. The sooner the home fans can accept that the better and get behind their team. It is time like this when we not only find out although the character of the team, but also about the commitment of the fans. Even when a goal up the home fans were very quiet. No matter how poor the results are, the team and the fans need to remain positive - so those who booed at the end need to understand they are only making things worse! John Wells |
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