Report by John Wells
There was little to get excited about today as Reading deservedly collected another three points. Although the margin of victory was narrow, and the visitors were given a lot of time and space in to build attacks in the second half, they never really looked likely to break down Reading's solid defence. Kitson and Forster always looked likely to produce something, and the deciding goal came from the penalty spot after Forster was taken down by Shaun Barker as he shaped to shoot with only the keeper to beat. Barker was lucky to escape with a only a yellow card. Kitson powered the spot kick low into the net.

The pattern of the game was set early in the first half with a high percentage of long balls out of defence being dealt with comfortably by defenders at either end of the pitch. When the ball was played to feet both sides looked capable of creating chances. It was Reading however that looked sharper up front. Kitson had an effort disallowed for offside, and both he and Forster came close after showing good touch and a sharp turn. On each occasion the ball whistled just wide of the post. Hughes put over a couple of crosses which troubled the Rotherham defence, Convey flitted in and out of the game, Harper and Sidwell were mainly concerned with defensive duties. Williams made a crucial interception after an error of judgement by Murty left Reading outnumbered by three to two at the back. Rotherham's best chance came on seven minutes when Convey lost possession, and from the resulting attack a poor clearance presented a good chance which was ballooned over by Sedgwick, who must be given some credit for having the courage to have a go with what is clearly his weaker foot! Kitson's converted penalty gave Reading the lead they deserved just before half time.

The second half didn't produce a great deal of high quality play. Rotherham had more possession as they pressed forward looking for an equaliser. The ball bobbled about in the Reading area on a couple of occasions but there were few chances created. Rotherham tried unsuccessfully to pass their way through the centre of the Reading defence but invariably failed as the Royals defence and midfield closed in to stifle their attacks. Williams and Ingimarssson dealt easily with the anything in the air. The best opportunity for Rotherham to get back into the game came when Barker chested the ball skilfully into the path of Shaw who fortunately for Reading fired wide. At the other end Sidwell struck a drive from over thirty yards which produced a save from Pollitt. Hughes' crossing gradually deteriorated and Reading didn't produce any real threat on either wing. The best chance of the half came when a clever flick from Kitson put Forster in with only the 'keeper to beat, but Pollitt saved well.