Sky Blues make the Royals pay for costly errors

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Reading took an early lead only to be pegged back quickly and then fall 3:1 behind after the break. Dave Kitson did pull a goal back but it was not enough and Reading fell down to third in the league on goal difference.

Reading started the brighter of the two teams and maybe should have opened the scoring inside the first couple of minutes. Good work by Sidwell produced a cross which fell to Glen Little at the back post but he somehow headed over from only a few yards out.

Reading continued to carve open a shaky Coventry backline and it was no surprise when they did make the breakthrough. Little created the chance with good wing play and his cut back found Owusu who finished off coolly to give The Royals the perfect start. It was Owusu's third goal in three games since his return to first team action.

Reading though shot themselves in the foot, when a clumsy challenge by Steven Sidwell in the box saw referee, Mr Salisbury award Coventry a penalty. Stern John stepped up to take it and neatly dispatched the ball sending Hahnemann the wrong way.

After a lively first fifteen minutes the game became a more scrappy affair with neither team really looking to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Reading did finish the half the stronger with both Dave Kitson and Sidwell having efforts at goal.

Half Time: Coventry 1:1 Reading

Half time saw Coventry manager Peter Reid forced into a substitution with scorer Stern John forced off with injury and he was replaced with Patrick Suffo.

Only five minutes into the second half and Coventry had taken the lead. Yet another avoidable goal was finished off by Andy Morrell, this time Nicky Shorey was at fault when he totally missed the cross and the ball fell kindly to Morrell who shot low and hard to give Coventry a dream start to the second half.

Coventry had total control of the game and Reading defensively were looking very unstable. Steve Coppell made a change with Bobby Convey replacing Paul Brooker and Convey made a lively start with a number of good runs and passes. The American obviously keen to impress in order to try and claim a first team place.

Reading though fell further behind with just over 20 minutes to go when more poor defending let Morrell wriggle his way through the defence and put Johnson through and he left Hahnemann with no chance to make Reading's task even harder.

Reading did start to come to life after the third goal and it was not long before top scorer Dave Kitson cut the deficit with a scrappy finish after Little had done well to get his cross in.

After this The Royals searched for the equaliser but to no avail. Kitson was unlucky with a header that went just over the bar and then a shot just wide of the post.

Coventry should have finished the game off when with Reading attacking, City hit them on the counter attack with two against one but Nathan Doyle elected to shot from long range and the ball sailed over the bar.

Coventry claimed all three points and Reading captain, Adie Williams as Steve Coppell confirmed after the game that the former Welsh International has had a medical at the Sky Blues and has all but signed.

Full Time: Coventry 3:2 Reading

Man Of The Match: Bobby Convey

The majority of the Reading starters had a poor game, although substitute Bobby Convey looked very bright after coming on and maybe should start on Tuesday at Plymouth Argyle.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

2nd November 2004, Home Park, 19:45 PM Kick Off

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