MATCHWATCH : Barnsley (a)

[John Smith]

a 1-0 defeat the other way with a brilliant royals performance will be much more encouraging.

One of the saddest, most ridiculous and pathetic statements I've ever read on this forum.

[Snowflake Royal]

Barnsley are irrelevant. They're above us. All that matters is staying ahead of the few below us.

People are just used to obsessing about Barnsley as they were the most likely to catch us. Well they did. And we're still top six.

Whether we get points from Barnsley or not, the target remains the same. Get enough points to stay ahead of Bournemouth, Cardiff et al. We can still do that with 0 against Barnsley.

The season is going to end in disappointment one way or another.

Either we fail to make the play offs
Fail to win the play offs
Or
Win the play offs without getting to experience it at wembley and get to enjoy being dicked by the hoity toity glory boys next season

Big fat meh to all three.

[URZZZZ]

Win the play offs without getting to experience it at wembley

Not necessarily true as it’s past the date of 17th May

[Millsy]

a 1-0 defeat the other way with a brilliant royals performance will be much more encouraging.

One of the saddest, most ridiculous and pathetic statements I've ever read on this forum.

You need to read more of my stuff mate, I'm full of that sort of shite

[Snowball]

a 1-0 defeat the other way with a brilliant royals performance will be much more encouraging.

One of the saddest, most ridiculous and pathetic statements I've ever read on this forum.

While I may not agree with the hyperbole
I do agree that it's the RESULT that matters


Frankly, if we win our next 8 games 1-0 due to deflated footballs,
lightning strikes, corrupt referees, sudden death of opponents,
Covid, collapsed goalposts, phantom goals, whatever, I don't care.

Just WN8G

[Snowball]

a 1-0 defeat the other way with a brilliant royals performance will be much more encouraging.

One of the saddest, most ridiculous and pathetic statements I've ever read on this forum.

You need to read more of my stuff mate, I'm full of that sort of shite

Pereceptive, Millsy

[Snowball]

As for winning the POs but have to watch it on TV

That would be very fine, Thank-You, God.

[Snowflake Royal]

Win the play offs without getting to experience it at wembley

Not necessarily true as it’s past the date of 17th May

Even if a few do, most won't. No way it'll be with full capacity.

[Millsy]

a 1-0 defeat the other way with a brilliant royals performance will be much more encouraging.

One of the saddest, most ridiculous and pathetic statements I've ever read on this forum.

While I may not agree with the hyperbole
I do agree that it's the RESULT that matters


Frankly, if we win our next 8 games 1-0 due to deflated footballs,
lightning strikes, corrupt referees, sudden death of opponents,
Covid, collapsed goalposts, phantom goals, whatever, I don't care.

Just WN8G

Yeah true, obviously it's a given that points mean prizes and I'd rather 1-0 dodgy wins for every remaining game including the playoff final than glorious performances with defeats. Even my 3 year old gets that, I don't need to insult HNA with that common sense!

The subtlety of what I'm saying, which I'm sure you do get, is that taking this ONE game in isolation (as we seem to be doing when were calling it "do or die")... it's not necessarily the end of the world if we have an unlucky loss but put in a phenomenal performance that clearly shows us head and shoulders above Barnsley, as it's then more likely we'll march into the remaining games and playoffs with a chance.

But if we scrape a dodgy 1-0 win with an utterly shite performance, being outplayed and outclassed by them then that doesn't bode well in the slightest. The likelihood of all those mishaps you mention is exceedingly small.

If I had the choice of the two I'd choose the former. Because we have 8 games to go.

If it was last 3 games of the season though, or playoffs, then hell no, it's 100% about result.

[Stranded]

One of the saddest, most ridiculous and pathetic statements I've ever read on this forum.

While I may not agree with the hyperbole
I do agree that it's the RESULT that matters


Frankly, if we win our next 8 games 1-0 due to deflated footballs,
lightning strikes, corrupt referees, sudden death of opponents,
Covid, collapsed goalposts, phantom goals, whatever, I don't care.

Just WN8G

Yeah true, obviously it's a given that points mean prizes and I'd rather 1-0 dodgy wins for every remaining game including the playoff final than glorious performances with defeats. Even my 3 year old gets that, I don't need to insult HNA with that common sense!

The subtlety of what I'm saying, which I'm sure you do get, is that taking this ONE game in isolation (as we seem to be doing when were calling it "do or die")... it's not necessarily the end of the world if we have an unlucky loss but put in a phenomenal performance that clearly shows us head and shoulders above Barnsley, as it's then more likely we'll march into the remaining games and playoffs with a chance.

But if we scrape a dodgy 1-0 win with an utterly shite performance, being outplayed and outclassed by them then that doesn't bode well in the slightest. The likelihood of all those mishaps you mention is exceedingly small.

If I had the choice of the two I'd choose the former. Because we have 8 games to go.

If it was last 3 games of the season though, or playoffs, then hell no, it's 100% about result.

If you read what those who watch Barnsley have been saying then all that matter is winning - in their recent run they accept that in only one half of football - v Bournemouth - have they been the "better" team but they have perfected playing off scraps and forcing mistakes in areas they can captialise on - so in short, I don't care if Barnsley have 19 shots on target and we score a winner via a Morrison clearance that bounces over the head of a surprised goalie a wins a win. Performance means jack at this stage (but if you can put in a good one whilst winning great).

[Ascotexgunner]

Happy we are away. Wish fans were there, might make Barnsley a bit more nervous in front of their own. Would like to see who is available for tomorrow. Morrison is key for me. More than Swift even for the game.

As for the season I would just be happy with top 6. Would prove that at last we are moving forward again playing decent football again.

[Stranded]

Happy we are away. Wish fans were there, might make Barnsley a bit more nervous in front of their own. Would like to see who is available for tomorrow. Morrison is key for me. More than Swift even for the game.

As for the season I would just be happy with top 6. Would prove that at last we are moving forward again playing decent football again.

If Morrison is fit, he starts and then we just hope he doesn't gift them a goal again unless we are 3 up with a minute to go.

[RoyalBlue]

Oh deep joy - we have Eltringham as ref!

Not got the best record with us having been involved in StampGate and DiveGate

https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/17407907.reading-fc-fa-say-no-action-will-taken-tyrone-mings-alleged-stamp-nelson-oliveira-referee-geoff-eltringham-officals-saw-incident/

https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-apology-referees-dive-blunder-6350002

[RoyalBlue]

When : Friday 2nd April 2021, 5.30pm
Where : Oakwell, Grove Street, Barnsley, S71 1ET
Capacity 23,009

First of the big 8 games left and it doesn’t get much harder than Barnsley who are rolling like the proverbial stone gathering no moss. Really need to get something out of this one as Reading have the run in from hell and some sort of pointage partnered with a win on Monday against Derby will hopefully give everyone the confidence they need after the let downs achieved in the last couple of games.

That said it’s possibly a good time to play Barnsley though as they are in a run of 1 consecutive defeat so should be there for the taking, particularly if Reading can avoid conceding in the first 90 minutes

Before that 1 consecutive defeat though the Tykes had only won 10 and drawn 1 of their previous 11 games and consequently breezed into the top 6 rather effortlessly. In that run they’ve turned over both Brentford and Bournemouth away from home and actually managed to beat Birmingham! Looking at their run in it looks very very good as, other than an awkward visit from ‘boro, there’s really only Norwich at home on the last day of the top sides left (and by then Norwich are very likely to effectively be on the proverbial beach anyway).

Cauley Woodrow with 11 goals is their leading scorer after him the ones to watch are Alex Mowatt and Carlton Morris. Mr Morris I would suggest needs to be of particular interest as he has 6 goals from 3(12) appearances so probably has the best goals to minutes ratio of anyone at the club.

Trouble is that Barnsley’s high press style of play needs to be countered effectively, something which is always a problem for Reading. Going up there and trying to play pretty but slow passing triangles around midfield and defence is going to be asking for it, so I would suggest Reading need to try mix it up and be a bit more direct than usual. Also a higher tempo game wouldn’t come amiss either but as we know that’s rather unlikely.

Rather surprisingly VP has suggested that John Swift may be available for the game along with the return of Andy Yiadom and Michael Morrison. However if he is fit he’ll most likely get a place in the bench as the club will look to gently ease him back into things particularly with a visit from Derby on Monday.

Finally the game is on Sky so should be fairly easy for most with access to a Sky subscription somewhere to watch though Reading’s Sky record isn’t brilliant with just 6 wins from their last 24 games on the box.

Referee

Geoff Eltringham

Previously

24 Jan 21 > Preston North End 0-0 Reading
16 Dec 20 > Reading 1-2 Norwich City
26 Feb 20 > Reading 0-3 Wigan Athletic
01 Jan 20 > Fulham 1-2 Reading
02 Mar 19 > Ipswich Town 1-2 Reading
02 Feb 19 > Reading 0-0 Aston Villa
29 Sep 18 > Brentford 2-2 Reading
03 Feb 18 > Reading 0-2 Millwall
22 Apr 17 > Nottingham Forest 3-2 Reading
17 Mar 17 > Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Reading
04 Feb 17 > Ipswich Town 2-2 Reading
13 Dec 16 > Leeds United 2-0 Reading
02 Apr 16 > Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Reading
12 Dec 15 > Preston North End 1-0 Reading
07 Apr 15 > Blackpool 1-1 Reading
23 Nov 13 > Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Reading
14 Feb 12 > Derby County 0-1 Reading

History

Reading away from home to play that oft quoted, proverbial game always thrown up when some mercurial foreign talent arrives from some hotter clime, got to be a miserable time to be had by all southern softies surely?

Well no actually, it was like that once but it’s not that bad these days.....

This will be the 36th time league action has occurred between the two teams in South Yorkshire and so far Reading have won 11 of the games compared to Barnsley’s 16. Sadly though fate will now be tempted as the bit Reading have to protect on Friday is the fact that since they moved to the Mad Stad they have made this league trip 8 times and obtained 18 points following 5 wins and 3 draws.


How to follow the game

1. SKY
2. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
3. Ring/text a mate for updates
4. Use an iFollow subscription
5. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)

ESPN+ for those living in the US or appearing to live in the US (it's cheaper than Sky at $5.99 for the month and you will also be able to see other Sky games during that month).

[Zip]

Oh deep joy - we have Eltringham as ref!

Not got the best record with us having been involved in StampGate and DiveGate

https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/17407907.reading-fc-fa-say-no-action-will-taken-tyrone-mings-alleged-stamp-nelson-oliveira-referee-geoff-eltringham-officals-saw-incident/

https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-apology-referees-dive-blunder-6350002

He did give us the pen v Preston tbf which Joao promptly missed.

[royalp-we]

One of the saddest, most ridiculous and pathetic statements I've ever read on this forum.

While I may not agree with the hyperbole
I do agree that it's the RESULT that matters


Frankly, if we win our next 8 games 1-0 due to deflated footballs,
lightning strikes, corrupt referees, sudden death of opponents,
Covid, collapsed goalposts, phantom goals, whatever, I don't care.

Just WN8G

Yeah true, obviously it's a given that points mean prizes and I'd rather 1-0 dodgy wins for every remaining game including the playoff final than glorious performances with defeats. Even my 3 year old gets that, I don't need to insult HNA with that common sense!

The subtlety of what I'm saying, which I'm sure you do get, is that taking this ONE game in isolation (as we seem to be doing when were calling it "do or die")... it's not necessarily the end of the world if we have an unlucky loss but put in a phenomenal performance that clearly shows us head and shoulders above Barnsley, as it's then more likely we'll march into the remaining games and playoffs with a chance.

But if we scrape a dodgy 1-0 win with an utterly shite performance, being outplayed and outclassed by them then that doesn't bode well in the slightest. The likelihood of all those mishaps you mention is exceedingly small.

If I had the choice of the two I'd choose the former. Because we have 8 games to go.

If it was last 3 games of the season though, or playoffs, then hell no, it's 100% about result.

If we play really shite but somehow manage to scrape a win, wouldn’t we essentially be... Swansea?

[Snowball]

While I may not agree with the hyperbole
I do agree that it's the RESULT that matters


Frankly, if we win our next 8 games 1-0 due to deflated footballs,
lightning strikes, corrupt referees, sudden death of opponents,
Covid, collapsed goalposts, phantom goals, whatever, I don't care.

Just WN8G

Yeah true, obviously it's a given that points mean prizes and I'd rather 1-0 dodgy wins for every remaining game including the playoff final than glorious performances with defeats. Even my 3 year old gets that, I don't need to insult HNA with that common sense!

The subtlety of what I'm saying, which I'm sure you do get, is that taking this ONE game in isolation (as we seem to be doing when were calling it "do or die")... it's not necessarily the end of the world if we have an unlucky loss but put in a phenomenal performance that clearly shows us head and shoulders above Barnsley, as it's then more likely we'll march into the remaining games and playoffs with a chance.

But if we scrape a dodgy 1-0 win with an utterly shite performance, being outplayed and outclassed by them then that doesn't bode well in the slightest. The likelihood of all those mishaps you mention is exceedingly small.

If I had the choice of the two I'd choose the former. Because we have 8 games to go.

If it was last 3 games of the season though, or playoffs, then hell no, it's 100% about result.

If we play really shite but somehow manage to scrape a win, wouldn’t we essentially be... Swansea?

So 97th Minute penalty for a dive it is, then...

[Stranded]

When : Friday 2nd April 2021, 5.30pm
Where : Oakwell, Grove Street, Barnsley, S71 1ET
Capacity 23,009

First of the big 8 games left and it doesn’t get much harder than Barnsley who are rolling like the proverbial stone gathering no moss. Really need to get something out of this one as Reading have the run in from hell and some sort of pointage partnered with a win on Monday against Derby will hopefully give everyone the confidence they need after the let downs achieved in the last couple of games.

That said it’s possibly a good time to play Barnsley though as they are in a run of 1 consecutive defeat so should be there for the taking, particularly if Reading can avoid conceding in the first 90 minutes

Before that 1 consecutive defeat though the Tykes had only won 10 and drawn 1 of their previous 11 games and consequently breezed into the top 6 rather effortlessly. In that run they’ve turned over both Brentford and Bournemouth away from home and actually managed to beat Birmingham! Looking at their run in it looks very very good as, other than an awkward visit from ‘boro, there’s really only Norwich at home on the last day of the top sides left (and by then Norwich are very likely to effectively be on the proverbial beach anyway).

Cauley Woodrow with 11 goals is their leading scorer after him the ones to watch are Alex Mowatt and Carlton Morris. Mr Morris I would suggest needs to be of particular interest as he has 6 goals from 3(12) appearances so probably has the best goals to minutes ratio of anyone at the club.

Trouble is that Barnsley’s high press style of play needs to be countered effectively, something which is always a problem for Reading. Going up there and trying to play pretty but slow passing triangles around midfield and defence is going to be asking for it, so I would suggest Reading need to try mix it up and be a bit more direct than usual. Also a higher tempo game wouldn’t come amiss either but as we know that’s rather unlikely.

Rather surprisingly VP has suggested that John Swift may be available for the game along with the return of Andy Yiadom and Michael Morrison. However if he is fit he’ll most likely get a place in the bench as the club will look to gently ease him back into things particularly with a visit from Derby on Monday.

Finally the game is on Sky so should be fairly easy for most with access to a Sky subscription somewhere to watch though Reading’s Sky record isn’t brilliant with just 6 wins from their last 24 games on the box.

Referee

Geoff Eltringham

Previously

24 Jan 21 > Preston North End 0-0 Reading
16 Dec 20 > Reading 1-2 Norwich City
26 Feb 20 > Reading 0-3 Wigan Athletic
01 Jan 20 > Fulham 1-2 Reading
02 Mar 19 > Ipswich Town 1-2 Reading
02 Feb 19 > Reading 0-0 Aston Villa
29 Sep 18 > Brentford 2-2 Reading
03 Feb 18 > Reading 0-2 Millwall
22 Apr 17 > Nottingham Forest 3-2 Reading
17 Mar 17 > Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Reading
04 Feb 17 > Ipswich Town 2-2 Reading
13 Dec 16 > Leeds United 2-0 Reading
02 Apr 16 > Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Reading
12 Dec 15 > Preston North End 1-0 Reading
07 Apr 15 > Blackpool 1-1 Reading
23 Nov 13 > Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Reading
14 Feb 12 > Derby County 0-1 Reading

History

Reading away from home to play that oft quoted, proverbial game always thrown up when some mercurial foreign talent arrives from some hotter clime, got to be a miserable time to be had by all southern softies surely?

Well no actually, it was like that once but it’s not that bad these days.....

This will be the 36th time league action has occurred between the two teams in South Yorkshire and so far Reading have won 11 of the games compared to Barnsley’s 16. Sadly though fate will now be tempted as the bit Reading have to protect on Friday is the fact that since they moved to the Mad Stad they have made this league trip 8 times and obtained 18 points following 5 wins and 3 draws.


How to follow the game

1. SKY
2. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
3. Ring/text a mate for updates
4. Use an iFollow subscription
5. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)

ESPN+ for those living in the US or appearing to live in the US (it's cheaper than Sky at $5.99 for the month and you will also be able to see other Sky games during that month).

If you want to look like you live in Germany you can sign up to DAZN for a free month. They definitely have the Barnsley and Watford games on and likely the other 2 Sky games announced today.

50/50 on if the comms is English or German mind.

[Sutekh]

Reading’s away record in live SKY games this season isn’t great. Played 6 so far and not won any - but have managed 3 draws.

[CountryRoyal]

Reading’s away record in live SKY games this season isn’t great. Played 6 so far and not won any - but have managed 3 draws.

Been against mostly crap teams too.