Royals unable to kill off relegation battlers

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

A new year and hopefully a year to remember for Royals fans but after an uneventful, uninspiring, wet afternoon in Kent left Reading fans wondering why how their team were in the top four. After the shambles of Tuesday's hammering at Preston, supporters were hoping for a quick response unfortunately they were not going to get one.

You could almost anticipate the afternoons events by just hearing the name of the referee, Steve Bennett. Not a favourite amongst Royals supporters to say the least.

Steve Coppell decided on just the one expected change from Tuesday's game. Paul Brooker made way for Captain Graeme Murty to return and Andy Hughes moved to the left side of midfield.

Gillingham started the game well having plenty of the possession. Reading again simple hoofing long balls upto Forster and Owusu which were proving ineffective. The game though was made more difficult by sweeping winds and rain plus a pitch that was cutting up badly. Reading's only real opportunity of the first half came from James Harper but his shot went well past Steve Banks's post.

Although enjoying more possession Gillingham failed to create any real clear cut chances.

Half Time: Gillingham 0:0 Reading

The second half turned out to be just as uneventful as the first apart from the rain which irritated the travelling Reading supporters that were open to the elements.

Reading were unable to adapt to the conditions and a narrow pitch Gillingham continued to win the physical battle. James Harper in particular struggling to get into the game.

It was not until the last ten minutes that Reading started to look like a team in contention for promotion. Dean Morgan who replaced the ineffective Nicky Forster did well to keep the ball in and cross from the byline to find Glen Little who rose highest to head the ball goalwards only for Banks to make an athletic save to keep the Royals winger at bay.

And it was Little again that was in the thick of the action a few minutes later. Again at the back post Little won his header and this time headed home only for his goal to be disallowed for an apparent foul on the Gillingham defender.

Neither team though deserved three points and the goalless statement reflected the proceedings witnessed at the Priestfield Stadium. If Reading want to realise their dreams this season, work needs to be done quickly to eradicate their poor away form.

To see a round-up of all the New Years Day Championship results please Click Here

Full Time: Gillingham 0:0 Reading

Man Of The Match: Glen Little

The whole Reading squad looked at times as though they were nursing hangovers from the night before like many of the travelling Reading supporters! Glen Little was unlucky with a header that was saved well and then having a goal disallowed.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

3rd January 2005, Madejski Stadium, 5:30 PM Kick Off

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