Reading 3:1 West Ham - 1871Royals Match Report


By Matthew Grant
March 13 2005

Reading finally won their first league game of 2005 beating Alan Pardew's West Ham side 3:1 thanks to a Dave Kitson hat trick giving something for Reading supporters to cheer about.

 
 

MADEJSKI STADIUM

12TH MARCH 2005

15:00 PM KICK OFF

ATTENDANCE: 22,268

 

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

 
READING 3

Kitson (3)  
WEST HAM 1
Sheringham

MATCH REPORT

Finally The Royals managed to end their torrid run to win their first league game of 2005 and there was no better game to do it. Reading simply won all the 50/50's especially in midfield with Steve Sidwell controlling proceedings. It was another forgettable return for once Reading leader Alan Pardew and the defeat only adds to the increasing pressure which has seen many West Ham supporters hoping to see the back of him sooner rather then later.

Steve Coppell started with Dave Kitson and Dean Morgan in attack with Les Ferdinand out injured and Nicky Forster not in the squad while his off the field contract problems continue. Glen Little was also recalled to the starting line up with Paul Brooker dropping to the bench with Graeme Murty's return resulting in Andy Hughes moving to the left hand side of midfield.

Reading stated much the brighter looking to strike early to settle their nerves. Ricky Newman was unlucky with a shot that hit the post early on. West Ham never got going all afternoon with Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora were fed little openings to cause the Reading defence any real problems. It was only a matter of time before The Royals struck and when it did arrive it was no surprise who scored it. From a Nicky Shorey set piece, Dave Kitson rose above Hayden Mullins to make it advantage Reading. West Ham had clearly not learnt there lesson as 15 minutes later Kitson bundled the ball home from another set piece to double Reading's advantage. West Ham failed to clear there lines and Reading's leading marksmen was there to stab the ball home from close range.

Half Time: Reading 2:0 West Ham United

West Ham came out second half looking to carve their way back into the game. When the Hammers did create openings for their front men the standard of shooting was severely lacking. It was a performance that didn't match the fantastic level of support by the West Ham following who sung there hearts out for most of the second half non stop.

Instead of their team rising to the support Kitson went on to take the matchball home and leave Pardew cross armed standing in his technical area powerless. After the chants from both home and away fans concerning his possible sacking he must have been thinking whether it was the biggest mistake in his managerial career to date in walking out on the Berkshire club. Kitson's determination, something West Ham simply lacked ended up with the ball in the back of the net and for it to cap a much needed three points.

Teddy Sheringham was introduced late on for Bobby Zamora and the ex England International scored a late consolation goal.  It finished 3:1 with Reading claiming a vital three points. The Royals travel to doomed Rotherham United on Tuesday and another win is a must if Reading want to be in the top six come May.

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

Full Time: Reading 3:1 West Ham United

Man Of The Match: Dave Kitson

Back to his best with a hat trick. His link up play was superb and he got back to defend when needed.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

Rotherham United vs Reading

15th March 2005, Millmoor, 7:45 PM Kick Off

Please Click Here for ticket information regarding this game