Leeds United 3:1 Reading - Match Report

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Coppell stuck with the same team who were booed off the field last Saturday against Plymouth Argyle, Bobby Convey was yet again not even named in the squad even after his impressive performance and goal in the reserves.

As par usual Reading started brightly without really threatening Neil Sullivan's goal. Leeds slowly came more into the game with the presence of new loan signing Rob Hulse always causing the Reading backline problems. It was Hulse who forced Marcus Hahnemann into a superb fingertip save from keeping the score at 0:0.

Leeds opener came just after the half hour when David Healy capitalised on poor Reading defending to allow the former Preston front man to be through on goal and slot the ball past Hahnemann. Reading failed to in any attempt to try and get back on level terms before half time.

Half Time: Leeds United 1:0 Reading

Steve Coppell decided against any changes at half time and instead watched his team be torn apart by Rob Hulse. Hulse's double strike on his Leeds debut showed exactly what Steve Coppell needed, a quality goalscorer. Instead Reading fans were forced to endure more embarrassing attempts at shooting from Forster and Ferdinand. Ferdinand yet again missing a sitter from three yards just after half time which would have seen The Royals back on level terms if the former Newcastle forward managed to take advantage of the simple opportunity.

Instead Reading paid the price yet again, as Hulse scored two quality strikes just before and after the hour mark to secure Kevin Blackwell's team all three points and now sit only four points behind The Royals in the league.

Steve Coppell decided finally to change things round when the game was over with the introduction of Paul Brooker and Dean Morgan for the uninspiring and out of form James Harper and Glen Little. Lloyd Owusu was also introduced with around ten minutes to go to replace Ferdinand.

It was Owusu who showed his clueless team mates the way to goal when he converted a chance with a cheeky back heel. It sparked The Royals into life but the game finished at 3:1. Maybe it was too much to ask the team to score twice in a game after all Reading have only managed to score once before today's game in the League this year.

So with a home game against Coventry City next Saturday a new striker is a must, as it is maybe too much to expect Dave Kitson to single handily get us in the Play Offs. Maybe the Reading manager should concentrate on his team more rather then moan at Reading supporters for expressing their displeasure at such rubbish performances and results of late. We may then see some improvements in performances and results.

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

Full Time: Leeds United 3:1 Reading

Man Of The Match: Marcus Hahnemann

Made a good save from Hulse early on and was the only player to make any real impact on the game.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

19th February 2005, Madejski Stadium, 3:00 PM Kick Off

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