Reading stay second with biggest win of the season

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Reading looked to take full control of the match from the off with Andy Hughes blazing an effort well over the bar in the first minute. Reading were looking the more dangerous although when Crewe did break forward Dario Gradi's men looked threatening.

Lloyd Owusu was in the thick of an action having a header that went just over the bar 15 minutes in.

It was only a matter of time before Reading did make the breakthrough and it was Steve Sidwell who who popped up to take centre stage. Glen Little's ball across to Sidwell set the chance up and Sidwell fired a shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Before Crewe could get back in the game, Dave Kitson doubled The Royals advantage with a goal five minutes later. Kitson's determination to chase a long ball paid off when he nudged the defender off the ball, he attempted to play the ball round keeper Ben Williams but Williams got a hand on the ball only for his save to hit Kitson's leg and bounce into the net.

Crewe then had a spell of pressure which saw Hahnemann make a couple of routine saves before Reading struck a third right on half time.

A beautiful counter attacking move started when Hahnemann's kick out found its way to Andy Hughes who found Lloyd Owusu in the box and he rose to head the ball home with a fantastic header.

Half Time: Reading 3:0 Crewe

The Royals came out second half looking to add to their lead and it did not take long to do so. Glen Little's quick thinking from a free kick found Ivar Ingimarsson in the box and he headed low to add a fourth and make it a day to forget for Crewe fans.

After this Reading took their foot of the gas and looked to consolidate their advantage. Although Reading did create more opportunities. The best of which falling to Kitson who was put through but was unable to finish after a heavy first touch gave the keeper a chance to parry the ball away from goal.

Crewe looked to at least take something from the game, with a few efforts, one notable effort coming  from Mark Rivers, who deflected a shot goal wards but Hahnemann saved well.

Though arguably Crewe's best chance was from Reading's own Ivar Ingimarsson when his headed clearance hit his own post and away to safety. Luck was certainly on Reading's side.

As the weather worsened conditions on the pitch made it difficult to string passes together.

Steve Coppell made a double swoop late on with Paul and Brooker and Bobby Convey coming on for Glen Little and Andy Hughes.

Convey was unlucky with an effort that flew just over the bar. Coppell then gave Dean Morgan ten minutes replacing goalscorer Dave Kitson.

Full Time: Reading 4:0 Crewe

Man Of The Match: Steve Sidwell

Run the show in the midfield and scored the opener with a neat finish.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

30th October 2004, Highfield Road, 15:00 PM Kick Off

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