Reading 1:2 Coventry City - Match Report

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Reading supporters could not have thought it could get any worse, well it just did! Coventry City, hovering fourth from bottom before play took all three points from the Madstad in what was one of the worst second half performances since the dark days of Tommy Burns. It was just the shear inability of the Reading team to create anything, they looked clueless.

In the meantime Micky Adams side won their first match under his leadership and also picked up their first points in five league games.

It started so well for The Royals, yes they scored a goal! Something that has not happened too much in 2005. Veteran striker Les Ferdinand converted a Nicky Shorey cross to give some optimism amongst the home fans.

Though for about the fifth game on the trot, after starting well Reading lost their rhythm and allowed the visitors more and more into the game. Its as though Steve Coppell is happy to watch his side sit on a 1:0 lead against a poor Coventry outfit.

Half Time: Reading 1:0 Coventry City

The Royals produced a shocking second half performances and allow a poor Coventry side to score twice to take all three points.

A goal from Gary McSheffrey just after the hour and then Stern John with 15 minutes left secured the win. Steve Coppell changed things around to try and improve Reading's fortunes but decided to take off scorer Les Ferdinand to be replaced by an out of form striker, Nicky Forster. Glen Little, one of Reading's most creative players was also sacrificed late on.

So surely some new faces must be coming in this week if Reading want any chance of the Play-Offs. The squad is not big enough and simply not good enough.

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

Full Time: Reading 1:2 Coventry City

Man Of The Match: -

I have decided to scrap this for the meantime after the pathetic performances of 2005 so far. Instead I thought its time certain Reading players should be named for their woeful performances of late.

Graeme Murty - His record as captain is abysmal and his own performances have been very poor. Maybe its time to scrap the player of the armband and also drop the right back from the starting line up.

James Harper - A player that I have personally never really rated, I have failed to see this season what he has added to our team, he plays well too deep and gives possession away so easily. Why not try Andy Hughes in the centre of midfield and give Convey a deserved run out.

Nicky Forster - Although the front man did not start today's encounter, the former Birmingham striker has clearly lost all his confidence and should defiantly not be returning to the Reading starting eleven for the meantime at least.

If Steve Coppell dreams of a place in the Play-offs then he needs to be bold and make changes.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

22nd February 2005, Alexandra Stadium, 7:45 PM Kick Off

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