MATCH REPORT: 2003/2004 Season

22 November 2003: LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
WEST BROM 0 READING 0
goals
Reading: -
West Brom:
-
Half Time: 0-0
Attendance: 22,829

DIVISION ONE 22 Nov 2003
Pos Team P Pts GD
6 Ipswich 19 31 +9
7 READING 19 31 +6
8 Cardiff 18 30 +14
teams
Reading: Hahnemann, Murty, Shorey, Ingimarsson, Newman, Murray (Savage 67), Hughes, Sidwell, Harper, Salako, Forster. Subs not used: Watson, Mackie, Tyson, Young.
West Brom:
Hoult, Gilchrist, Gregan, Gaardsoe, Haas, O'Connor (Sakiri 72), Johnson, Koumas, Robinson (Clement 54), Dichio (Hughes 44), Hulse. Subs not used: Murphy, James Chambers.
bookings
Reading: -
West Brom: -

Referee: R Pearson (Peterlee)
report

Reading took a point from league leaders West Bromwich Albion to remain just five points off the top of the table. The 0-0 draw saw Albion remain as Division leaders but the home side ended up frustrated after missing a series of chances that probably should have given them the full three points. Reading started brightly and had a decent first half showing with a couple of chances that could have seen a Reading goal. Nicky Forster perhaps should have set up a goal, or even scored himself, but held onto the ball for too long before knocking forward a poor pass deep inside the West Brom area. Murty did well to come forward and hit a decent effort just wide of the left post from the edge of the area and Steve Sidwell claimed Reading's only other shot of the half. West Brom struggled to get their first half shots on target - but their front line was even worse in the second half as they wasted chance after chance to take the lead. Hahnemann had a shaky first half,was improved in the second, but was rarely tested despite West Brom setting up several close range shots. When it would have been easier to score they failed to find the target and blasted the ball high over the bar and headed over in the last few minutes as Reading hung on for an excellent away point. Although The Royals clearly benefited from a large slice of luck they put in another solid team performance to continue our impressive run of recent results.


FANS' POST MATCH OPINION

I did watch the game in the pub on Sky but must confess it was a bit of a drunken blur after the unbelievable magnificent Rugby win by our boys. Brilliant result at West Brom which I'm sure we'd all have taken before the game. I do remember the Baggies attempt at shooting which looked straight out of the "Couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo!" academy, boy did we cheer as they continued to blast great chances far and wide. I don't think we'd have scored if we were still playing now but still a great point, which sees us only five points off the top! What a contrast, we were well chuffed with a 0-0 and cheered every kick last night, compare that to Alan Patridge's 0-0 as he huffs and puffs towards his eighth game without a win, such a shame! URRRZZZ
Nick Newbury

Not the most entertaining game I've ever seen, with Reading offering little in terms of attacking threat. However, the team defended well (save the glaring misses from the West Brom no.2), and deserved their point. I'm sure we'd all have settled for a point from this fixture anyway, & 3 games on the spin without conceding is a marked improvement defensively. Credit to Ingermasson & Newman in particular. Still much room for improvement, but Reading continue to head in the right direction. COME ON......
Caversham Royal

What a great day we had, England wins the world cup by beating the Australians and Reading drew at West Brom. Now make my day and beat Chelsea, it will give us Reading fans in South Australia another excuse for a B.B.Q.
Dave Kent
Old Smithfield, South Australia

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