Royals fail to score again in dull encounter

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

With new signing Les Ferdinand out through injury Steve Coppell reverted to a 4-5-1 formation with out of form striker Nicky Forster upfront on his own. Bobby Convey retained his place on the left hand side of midfield with Andy Hughes playing just behind loan striker, Forster.

As well as Reading's inability to score gals, Burnley's defence has only conceded 21 goals this campaign and so the game had 0:0 written all over it and so it was to be.

Reading failed to make any clear openings with Burnley more then happy to soak up the pressure and counter attack. Andy Hughes had the only notable effort in a poor first half. His effort was straight at Burnley keeper Brian Jensen. Jensen looked uncomfortable all afternoon was some awful kicking and at time dodgy handling of the ball but Reading were unable to put the former West Bromwich Albion keeper under any notable pressure.

Burnley had a couple of half chances but the home side were unable to register a shot on target all game.

Half Time: Burnley 0:0 Reading

Steve Coppell's team dominated large parts of the second half but yet again lacked any goal threat. A number of good crosses from the wings saw no Reading player on the end of them.

Reading's best effort came from American International Bobby Convey whose free kick on the edge of Burnley's box hit the bar before being cleared away.

The Lancashire side were clearly content for a point as long ball after long ball up to the Clarets front men was tried. Chants of 'Boring Boring Burnley' from the small contingent of Royals supporters summed up their frustration. Burnley's only real danger was posed from talented midfielder Richard Chaplow, good footwork and passing from the in demand midfielder gave Burnley their best outlet.

Surprisingly Steve Coppell felt no need for changes as he obviously felt a goal was only a matter of time. Unfortunately not the last ten minutes saw Reading fail to create anything and it was Burnley who came the closest through Jean Louis Valois whose curling effort just went past Hahnemann's right hand post.

With Wigan and Ipswich both picking up maximum points The Royals fell further behind the leading teams. With no win in five games a moral boosting victory in the Cup replay at Swansea on Monday is a must with Reading entertaining leaders Ipswich Town on Saturday. After the last five games only one score looks like next Saturday but you can only hope...

To see a round-up of all the weekends Championship results please Click Here

Full Time: Burnley 0:0 Reading

Man Of The Match: Andy Hughes

Looked good going forward and worked tirelessly as usual in what was a dull encounter.

Why not have your say on the game, visit the 1871Royals Message Board

NEXT CUP MATCH

17th January 2005, The Vetch, 7:45 PM Kick Off

Please Click Here for ticket information regarding this game

NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

22nd January 2005, Madejski Stadium, 3:00 PM Kick Off

Please Click Here for ticket information regarding this game