Royals too hot for Seagulls - Match Report

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Though the game was not as straight forward as many people thought it would be before kick off. Inside the first twenty seconds, the Seagulls had taken the lead.

New signing Maheta Molango scored after a defensive mistake by Glen Little let the Congo International in on goal and slot the ball past Hahnemann.

It was certainly not the start manager Steve Coppell was looking for, but the response certainly was. Only a couple of minutes later striker Dave Kitson started from where he finished off last season thrashing the ball in the roof of the net after good work by Steve Sidwell.

Brighton were not looking too dangerous going forward with star striker Leon Knight missing through suspension. Glenn Little and Graeme Murty were combining well to deliver some excellent crosses in to the box.

Just before the half time whistle their hard work paid off. Murty's ball into the box found Forster who laid the ball back to Harper who nestled the ball in the bottom corner to give Reading the lead.

Half Time - Reading 2:1 Brighton

The second half saw Reading again look the more dangerous. Star striker Dave Kitson had a couple of good opportunities which on another day would have sealed the former Cambridge United player's hat trick.

Firstly great work by Little down the right and an expert cross found Kitson whose header rebounded off the post and into Kuiper's arms.

Then a quick free kick found Kitson at the back post but he could only shoot over the bar.

Although Reading did looked to have finished the game off when Forster nicked the ball off Brighton's last man in defence, he broke clear and hammered the ball into the net, three one and it looked as good as over.

Brighton though did not give up and were rewarded when substitute Jake Robinson turned well and  hit shot left Hahnemann with little chance.

It meant a nerve wracking last half hour but Reading held on to take the points and take top place in the Division on goals scored!

Full Time - Reading 3:2 Brighton

Man Of The Match: Glen Little

Although made a mistake early on, which led to the Brighton opener, the former Burnley man looked very good going forward and whipped some fantastic balls into the box. Something Reading have been missing.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

10th August 2004, Madejski Stadium, 15:00 PM Kick Off

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