Match Report
Reading
No goals
Leeds
No goals
Despite Reading’s dominance at Elland Road they stretched their winless run to four games after a frustrating goalless draw. The Royals would have felt confident coming into the game after they had won the last four corresponding fixtures but failed to break down a stubborn Leeds United who showed little attacking intent.
Nigel Adkins named the same team that started against Wolves on Sunday. The bench was strengthened further with Hal Robson-Kanu returning from injury.
Although Reading started strongly with plenty of attacking promise from Cox, Blackman and Murray overall the game played out like a flat yorkshire pudding; disappointing. Clear chances were far and few between, with only four shots on target for the Royals. Obita and Murray in particular failing to provide the spark that will be needed if Reading hope to push for a top six spot. Blackman showed potential with some smart touches and movement but appears to be lacking an end product. He had Reading’s best chances as he forced Silvestri into solid saves following shots in the 7th and 81st minute.
With Murray and Pearce failing to show the killer instinct to get on the end of a dangerous Oliver Norwood free kick in 71st minute Reading failed to carve out any other opportunities of note. Instead they will look back on some second half penalty claims knowing they could have provided the goal needed to win the tie.
Blackman was twice denied a penalty after tricky runs ended with apparent trips on the edge of the area in the 21st and 86th minute. Both maybe not given as Blackman looked to make the most from the challenges. The strongest shout came in the 69th minute as a forceful run by Taylor was abruptly stopped by the outstretched foot of a Leeds United defender.
Oliver Norwood once again dictated play from the middle of the park with his calm pass and move style. He is fast becoming the key to the tempo of Reading’s play and Royal’s fans will be excited with the thought of a Norwood and Danny Williams midfield pairing once the energetic American returns from his lengthy knee injury.
The Royals back four were rarely stretched with Federici forced into his only save of the game following the former Reading striker Billy Sharp’s low strike in the 84th minute. Although Hector tried his best at times to put Reading under pressure with some wayward clearances.
Guthrie replaced Akpan in the 70th minute and Robson-Kanu making his first league appearance of the season replaced Cox in the 74th minute. Mackie brought his party to the game by replacing the hard-working but ineffective Jake Taylor in the 76th minute. This result leaves Reading in 10th place, which seems a fair reflection on their standard of play so far this season. Whilst the overall play has been promising they appear to lack the guile, or at times the determination, needed to secure three points. This was demonstrated as the game went into injury time and Federici received a yellow card for timewasting.
Reading now go to Brentford hoping for a more fruitful return from a difficult fixture.
Dave Roberts
Nigel Adkins named the same team that started against Wolves on Sunday. The bench was strengthened further with Hal Robson-Kanu returning from injury.
Although Reading started strongly with plenty of attacking promise from Cox, Blackman and Murray overall the game played out like a flat yorkshire pudding; disappointing. Clear chances were far and few between, with only four shots on target for the Royals. Obita and Murray in particular failing to provide the spark that will be needed if Reading hope to push for a top six spot. Blackman showed potential with some smart touches and movement but appears to be lacking an end product. He had Reading’s best chances as he forced Silvestri into solid saves following shots in the 7th and 81st minute.
With Murray and Pearce failing to show the killer instinct to get on the end of a dangerous Oliver Norwood free kick in 71st minute Reading failed to carve out any other opportunities of note. Instead they will look back on some second half penalty claims knowing they could have provided the goal needed to win the tie.
Blackman was twice denied a penalty after tricky runs ended with apparent trips on the edge of the area in the 21st and 86th minute. Both maybe not given as Blackman looked to make the most from the challenges. The strongest shout came in the 69th minute as a forceful run by Taylor was abruptly stopped by the outstretched foot of a Leeds United defender.
Oliver Norwood once again dictated play from the middle of the park with his calm pass and move style. He is fast becoming the key to the tempo of Reading’s play and Royal’s fans will be excited with the thought of a Norwood and Danny Williams midfield pairing once the energetic American returns from his lengthy knee injury.
The Royals back four were rarely stretched with Federici forced into his only save of the game following the former Reading striker Billy Sharp’s low strike in the 84th minute. Although Hector tried his best at times to put Reading under pressure with some wayward clearances.
Guthrie replaced Akpan in the 70th minute and Robson-Kanu making his first league appearance of the season replaced Cox in the 74th minute. Mackie brought his party to the game by replacing the hard-working but ineffective Jake Taylor in the 76th minute. This result leaves Reading in 10th place, which seems a fair reflection on their standard of play so far this season. Whilst the overall play has been promising they appear to lack the guile, or at times the determination, needed to secure three points. This was demonstrated as the game went into injury time and Federici received a yellow card for timewasting.
Reading now go to Brentford hoping for a more fruitful return from a difficult fixture.
Dave Roberts