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Match Report
Steve Coppell for once was able to keep the same team after the success
at Millwall a week earlier. Bas Savage continued on the right wing where
he played very well at Millwall. Coppell also could recall Marcus Hahnemann
to the bench and Brooker was fully fit after an injury.
There was a carnival atmosphere inside the Madejski as Reading fans took
part in ginger day and West Brom fans were all dressed up as Vikings. It
was sure to be a very tough game as West Brom have one of the best
defences in the country let alone Division One. Reading though were clearly
up for the challenge.
Reading were unable to make any clear cut opportunities but did heap
the pressure on the West Brom back four causing Russell Hoult to make a
few unusual mistakes though with a combination of bad finishing and bad
luck, the Royals front men were unable to capitalise.
The Baggies may have been promoted but were not looking very menacing
going forward with the Reading centre backs able to keep Horsfield and
Hughes quiet. Their most effective player looked to be Lloyd Dyer who had
been so effective after coming on as a substitute on a number of occasions
for The Baggies.
Half Time: Reading 0:0 West Bromwich Albion
Reading continued to press in the second half without being able to
break the deadlock. Coppell made one switch at half time with the injured
John Salako being replaced by Dean Gordon.
Readings best opportunities fell to Dave Kitson but he was unable to
finish on both occasions, he was obviously having one of the days! The
second one being the best when from twelve yards out he fired well over
the goal into the West Brom fans. It looked as though that miss may prove
costly as the minutes passed quickly.
West Brom could have easily taking advantage with a quality cross that
went across the face of Reading's goal was met by Dyer but his shot whistled
past the post with many of the Albion fans thinking it was in.
Reading then made a double substitution with both Dean Morgan and Paul
Brooker coming on to replace Shaun Goater and Bas Savage. Morgan was
involved straight away looking to show why he should be given a starting
place at Watford next week.
Reading continued to press but it looked like the game would be heading
for an entertaining goalless draw, but when Steve Sidwell collected the
ball on the half way line in the 88th minute, his run forward with West
Brom players trying to get back ended up with a shot that left Hoult only
able to watch the ball hit the bottom corner and give the Royals all three
points and still a chance of a Play Off place.
A few nervous minutes followed but Reading took the points and the
players celebrated with a lap of honour at the end in the last home game
of this campaign. Steve Coppell joined in with the lap and was able to
show his thanks to all the Reading supporters..
Full Time: Reading 1:0 West Bromwich Albion
Man Of The Match: Steven Sidwell: He was unlucky not to be
Player Of The Year but scored a goal that has kept Reading's slim Play
Off hopes alive.
Ref Watch: Made a few poor decisions in the game. Was at times
eager to blow his whistle.
Next League Match
Watford vs Reading Vicarage
Road, 9th April, 1:00 PM Kick Off.
For ticket information regarding this game - Click
Here
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Reading 1:0 West
Bromwich Albion