Owusu stakes his claim as Reading take a point

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Reading were unlucky not to take all three points away from the Madejski Stadium after going behind to Leeds United after just two minutes. A Lloyd Owusu goal put Reading back on level terms just before half time and The Royals could have nicked a winner with a number of chances in the second half.

A full house witnessed a disastrous start for Reading when teenager Simon Walton capitalised on some sloppy defending to hand Leeds the lead.

From the goal onwards Reading looked to get back in the game and had numerous chances to do so. The best of which fell to striker Shaun Goater but he was unable to finish on several occasions.

The first chance to fall to the former Manchester city forward came after Dave Kitson's good work played the ball through but Goater's shot was saved with the feat of Sullivan.

The Bermudians second opportunity came from more good work from Kitson but this time his shot was deflected behind for a corner.

Goater's evening was not going to get any better as he was shortly forced off through injury and was replaced by Lloyd Owusu. Goater looks set to be sidelined for up to four weeks.

Reading nearly paid for missing their chances when Michael Ricketts was put through but his effort went wide of the post to the relief of Hahnemann.

As half time approached it was Lloyd Owusu who sent the Reading fans into the half time break the happiest after he bundled a shot home past Neil Sullivan. From a Nicky Shorey free kick Kitson won the ball in the air, Sullivan did well to keep the ball out but Owusu was on hand to slot the ball home.

Half Time: Reading 1:1 Leeds United

Reading started the second half very much like the first taking control of the game and trying to break down a very stubborn Leeds backline.

Slowly though Leeds came more and more into the game although they created a very limited amount of chances.

Readings first opportunity of the second half fell to Glen Little who did well to beat two Leeds players before hitting a shot that was well saved by Neil Sullivan.

Kevin Blackwell tried to rectify Leeds problems in the attacking third by changing his front men, both Michael Ricketts and Brett Ormerod were substituted in the second half with Julian Joachim and Brian Deane taking their place.

Steve Coppell also made a change with Glen Little coming off for Bobby Convey.

Dave Kitson and Steven Sidwell  then  had opportunities to give Reading the lead, first from a cross with Kitson's effort being well saved by Sullivan and then Sidwell's long range effort went straight down the throat of the ex Chelsea keeper.

Sullivan's handling all evening was at the highest level and it was clear to see why the keeper had been playing in the top flight for the majority of his career.

Leeds rallied late on producing a superb save from Marcus Hahnemann from Brian Deane's header. Neither side could find the winner and it finished with a draw as Reading remained second in the league.

Full Time: Reading 1:1 Leeds United

Man Of The Match: James Harper

Covered a lot of ground and used the ball well. Did create number of chances for the front men.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

23rd October 2004, Madejski Stadium, 15:00 PM Kick Off

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