100% home record lost after Burnley frustration

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Dave Kitson and Nicky Forster had Reading's best opportunities in a game which in most parts was rather dull. Weather conditions did not help the matter with long periods of heavy downpours making Reading's job harder.

Kitson went close early on only to be denied after breaking the offside break leaving The Royals with just a corner.

Burnley were more then happy to sit back and play the counter attack which nearly paid off for them. Robbie Blake looked a constant danger upfront along with Ian Moore.

Burnley had only conceded one goal all season away from home and it was easy to see why as Frank Sinclair and his partner in defence, John McGreal with their vast experience for most parts denying Reading an opportunity in front of goal.

As the heavens open at the Madejski the game petered out with a sense of eeriness around he stadium. Reading looked to be content with going in at half time goalless and that's how it stayed.

Half Time: Reading 0:0 Burnley

Burnley carried on with the same tactics in the second half but did have a couple of god opportunities to win the game late on.

Reading though did continue to try and make the breakthrough but with little success.

Nicky Forster was unlucky after good build up play, played in the former Birmingham man but his shot was well saved by Danny Coyne at the near post.

Ibrahima Sonko, in his first competitive start for the Royals looked much more comfortable in the second half after a shaky first 45 minutes, was unlucky after a header which was deflected behind for a corner.

Harper late on had a shot the was blocked in the box and was cleared. Steve Coppell changed it around to try and break the deadlock.

Glen Little made his return again his former side, it was hit first game since coming off early at Millwall, he replaced the impressive Andy Hughes.

Soon after the Paul Brooker was replaced by Bobby Convey who had hit two goals in the reserves in midweek.

Dave Kitson did get the ball in the net for Reading, but had handled the ball in and so was booked for his actions.

Steve Sidwell also picked up a yellow card which means he is now got five yellow's and will miss the game away at Stoke City a week on Saturday.

Burnley could so have nearly have snatched it at the death when Ian Moore's shot was saved well by Marcus Hahnemann.

It turned out to being an extremely frustrating day for the Royals and it meant Wigan returned to top of the table after they beat Rotherham United 2:0 at the JJB Stadium.

Full Time: Reading 0:0 Burnley

Man Of The Match: Andy Hughes

Again looked Reading's best player. After the criticism received at Reading's last home game against Watford. Hughes has hit back with some 'heart on sleeve' performances and deserves to keep his place in the starting eleven.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

16th October 2004, Britannia Stadium, 15:00 PM Kick Off

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