Sidwell back to his best to send Royals top!

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Reading started well without really testing Richard Lee in The Hornets goal.

The game was a rather scrappy affair for majorities for the first half.

When going forward Reading looked dangerous with Paul Brooker playing a dominant role in Reading's best attacks.

The former Leicester City man came close to opening the scoring when he played a one two with Adie Williams before hitting a fierce effort which was well saved by Lee.

Hotshot Dave Kitson also nearly added to his tally this season but Lee produced a athletic save to deny the flame haired striker after his header from a cross.

Watford's best chance came just before half time, when the dangerous Chambers beat Shorey down the left wing and fed Webber who somehow shot straight at Hahnemann while facing an open goal.

Half Time: Watford 0:0 Reading

Watford made one change at half time replacing Captain Sean Dyche with Nathan Doyley.

The second half continued very much like the first with neither team really looking to take advantage of the game.

Andy Hughes did have a header which went harmlessly over the bar after good work by Kitson on the wing.

Reading had to wait till just after the hour to take the lead. Good passing in the midfield set up Shorey for a superb ball into the box and Steve Sidwell was there to slot home.

Though there was some confusion over the goalscorer. Many Royals fans thought Hughes had scored and so did many TV Programmes and websites.

Watford were forced into committing more men forward leaving Reading with the chance to counter attack.

Watford would have equalised if it was not for the efforts of Hahnemann. A cross into the box was headed by Neil Cox, the ball was destined to go in but Hahnemann got a touch which sent the ball whiskers past the post and away for a corner kick.

Watford were getting the feeling it was not going to be their day and it could have been made worse if Nicky Forster was able to have scored after being put through with only minutes left of the game.

Steve Coppell subbed Dave Kitson into injury time to be replaced by Sonko who slotted in just in front of the defence.

Reading did hang on and due to other results going there way went top of the Championship table and into their highest ever league position!

Full Time: Watford 0:1 Reading

Man Of The Match: Steve Sidwell

Looked to have been discovering his form of last season with some good tackles and passing and scored the all important winner.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

28th September 2004, Portman Road, 17:45 PM Kick Off

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