MOTM v Burnley

[largetrousers]

Personally I think Coppell will be disappointed with last nights performance. Yes, we went through, scored 3 good goals, allowed reserve/injured players to get a runout, but he is looking at who can push our current 11 and cover when needed...from that performance who exactly stood out from the reserves? IMO Federici looked head and shoulders above his other reserve buddies and he gets my MOTM award. Cannot take anything positive from the way we defended, to say Sodjie had a good game is bizarre, he had a howler! He cost us their 1st goal, why stop and then when realise the ref hasnt blown make no effort to put panic-buy off, he had all the time in the world to lob Federici? Bikey and Oster in the middle always looked a yard off the pace and lost the ball too easily, didnt see either of them try to stamp their authority on the midfield and didnt appear to offer much cover to our back 4. Seol had another shocker, its like he doesnt care about getting back in the team and is getting lazier by the game, many times he got in good positions to play the simple ball or cross and he tried to beat someone again - lost the ball, doesnt bother tracking back, doesnt like to tackle or be tackled. Positives can be taken from Conveys performance, understandably knackered towards the end. Both goals from Lita and Long were top drawer, Lita always looked a threat and up for it. Chuffed to bits that Kits is back playing, showed moments of class when on the ball.

[The Surgeon of Crowthorne]

An odd performance really. Individually I thought there were some good displays. The problem was that we didn't look like a team, which is perhaps understandable. I thought Sodje was OK - he certainly looks far more comfortable with the ball at his feet than Sonks ever does. Bikey really wanted to get involved, but this meant he attacked too much and didn't cover the back 4 enough. Oster was far too casual, as he often is. Seol really couldn't be arsed. I was really impressed with Long's goal & perhaps I can now understand the belief the club has in him.

[Platypuss]

I don't think you can really make any judgements about the back 5 as they would have had minimal time to get used to playing as a unit - which is what really makes a defence.

[Huntley & Palmer]

As a plus side though, Convey and Golbourne linked up very well last night.

[Tony Le Mesmer]

Sodje- very solid, great goal. Federici made some top saves I cant choose between them

Sodje was poor, sorry but his defending in the 2nd half was very poor, just stopped for thier first goal. Very disappointed.

Agreed AP.

I always thought Sodje was a strange signing. ive seen him half a dozen times now and he isn't even close to being premiership standard. All the more reason for us to sign a centre back this month, i don't see how he has a future at Reading.

The only negative point from last night, bid plus points for Long, Federici, Convey, kitson

[Drive On]

Sodje - inconsistent, made me nervous. Looks lightweight

Bikey - not quick witted enough or skilful enough to be a midfielder

Oster/Seol - expected them to show their class amongst the field last night - they didn't

de la Cruz - book the plane ticket

Convey/Kitson - welcome back. Skill level is obvious

Federici - excellent debut

Ingi - most under-rated player at Reading

Lita - another good goal

Golbourne - did as well as expected

Long - excellent promise. Good jumper

[Royal Rother]

Long knitted things together well up front last night and he really stitched up their keeper with a brilliant finish.

[comeonthebiscuitmen]

A FED

I like it.
If he becomes our first team keeper and gets a famous popstar WAG that's what he'll be known as for sure.

[Stranded]

Sodje - inconsistent, made me nervous. Looks lightweight

Bikey - not quick witted enough or skilful enough to be a midfielder

Oster/Seol - expected them to show their class amongst the field last night - they didn't

de la Cruz - book the plane ticket

Convey/Kitson - welcome back. Skill level is obvious

Federici - excellent debut

Ingi - most under-rated player at Reading

Lita - another good goal

Golbourne - did as well as expected

Long - excellent promise. Good jumper

Agree with most of that except I thought Bikey had a very composed and effective game in midfield. Also thought Oster played well, linking play nicely.

[lozz2601]

OK, who voted for Seol?

[M4 Junction 11]

Seol also got over 10% of the vote for Player of the Month for December

[Ian Royal]

that will be our friends from Korea I imagine.

[Royal Tezza]

Thought Bikey was excellent last night, never knew he could play in that sort of holding role. Cleaned everything up quite nicely. Sodje had a very mixed game deffo not MOTM IMO

[doylefan]

thought a few of the lads had good games but for me it was between AF and Long for MOTM, but going with Long. Probably the best ive seen him play for a while and what a goal!! i was with as family friend last night and he sat there and wasnt convinced that it would go in - well LOng proved him wrong!!! also played well in the air!

AF - fantastic, couldnt fault him in those vital saves he made!! great first game. will be interesting to watch him progress in the team.

mentions go to Convey and Kitson (great to have them back after so long. Convey was all over the pitch last night and linked up well with Golbourne).

Oster - played well, esp when linking up plays throughout the game. glad to see him playing again

wasnt impressed however with De La Cruz or Seol - neither looked interested at any part of the game

[Charles Dapper]

I would have to say Convey as MOTM, although AF did have a good game and made 2 excellent saves.

As for Oster, like Seol yet another below average performance. I would say he has more desire than Seol, but gives the ball away too easy.

So glad Blakey is fit.

[jenster81]

does anyone have video link for longs goal?! been away on business and would like to see what the fuss is about!! ta!

[higher]

Must be some contractual thing but Reading World dont show goals from Cup exploits.Love to see the goals too.

[MadMac]

shame there is a vote for everyone apart from UDC someone most like him....

[Woodcote Royal]

It was disappointing to be pulled back to 3-2 having been 3-0 up but, nevertheless, there's no doubt that Steve Coppell would have got a lot from this game.

Only Seol had a really bad night (but those expecting English style blood and guts performances from him will never see them )

All the rest did OK at least, which is some achievement in a scratch team only brought together because most of them had something to prove.

MOTM, Federici for me, too, and honourable mentions for Long, Leroy (2 very good strikes as they set up each others goals) and Bobby Convey, who I thought did extremely well given his long lay off.,