Kitson equaliser secures Royals a point at Crewe

MATCH REPORT

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Steve Coppell's Reading showed good bounce back ability after going a goal down to record a point at Crewe, thanks to Dave Kitson's 70th minute equaliser. But the result still leaves the Royals without a win since Boxing Day, which was 9 games ago.

The main talking point before the game was the omission of striker Nicky Forster from the 16 man squad. The former Birmingham City front man has failed to deliver the goods this season and with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, it appears to be the end of Forster's career at the club.

There was 1 change from Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Coventry City at the Madejski Stadium with Paul Brooker coming in for Glen Little, who dropped to the bench. This meant a change in role for Andy Hughes who started the game on the right wing with Brooker on the left.

It was a good start for the Royals, when Steve Sidwell found the perfect pass to Lloyd Owusu who could only fire low at Crewe goalie Clayton Ince.

But the Royals continued there recent form of conceding sloppy goals when they went 1:0 down after only 13 minutes. Crewe got into there tradition style of playing good attacking positive football under the leadership of legend Dario Gradi and when David Vaughan found Luke Varney, his low cross fell to former Iceland defender Ivar Ingimarsson who could only clear straight to Varney again who shot low and hard into the Reading net. Not the start the Royals needed.

But the Royals showed good character immediately and only a minute later a Nicky Shorey free kick was just headed over by Dave Kitson from 6 yards out.

As the Royals pressed men forward, Crewe hit the Royals on the counter attack on a number of occasions. Luke Varney should have had a hat trick after his 1st shot was hit narrowly wide after Lee Bell sent him clear and then his 2nd attempt moments later he shot just over the bar after some nice moves by Vaughan again.

The only other real attempts from both sides were from set pieces with James Harper firing straight at Clayton Ince from 25 yards out, and Kenny Lunt fired at Marcus Hahnemann.  

Half Time: Crewe Alexandra 1:0 Reading

The second half saw a rapid change in conditions with a minor snow blizzard taking place during half time which made conditions colder and more difficult, but credit due to both sets of players who adjusted very well.

The 2nd half started with a good tempo and Crewe should have wrapped things up when Kenny Lunt fired in a low cross for the impressive Vaughan who just fired wide.

The Royals continued there good attacking tempo and wingers Paul Brooker and Andy Hughes combined well before Steve Sidwell's shot fell to Clayton Ince, who could only fumble but Dave Kitson wasn't quick enough to react as Ince gathered.

The turning point of the game was the 1 and only substitution made by the Royals. The disappointing James Harper was replaced and on came former Burnley winger Glen Little. Little took the right wing role while Andy Hughes moved into his preferred position of central midfield alongside the tenacious Steve Sidwell and it appeared not only to have fired up the players, but also the 308 travelling Royals supporters who found there voices again in the 2nd half.

Then on 70 minutes, a free kick was floated in from skipper Graeme Murty on the halfway line and Crewe goalie Ince came to win the ball but failed to connect to the ball after being fairly challenged by Ingimarsson and the loose ball fell to who else but top goalscorer Dave Kitson who scrambled home a winner from 8 yards. It was Kitson's 1st goal since the 2:1 win over Cardiff City at the Madejski Stadium back in November. It was the perfect way to celebrate a good week for Kitson who only put pen to paper on a new 3 and 1/2 year contract on Monday.

The disappointment of conceding a sloppy goal fired Crewe back into action immediately and they could have gone back in front straight away when Neil Sorvel was chipped through from Kenny Lunt and his low shot was saved well by the impressive Marcus Hahnemann. The former Fulham goalie has justified his recent praise in recent week as he appears to have been the only consistent performer in what still remains a very poor league run.

With 10 minutes remaining, the Royals threw players forward in search of a win and Steve Sidwell was unlucky after his 30 yard effort was fired just wide.

Lloyd Owusu could have wrapped things up in injury time after a mazy run by Glen Little down the right wing but Owusu failed to connect to the pass.

It was the final chance in what was an entertaining game at a very cold and snowy Gresty Road.

To see a round-up of all the evening's Championship results please Click Here

Full Time: Crewe Alexandra 1:1 Reading

Man Of The Match: - Dave Kitson

The former Cambridge United striker celebrated a good week with a crucial equaliser. It was Kitson's 2nd full game in the space of 4 days and his work rate was top notch and Steve Coppell will take plenty of heart from his performance.

Another good performer was Andy Hughes. Reading's Mr Versatile started the match on the right wing and linked up well with Graeme Murty before switching to central midfield and he provided plenty of support while Steve Sidwell held the midfield together.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

26th February 2005, Madejski Stadium, 15:00 PM Kick Off

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