Reading lucky to earn replay against Swans.

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Reading were lucky to escape with a replay after scoring a late goal to earn a draw with League 2 outfit Swansea City. Reading again had plenty of chances but were not up to the task of sticking the ball in the net. Something Reading fans have come to get use to over the past few weeks. Not even the signing of Les Ferdinand could spur Reading on with Nicky Forster yet again looking off the pace and still yet to score since coming back from injury.

A good turnout of over 3,000 Swansea supporters saw their team take the lead after half an hour after poor defending from Ibrahima Sonko let in Connor to be left with a simple finish of poking the ball into the bottom corner of Hahnemann's net.

Plenty of Reading chances were created afterwards but again no player to finish them off. Ferdinand was unlucky with a shot from a Little cross which went just past the post and after good link up play with Andy Hughes ,Bobby Convey hit a shot that went past the post.

Half Time: Reading 0:1 Swansea City

Steve Coppell made no changes at half time. The ball was very much in the Swansea half for much of the second half. The Royals had some golden opportunities to equalise with Ibrahima Sonko exceptionally unlucky to see his header cleared off the line with an over head kick from a Swansea defender.

Steve Sidwell had a shot that was straight at Gueret and Glen Little hit an effort over from the edge of the box. Reading could have had a penalty when a Swansea defender looked to handle the ball in the box but Mr Penton waved play on. Coppell was getting desperate. Les Ferdinand was replaced with Lloyd Owusu and later on Dean Morgan came on for in ineffective James Harper. With Reading changing to a 3-4-3 formation.

Swansea though could have wrapped the game up when a rare counter attack saw them two against one at one time but the Swansea winger failed to deliver the ball into the box to an unmarked Forbes and the chance was lost. Lee Trundle also came close with an effort which went just over the bar.

As the game entered extra time it looked as if Reading would fail to score for the fourth game running but in the nick of time Ivar Ingimarsson lashed home a shot from more then 20 yards out to earn Reading a replay back at The Vetch. It was particularly harsh on Kenny Jackett's Swansea side who worked tirelessly.

If The Royals have aspirations of playing Premiership football next season Steve Coppell needs to do some serious work on the training ground with putting chances away. It is simply not good enough and if it continues Reading will be way off the Play Off's come May.

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Full Time: Reading 1:1 Swansea City

Man Of The Match: Bobby Convey

Came in on the left hand side of midfield and played very well with good link up play and a number of good crosses and shots. Deserves to start at Burnley next Saturday.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

15th January 2005, Turf Moor, 3:00 PM Kick Off

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