Chances have got to be taken - Match Report

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Reading went down by the odd goal in a pulsating game at Upton Park. Though The Royals can count themselves very unlucky not to take at least a point from the game.

Reading started very bright and could have taken the lead within a minute when a cross from Glen Little managed to find its way to Andy Hughes, but he blasted his shot well over the bar.

The game was very open and West Ham could have also scored when Harewood beat Williams to the ball, tried to round Hahnemann but did not succeed and the ball was cleared.

Both teams were looking good going forward but not as steady at the back. Reading were having problems with Harewood's pace, especially captain Adie Williams who was being caught out on a number of occasions.

Little was causing the Hammers problems and it was his free kick into the box which found Sidwell but his header was just about saved by Bywater.

There was some bad news for the Royals as the bright Glen Little went off with a hamstring problem and was replaced by another new signing, Bobby Convey. 

From a number of sources it looks like Little could be out of action for about two weeks which will be news Reading fans will not want to hear as the former Burnley man has made a bright start to the season.

Half Time: West Ham United 0:0 Reading

The second half started as the first did with the pace of the game being very quick.

It was real end to end stuff as first Reading went close through Nicky Forster then both Sheringham and Harewood had shots from the edge of the box for West Ham.

Reading had plenty of opportunities to score with an effort from Dave Kitson which went just over the bar. Then Nicky Forster had a golden opportunity. Andy Hughes did well down the right wing and his cross found Forster unmarked but he was only able to miss hit his shot well over the bar.

Reading were creating plenty but were not taking their chances and eventually paid the price when the experienced Sheringham showed Reading how to do it. 

Substitute Luke Chadwick did well to get a cross in which found Sheringham and he turned and shot into the bottom corner to send the majority of the 26,000 crowd into rapturous. 

Steve Coppell throw on Shaun Goater to replace Andy Hughes. Reading did come close near the end throw a header from Kitson but it was not to be and West Ham took the points from thoroughly enjoyable game of football. There was though plenty of positives to take out of the game for Reading.

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Full Time: West Ham United 1:0 Reading

Man Of The Match: Graeme Murty

Kept the dangerous Matthew Etherington quiet for much of the game and made some very important interceptions.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

14th August 2004, Madejski Stadium, 15:00 PM Kick Off

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