After a dull first forty-five minutes which saw Reading take a the lead as half time approached, the game came to life to produce a highly entertaining second half as the Royals went on to secure an impressive fifth successive home victory. City pressed and contained Reading in a first half of few chances only to fall behind to a rare moment of high quality football. Kermorgant guided Kelly's free-kick into the net with a subtle glancing header. Early in the second half City briefly reproduced the kind of play which enabled them to recently hold their own in the Premier League, and deservedly equalised through Oliveira. The lead was short-lived, and as the game opened up, Reading regained their lead. City were reduced to ten men and Harriot finished them off with a brilliant third goal.
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Reading Make It Five Consecutive Home Wins
From the Discussion
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PI PieEater 26 Dec 2016 · 5:38pm
Again this was a game that could have gone either way, we started the game badly and didn't play at all well in the first half, then we score from a set piece and see out the half. Second half was much better, Norwich come at us, get a good goal, then came the match changing sending off. What on earth was Howson thinking saving the ball on the line like a keeper. It was a guaranteed red card and a pen even though we scored in the follow up. Typically we miss the pen and score from the rebound, then Norwich took off Oliveria, and Naismith and bring on the donkey Jerome. That was game over and although Ainsley scored a cracker at the… More →
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RG RG7Fan 26 Dec 2016 · 5:46pm
I thought they actually looked more dangerous once they were down to 10. Why doesnt the ref play advantage after the handball and award the goal, and then come back and penalise the original offence (handball) with the card? That can happen in open play regardless of whether a goal happens or not.
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PI PieEater 26 Dec 2016 · 5:49pm
Speaking of the ref - how the fuck can he award a free kick off offside (to be taken) in your own half. Twice.
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SL sloughroyal123 26 Dec 2016 · 5:53pm
New rule says the freekick is awarded where the ball is touched, not from where the player was originally offside. Ref was right, just one of the first ones I've seen enforce this new ruling.
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RG RG7Fan 26 Dec 2016 · 5:53pm
Good result, although not the best performance - as you say could have gone either way. Liam Moore is class. Liam Kelly puts in 110% - never gives up, harries his opponents and often comes off better despite his diminutive size. Not the best game for Ali. Wasnt sure if McShane would make it to the end of the game - looked like he was grabbing his bandaged arm a lot.
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HO Hoss 26 Dec 2016 · 5:54pm
There was talk in he stands that there has been a change in the law. Can anyone confirm?
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PI PieEater 26 Dec 2016 · 5:54pm
Another random thought. Norwich have a great squad of players, but the one player who always does well against us is Hoolahan, yet Neil doesn't start him. IMHO he deserves to be sacked - not starting their best player.
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GE George_ 26 Dec 2016 · 5:56pm
Enjoying this false position. Weren't at our best today against a side that worked us out tactically 1st half. But once again we grinded out another win and a team that can do that when not playing at their best is huge. Liam Moore is a class above 99% of other championship centre backs I've seen this season. Just oozes pure class. Great to have Swift & Williams back, but Liam Kelly I thought had another good game today, hopefully this is his year he cements his place in the squad.
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RG RG7Fan 26 Dec 2016 · 5:57pm
http://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/lawsandrules/laws/football-11-11/law-11---offside Covered in FAQ3. Logically it makes sense since the freekick is where the offence takes place - which is when the player becomes active / plays ball / interferes with play.
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GE genome 26 Dec 2016 · 5:58pm
I'm still scratching my head as to why Neil took off Oliviera. He was causing us serious problems.
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SM Soul Man 26 Dec 2016 · 5:59pm
Great Decision :wink:
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RG Royal Ginger 26 Dec 2016 · 6:08pm
Despite the missed penalty Kermorgant was MOTM in my opinion. That little header across to Kelly today was magnificent. Harriot's goal was a beaut. Absolute thunderbolt.