Hat trick hero Kitson send Reading second

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

It was another explosive start at the Madstad as Reading went in front after just 55 seconds. It is starting to become a habit of Reading to score early goals at home, we have seen them in previous games against Preston, Sunderland and Brighton.

Brooker's good work created the goal when his cross found Kitson perfectly and he headed home.

Gillingham, who had conceded six goals in their previous two games were unable to answer to Reading's threat going forward.

Reading's second goal came from the penalty spot when livewire Nicky Forster was fouled in the box. Kitson was given the chance to double Reading's lead and duly delivered as he smashed the ball down the middle of the goal.

The travelling Gill's fans were less then impressed with their teams performance. And they had more to moan about when Reading were awarded their second penalty kick. This time the decision was much more dubious as Danny Speller was adjudged to have fouled Kitson in the box.

Kitson had the chance to complete his hat trick within half an hour and he did so when putting the ball in the bottom right hand corner. It was Kitson's first hat trick for Reading and put him on six goals for the season.

Reading could have had more as Gillingham's defence simply was nowhere to be seen. Forster was unlucky with an effort which was well saved by Steve Banks and Brooker was not too far with an effort after cutting in from the left wing.

Gillingham did start to play with ten minutes to go before half time winning a couple of corners but never looked too threatening.

Half Time: Reading 3:0 Gillingham

Gillingham Manager, Andy Hessenthaler made one change at half time taking off experienced forward Iwan Roberts replacing him with fit again Nyron Nosworthy.

Reading looked to be continuing from where they left off in the first half creating a number of good openings. In particular Nicky Forster was guilty of missing a couple of guilt edged chances.

Gillingham slowly game more and more into the game as the second half wore on. Patrick Agyemang was starting to cause the Reading defenders a few problems and he played a major role in creating the goal which gave Gillingham a glimmer of light.

The former Wimbledon striker got to the byline and crossed for Darren Byfield to finish.

Reading though so nearly came to putting the game well beyond Gillingham. Kitson cut inside from the left hand side, beat to Gillingham defenders and unleashed an unstoppable effort which came crashing back off the rattling crossbar.

Forster was there for the rebound but his header lacked any real conviction and power.

Agyemang then went on another of his runs and after turning Murty his shot came back off the post.

Steve Coppell made a change late on bringing on Shaun Goater for Nicky Forster.

Reading took another three points at home and the Royals are not placed second in the League, their highest ever League position in their history.

Full Time: Reading 3:1 Gillingham

Man Of The Match: Dave Kitson

A first half hat trick more or less sealed he game for Reading. Again contributed more then just goals with good link up play and passing.

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