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Steve Coppell made two changes from the win at Coventry City a week back. After
Shaun Goater's excursions with Bermuda in the week, Dean Morgan was pushed
upfront with Paul Brooker coming in on the right wing.
From the first minute Reading dominated the game. Demonstrated with Kitson's determination to close down Tomas Repka and earn a throw-in to
the Royals straight from kick off. Repka was in for another dreadful afternoon
after a shocking performance at Millwall a couple of weeks back. John Salako
was looking bright down the left hand side with a couple of crosses.
West Ham's best chance of the first half though came through Marlon
Harewood. A clever free kick forced Jamie Ashdown into a good save. They
also had a good opportunity which fell to David Connolly, he sprung the
offside trap, beat Ashdown to the ball but his header went just past the
post.
Alan Pardew then made a early sub bringing off Harewood who was
replaced by the young Adam Nowland. Pardew stated after the match the
decision was purely tactical, saying that Reading were getting too much
joy down the left hand side. Harewood though was less then pleased with the
decision. Reading were having enough possession without really making too
many chances and as it looked like it would be goalless at half time but a mix
up in the Hammers back line presented Kitson with a simple finish to put
the Royals into the lead. It sent the majority of the 24,000 crowd into
jubilation leaving Pardew with a lot to think about.
West Ham did look to hit back quickly but were unfortunate not to get a
free kick on the edge of the box after Ricky Newman brought down Carrick
just outside the box and had a penalty claim turned down.
Half Time: Reading 1:0 West Ham United
West Ham came out in the second half continuing how the finished the
first. They were having plenty of possession without causing Reading any
real problems. Then came another key moment in the game. it happened on one
side of the pitch half way in West Ham's half. Repka reacted to a
challenge by Morgan with him pushing the Royals forward away. Repka got a
booking but from the resulting free kick Reading doubled the lead. Harper
whipped his free kick into the box where the ball fell to Kitson who
volleyed home leaving Bywater with no chance as the ball rocketed into the
top corner of the goal.
It was an important goal as Reading gave themselves a bit of breathing
space in the game. By now West Ham's defence had crumbled to pieces with
the whole back four having poor games. However Christian Dailly, Andy
Melville and Repka played in the Premiership I will never know!
After the second goal West Ham did everything they could to force there
way back into the game but in the final third they were simply not good
enough. Pardew then made another substitution by bringing on Brian Deane
who replaced David Connolly which again did not go down well especially
with the Hammers supporters. Don Hutchinson also came on for his first
game in 15 matches to replace Melville. Hutchinson was close to getting
one goal back but his shot from point blank range was well blocked from a
Royals defender..
After the couple of minutes that were added on the ref blew up and Reading
recorded a massive victory in their search for a Play Off spot. After all
the hype of Pardew's return the team proved why his decision was the wrong
one.
Full Time: Reading 2:0 West Ham United
Man Of The Match: Dave Kitson - Was simply brilliant,
scored twice won the ball in the air, passed well and got back and tackled.
Ref Watch: Considering what was at stake and all the build up to the
game, Mr Joslin did well
Next League Match
Bradford City vs Reading Bradford And Bingley Stadium (Valley Parade), 10th
April, 3:00 PM Kick Off.
For ticket information regarding this game - Click
Here
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