Royals revenge on winless Millers - Match Report

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

It was far from a spectacle but with Reading's record against lower table sides, the win was the important thing.

Both Graeme Murty and Andy Hughes passed late fitness tests to play and Bobby Convey made his home debut continuing on the left wing.

Rotherham were missing a number of key players including ex Royal Martin Butler and Andy Monkhouse.

As expected Rotherham were more the happy to sit back and soak up the pressure which made the game very scrappy at times. Reading were going to have to be at their best to break down the Millers defence.

Kitson was causing the opposition defence all sorts of problems and was extremely unlucky not to open up the scoring after twenty minutes.

A long ball up field was controlled well by Kitson who was being tightly marked. A neat turn and shot whistled just past the post with the defender left on the floor.

Rotherham did not create many openings. Their best in the first half came from a free kick on the edge of Reading's box but Shaw's shot went straight at Hahnemann.

As half time approached Reading did make that all important breakthrough. A ball into Rotherham's penalty box found Forster who was then bundled to the floor by Shaun Barker leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty. Barker was lucky to escape with a yellow card as he seemed to be the last man and denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Dave Kitson stood up to take the penalty and he smashed the ball down the middle of the goal to give the Royals the lead.

Half Time: Reading 1:0 Rotherham

Rotherham would need to be much more purposeful going forward into the second if they wanted to take anything away from the game and they did give it a go.

Reading never really got going in the second half with the passing at times lacklustre but The Millers could not take full advantage.

Rotherham did have a couple of openings but they were unable to test Hahnemann in his goal.

Surprisingly Reading had the best opportunity in the second half when a good passing move put Forster through but he decided to hit the ball straight at Pollitt, which made it a straightforward save.

Steve Sidwell was also unlucky with a 25 yard hit which was well saved.

Rotherham threw on striker Michael Proctor as they searched for an equaliser but nothing came and Reading took another three points to leave them third in the table after four games.

Full Time: Reading 1:0 Rotherham

Man Of The Match: Dave Kitson

Another good performance from the former Cambridge man. Scored a goal and used the ball well.

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NEXT CUP MATCH

25th August 2004, Kassam Stadium, 19:45 PM Kick Off

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Watch out for our guide to the Kassam Stadium beginning of next week and our special build up to the big local derby.

NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

28th August 2004, The New Den, 15:00 PM Kick Off

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