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COPPELL THRILLED BY ROYALS COMEBACK
By Duncan Bech, PA Sport
Reading manager Steve Coppell claimed his side's new Barclays Premiership status drove them on
to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough.
The Royals looked dead and buried after 20 minutes following goals from Stewart Downing and Aiyegbeni Yakubu.
But Dave Kitson and Steve Sidwell levelled before the interval and Leroy Lita struck in the second half to give
Reading a triumphant start to their debut top flight campaign.
Coppell understood why last season's Championship winners made such a nervy start and revealed it was pride
in the club that inspired their victory.
"It was an exciting performance from us. Both managers could criticise aspects of play but from our point of
view it was terrific to come back like that," he said.
"We started nervously and looked anxious, which is human nature given the position we're in.
"When their second one went in, we relaxed a bit and had a go at them.
"The timing of our first goal was critical and it gave us a real boost. I was pleased that we continued to play with
that tempo after we scored.
"We played in such a way that you can see what this means to everybody. I know how many good
luck texts and phone calls I've had for today and it was the same for the players.
"We've worked really hard to be here and getting into the Premiership was a very bid thing for us. You could
see that on the pitch.
"As soon as we started stringing passes together I thought that we might get back at them."
Coppell hailed matchwinner Lita and Seol Ki-Hyeon, the South Korean who made up for his defensive shortcomings
with an electric performance in attack on his debut.
"Leroy has the ability to sniff out an opening - he's one of those players. The chance fell to him and he made no
mistake," he said.
"Seol is a very good player in possession. There are aspects of his game which he could improve on. He's a cutting
edge for us and a powerful boy."
Substitute Lita appeared for the second half after Dave Kitson limped off following a heavy challenge from Boro
defender Chris Riggott and Coppell revealed the Reading striker could miss several games.
"Kitson took a knock on his knee. It was a real centre back's challenge but it took place on the halfway line where
it was not significant. I think he'll miss a few games," he said.
It was a disappointing way for Gareth Southgate to mark his first Premiership match as Boro manager
but the former England defender had no complaints with the result.
"It was a roller-coaster. We knew we had to dig in after going 2-0 up and Reading threw everything at us,"
he said.
"We missed a great opportunity to get a win. I wasn't surprised Reading played like that because of the energy
and spirit they showed last season."
Mark Viduka appeared to have equalised with eight minutes to go but the linesman's flag went up for offside in
what appeared a harsh decision.
"The goal looked onside but it was very tight and hopefully those will go for us another day. We didn't do enough
in the second half to get the win," said Southgate.
Southgate confirmed Boro have agreed a fee with Manchester City for Sylvain Distin with the French defender
considering a move to the Riverside but denied there had been an approach from Tottenham and Chelsea
for Downing.
What the papers say: : Middlesborough
Lita crowns Royals' fightback
Jamie Jackson at Madjeski Stadium
Sunday August 20, 2006
The Observer
'It feels good doesn't it?' reflected the PA announcer in welcoming the Royals debut outing in the top flight. And by the end of this humdinger, it proved the prevailing emotion due to a comeback that provided heart to supporters and Reading players asking the inevitable question about how their club, especially with just two new signings this summer, would fare.
Yet, what a dismal start. Despite winning promotion as Championship champions with 106 points, a record tally for an English club, the home side could not attract enough interest to fill every seat for the big kick-off. And with 21 minutes gone, they had been handed a lesson on the pitch in what, at that point, was an exercise in Premiership ruthlessness.
First on 11 minutes, Yakubu Aiyegbeni picked the ball up and delivered a curling pass. It was perfect for Stewart Downing, whose precise left-foot finish brought Gareth Southgate from his seat. Reading managed to miss a good chance to level when Steve Sidwell spooned over, before Aiyegbeni bought what appeared a questionable free-kick near the area following James Harper's challenge. Marcus Hahnemann's clownish fumble from Fabio Rochemback's strike allowed the Nigerian striker to mop up.
It was not that Reading had lacked brio, but the obvious ingredient of belief. Yet, having had scant encouragement, they were suddenly offered a generous portion in the closing minutes of the half, and it turned the game.
Middlesbrough had appeared ragged since the 30 minute mark, allowing Bobby Convey space down the left, and presenting a midfield that, despite the presence of accomplished holder, George Boateng, did not convince whenever Reading broke and drove at them. And they paid. With two minutes remaining before the break, Dave Kitson claimed Reading's inaugural Premiership goal when a defensive mix-up allowed him to scramble home. Then, Sidwell received from Ivar Ingimarsson, again from the left, and he equalised.
As the half entered added time, Kevin Doyle failed to connect with a touch that would have beaten Mark Schwarzer and the visitors, now rattled, received their first booking following Chris Riggott's ugly challenge on Kitson. That meant Kitson was unable to continue, but at least Steve Coppell could replace him with Leroy Lita, who cost £1million last season from Bristol City.
Justice was served when 10 minutes after the restart the striker struck Reading's winner, his finish the result of another goalmouth scramble following some neat work from Graeme Murty, who flicked on to the dangerous Seol Ki-Hyeon. The South Korean, who cost £500,000 more than Lita, turned it on and following Doyle's persistence, Lita smashed home.
Southgate will be annoyed that a late strike from Mark Viduka was ruled wrongly offside, but will be more concerned that it was his side, rather than Coppell's, who looked like newcomers.
Jamie Jackson at Madjeski Stadium
Sunday August 20, 2006
The Observer
'It feels good doesn't it?' reflected the PA announcer in welcoming the Royals debut outing in the top flight. And by the end of this humdinger, it proved the prevailing emotion due to a comeback that provided heart to supporters and Reading players asking the inevitable question about how their club, especially with just two new signings this summer, would fare.
Yet, what a dismal start. Despite winning promotion as Championship champions with 106 points, a record tally for an English club, the home side could not attract enough interest to fill every seat for the big kick-off. And with 21 minutes gone, they had been handed a lesson on the pitch in what, at that point, was an exercise in Premiership ruthlessness.
First on 11 minutes, Yakubu Aiyegbeni picked the ball up and delivered a curling pass. It was perfect for Stewart Downing, whose precise left-foot finish brought Gareth Southgate from his seat. Reading managed to miss a good chance to level when Steve Sidwell spooned over, before Aiyegbeni bought what appeared a questionable free-kick near the area following James Harper's challenge. Marcus Hahnemann's clownish fumble from Fabio Rochemback's strike allowed the Nigerian striker to mop up.
It was not that Reading had lacked brio, but the obvious ingredient of belief. Yet, having had scant encouragement, they were suddenly offered a generous portion in the closing minutes of the half, and it turned the game.
Middlesbrough had appeared ragged since the 30 minute mark, allowing Bobby Convey space down the left, and presenting a midfield that, despite the presence of accomplished holder, George Boateng, did not convince whenever Reading broke and drove at them. And they paid. With two minutes remaining before the break, Dave Kitson claimed Reading's inaugural Premiership goal when a defensive mix-up allowed him to scramble home. Then, Sidwell received from Ivar Ingimarsson, again from the left, and he equalised.
As the half entered added time, Kevin Doyle failed to connect with a touch that would have beaten Mark Schwarzer and the visitors, now rattled, received their first booking following Chris Riggott's ugly challenge on Kitson. That meant Kitson was unable to continue, but at least Steve Coppell could replace him with Leroy Lita, who cost £1million last season from Bristol City.
Justice was served when 10 minutes after the restart the striker struck Reading's winner, his finish the result of another goalmouth scramble following some neat work from Graeme Murty, who flicked on to the dangerous Seol Ki-Hyeon. The South Korean, who cost £500,000 more than Lita, turned it on and following Doyle's persistence, Lita smashed home.
Southgate will be annoyed that a late strike from Mark Viduka was ruled wrongly offside, but will be more concerned that it was his side, rather than Coppell's, who looked like newcomers.
Great match report from.. http://www.comeonboro.com
READING v MIDDLESBROUGH, PREMIER LEAGUE, 19th AUGUST 2006
The long wait is over and it's time to stop the talking and start the action.
A massive Boro contingent travelled to Reading to see Gareth Southgate's first game as Boro manager. Would his team put on a magnificent performance and get the rub of the green?
Schwarzer, Parnaby, Pogatetz, Riggott, Arca (Davies 45), Morrison (Johnson 84), Rochemback (Mendieta 68), Boateng, Downing, Viduka, Yakubu
Turnbull, Maccarone
THE FIRST HALF
The game started at a fast and furious pace and Boro looked to attack from early on but after George Boateng had ballooned one over the bar, it was Reading who nearly opened the scoring when Kitson forced Skippy into a diving save within the first few minutes.
But Boro recovered well and began to keep more possession and were looking far too sharp for Reading by now. After eleven minutes, Stewart Downing picked up a pass from George Boateng, ghosted past his marker and sent the perfect shot into the back of the net from outside the box to send Boro (temporarily) top of the Premier League.
READING 0 MIDDLESBROUGH 1 (Downing 11)
Boro were working incredibly well as a unit and always looked dangerous when attacking and solid when defending.
On twenty minutes, Boro won a free-kick just outside the area and flush with the goal. Fabio Rochemback stepped up and cracked it and keeper Hahnemann could only fumble it. The Yak was there to double the scoreline and keep Boro at the top of the table.
READING 0 MIDDLESBROUGH 2 (Yakubu 21)
Boro were in complete control now, despite Reading becoming much more positive after going two down. Despite Boro's dominance, Reading were trying hard enough to get back into it to stop Boro pushing on and storming into a three goal lead.
The Royals nearly pulled one back through the lively Dave Kitson on twenty-six minutes and if he had passed to one of his two unmarked team-mates instead of trying to do it all himself, Reading woudl have been back in it.
Julio Arca was off receiving treatment at the time and Boro's defence was looking incredibly stretched whilst the Argentinian was out of action and Skippy was called into action once again.
It was Kitson again who was the master-craftsman and another long-range effort forced a third great save of the afternoon from Schwarzer. Boro's dominance was gone now and Reading were hell-bent on getting back into the match.
Reading continued to press for the rest of the first-half and Boro could contain them no longer as Bobby Convey worked the byline well and got in a well aimed cross which Kitson managed got on the end of and pull one back.
READING 1 MIDDLESBROUGH 2 (Kitson 43)
Reading were not behind for much longer as they immediately won possession again and drove forward, putting Boro onto the back foot and remarkably grabbing an equaliser through Steve Sidwell, who was booked for his over exuberant celebration.
READING 2 MIDDLESBROUGH 2 (Sidwell 44)
Chris Riggott was booked two minutes after the half-time whistle had blown. Granted, it was a bad tackle that floored Dave Kitson but why did the referee take so long to book him and only do so after he had noticed how bad the injury was to Kitson?
THE SECOND HALF
Julio Arca, who picked up the blame from large sections of the travelling contingent, was taken off at half-time and replaced by Andrew Davies. Dave Kitson did not recover in time to come out for the second half and was replaced by Leroy Lita.
It was a scrappy opening to the second half and Boro appeared to be finding it difficult to settle, mainly due to the endeavours of Leroy Lita. A scramble ensued in the Boro box when a long cross was sent in by Sidwell and Lita picked up the scrambled clearance and drove the ball home to give Reading the lead and send Boro (temporarily) to the bottom of the table.
READING 3 MIDDLESBROUGH 2 (Lita 56)
Despite being a goal down, Boro were looking solid in the middle of eth defence, Pogatetz particularly being on top of his game but Reading were skinning us down the flanks by now and Boro were starting to crumble.
On sixty-two minutes, Fabio Rochemback was booked for failing to control a stray elbow and this was a sure sign that Boro were perhaps about to capitulate.
On seventy minutes, Boro took off Fabio Rochemback and introduced Gaizka Mendieta who took up a position on the wing with Morrison moving into the centre.
Reading continued to press and were easily the stronger side by this stage with Boro on the backfoot and making little headway with the scant few attacking movements that were in evidence up until the final fifteen minutes when Boro finally woke up.
Stewart Downing had a long distance effort easily saved by Hahnemann and the resulting corner provided an opportunity for Mendieta but the shot was weak and easily collected.
A defensive error by Murty allowed Viduka in for an opportunity that he may well have buried on any other day. But Boro had the bit between their teeth now and an Andrew Davies led attack saw James Morrison send in a low and hard cross which found Mark Viduka who banged the ball into the back of the net.
It was a terrible decision by the linesman as Viduka was never offside but it had become evident some time ago that this was not going to be our day.
With six minutes to play, Adam Johnson replaced Morrison and was instrumental in producing a corner which Chris Riggott was very unlucky not to equalise from as his shot drifted just wide.
That was Boro's last meaningful effort as Reading successfully ran the clock down to chalk up the first win of their Premiership existence. You have to say that they deserved it but if Boro's defence had not capitulated late in the first half, the whole story could have been so very different.
Let's hope the rest of the season is.
Full-time whistle: 1656 - Report online - 1702
READING FANS WELCOME IN THE NEW HOLGATE MESSAGE BOARD
READING v MIDDLESBROUGH, PREMIER LEAGUE, 19th AUGUST 2006
The long wait is over and it's time to stop the talking and start the action.
A massive Boro contingent travelled to Reading to see Gareth Southgate's first game as Boro manager. Would his team put on a magnificent performance and get the rub of the green?
Schwarzer, Parnaby, Pogatetz, Riggott, Arca (Davies 45), Morrison (Johnson 84), Rochemback (Mendieta 68), Boateng, Downing, Viduka, Yakubu
Turnbull, Maccarone
THE FIRST HALF
The game started at a fast and furious pace and Boro looked to attack from early on but after George Boateng had ballooned one over the bar, it was Reading who nearly opened the scoring when Kitson forced Skippy into a diving save within the first few minutes.
But Boro recovered well and began to keep more possession and were looking far too sharp for Reading by now. After eleven minutes, Stewart Downing picked up a pass from George Boateng, ghosted past his marker and sent the perfect shot into the back of the net from outside the box to send Boro (temporarily) top of the Premier League.
READING 0 MIDDLESBROUGH 1 (Downing 11)
Boro were working incredibly well as a unit and always looked dangerous when attacking and solid when defending.
On twenty minutes, Boro won a free-kick just outside the area and flush with the goal. Fabio Rochemback stepped up and cracked it and keeper Hahnemann could only fumble it. The Yak was there to double the scoreline and keep Boro at the top of the table.
READING 0 MIDDLESBROUGH 2 (Yakubu 21)
Boro were in complete control now, despite Reading becoming much more positive after going two down. Despite Boro's dominance, Reading were trying hard enough to get back into it to stop Boro pushing on and storming into a three goal lead.
The Royals nearly pulled one back through the lively Dave Kitson on twenty-six minutes and if he had passed to one of his two unmarked team-mates instead of trying to do it all himself, Reading woudl have been back in it.
Julio Arca was off receiving treatment at the time and Boro's defence was looking incredibly stretched whilst the Argentinian was out of action and Skippy was called into action once again.
It was Kitson again who was the master-craftsman and another long-range effort forced a third great save of the afternoon from Schwarzer. Boro's dominance was gone now and Reading were hell-bent on getting back into the match.
Reading continued to press for the rest of the first-half and Boro could contain them no longer as Bobby Convey worked the byline well and got in a well aimed cross which Kitson managed got on the end of and pull one back.
READING 1 MIDDLESBROUGH 2 (Kitson 43)
Reading were not behind for much longer as they immediately won possession again and drove forward, putting Boro onto the back foot and remarkably grabbing an equaliser through Steve Sidwell, who was booked for his over exuberant celebration.
READING 2 MIDDLESBROUGH 2 (Sidwell 44)
Chris Riggott was booked two minutes after the half-time whistle had blown. Granted, it was a bad tackle that floored Dave Kitson but why did the referee take so long to book him and only do so after he had noticed how bad the injury was to Kitson?
THE SECOND HALF
Julio Arca, who picked up the blame from large sections of the travelling contingent, was taken off at half-time and replaced by Andrew Davies. Dave Kitson did not recover in time to come out for the second half and was replaced by Leroy Lita.
It was a scrappy opening to the second half and Boro appeared to be finding it difficult to settle, mainly due to the endeavours of Leroy Lita. A scramble ensued in the Boro box when a long cross was sent in by Sidwell and Lita picked up the scrambled clearance and drove the ball home to give Reading the lead and send Boro (temporarily) to the bottom of the table.
READING 3 MIDDLESBROUGH 2 (Lita 56)
Despite being a goal down, Boro were looking solid in the middle of eth defence, Pogatetz particularly being on top of his game but Reading were skinning us down the flanks by now and Boro were starting to crumble.
On sixty-two minutes, Fabio Rochemback was booked for failing to control a stray elbow and this was a sure sign that Boro were perhaps about to capitulate.
On seventy minutes, Boro took off Fabio Rochemback and introduced Gaizka Mendieta who took up a position on the wing with Morrison moving into the centre.
Reading continued to press and were easily the stronger side by this stage with Boro on the backfoot and making little headway with the scant few attacking movements that were in evidence up until the final fifteen minutes when Boro finally woke up.
Stewart Downing had a long distance effort easily saved by Hahnemann and the resulting corner provided an opportunity for Mendieta but the shot was weak and easily collected.
A defensive error by Murty allowed Viduka in for an opportunity that he may well have buried on any other day. But Boro had the bit between their teeth now and an Andrew Davies led attack saw James Morrison send in a low and hard cross which found Mark Viduka who banged the ball into the back of the net.
It was a terrible decision by the linesman as Viduka was never offside but it had become evident some time ago that this was not going to be our day.
With six minutes to play, Adam Johnson replaced Morrison and was instrumental in producing a corner which Chris Riggott was very unlucky not to equalise from as his shot drifted just wide.
That was Boro's last meaningful effort as Reading successfully ran the clock down to chalk up the first win of their Premiership existence. You have to say that they deserved it but if Boro's defence had not capitulated late in the first half, the whole story could have been so very different.
Let's hope the rest of the season is.
Full-time whistle: 1656 - Report online - 1702
READING FANS WELCOME IN THE NEW HOLGATE MESSAGE BOARD
-
royalsteve
- Member
- Posts: 957
- Joined: 20 Apr 2004 23:13
topfuller Lita crowns Royals' fightback
Jamie Jackson at Madjeski Stadium
Sunday August 20, 2006
The Observer
'It feels good doesn't it?' reflected the PA announcer in welcoming the Royals debut outing in the top flight. And by the end of this humdinger, it proved the prevailing emotion due to a comeback that provided heart to supporters and Reading players asking the inevitable question about how their club, especially with just two new signings this summer, would fare.
Yet, what a dismal start. Despite winning promotion as Championship champions with 106 points, a record tally for an English club, the home side could not attract enough interest to fill every seat for the big kick-off. And with 21 minutes gone, they had been handed a lesson on the pitch in what, at that point, was an exercise in Premiership ruthlessness.
First on 11 minutes, Yakubu Aiyegbeni picked the ball up and delivered a curling pass. It was perfect for Stewart Downing, whose precise left-foot finish brought Gareth Southgate from his seat. Reading managed to miss a good chance to level when Steve Sidwell spooned over, before Aiyegbeni bought what appeared a questionable free-kick near the area following James Harper's challenge. Marcus Hahnemann's clownish fumble from Fabio Rochemback's strike allowed the Nigerian striker to mop up.
It was not that Reading had lacked brio, but the obvious ingredient of belief. Yet, having had scant encouragement, they were suddenly offered a generous portion in the closing minutes of the half, and it turned the game.
Middlesbrough had appeared ragged since the 30 minute mark, allowing Bobby Convey space down the left, and presenting a midfield that, despite the presence of accomplished holder, George Boateng, did not convince whenever Reading broke and drove at them. And they paid. With two minutes remaining before the break, Dave Kitson claimed Reading's inaugural Premiership goal when a defensive mix-up allowed him to scramble home. Then, Sidwell received from Ivar Ingimarsson, again from the left, and he equalised.
As the half entered added time, Kevin Doyle failed to connect with a touch that would have beaten Mark Schwarzer and the visitors, now rattled, received their first booking following Chris Riggott's ugly challenge on Kitson. That meant Kitson was unable to continue, but at least Steve Coppell could replace him with Leroy Lita, who cost £1million last season from Bristol City.
Justice was served when 10 minutes after the restart the striker struck Reading's winner, his finish the result of another goalmouth scramble following some neat work from Graeme Murty, who flicked on to the dangerous Seol Ki-Hyeon. The South Korean, who cost £500,000 more than Lita, turned it on and following Doyle's persistence, Lita smashed home.
Southgate will be annoyed that a late strike from Mark Viduka was ruled wrongly offside, but will be more concerned that it was his side, rather than Coppell's, who looked like newcomers.
wot a cock! didnt manage to fill every seat.....what 345 short....what a prat....some people will be on holiday and cant make it for other reasons...my son who went free sat in an empty seat anyway...so thats 344 then...probably some plonker boro fan - will be glad to be proved wrong but the goal ruled out looked offside to me....we shall see on MOTD
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HalftimePasty
- Member
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- Location: Sydney - the pies are better over here.
topfuller Great match report from.. http://www.comeonboro.com
Bit bizarre that they managed to confuse Seol with Sidwell (cross for Lita goal), and Sonko for Murty (!) (Hahnemann save from Viduka). Otherwise, a good report.
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Avon Royal
- Hob Nob Regular
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- Location: Diggs. Sideline. Touchdown. Unbelievable.
The Independent
Reading 3 Middlesbrough 2: Lita completes a startling comeback
Coppell shows rare animation as Reading make an extraordinary start in the top division
By Nick Townsend at The Madejski Stadium
Published: 20 August 2006
As a crescendo of sound enveloped the referee, Mark Halsey, imploring him to signal Reading's first Premiership triumph, even Steve Coppell, a man who traditionally adopts what one might term a monastic pose, was whistling and gesticulating frantically at his men. Victory was not to be denied his team now, not after yielding two early goals to a Middlesbrough side who gratefully accepted them and might have proceeded to inflict a mortal wound on the newcomers.
As Sir Alex Ferguson once said: "With promoted clubs, it's always the same. If you don't start well, you're dead." After 20 minutes, there was just that prospect; of the worst start imaginable for Coppell's men. They were tentative, marking poorly and out-thought, seemingly out of their depth.
Then, as if struck by a blinding light, belief suddenly began to pulse through Coppell's men. In midfield Steven Sidwell started to assert himself while Seol Ki-Hyeon showed the poise which had persuaded Reading to make him their record signing, at £1.5 million from Wolves.
Goals from Dave Kitson and Sidwell brought Reading back into contention within a frantic five minutes before the break. Boro were on the ropes and Gareth Southgate could only look on helplessly when, after the interval, the substitute Leroy Lita produced the winner.
As Coppell put it: "This was a special game and we were very nervous and anxious, but our body language didn't let us down when their second goal went in. We thought 'sod it' and went after it. We didn't want to whimper out of our first Premiership game."
Such a response from the Royals, after Boro had struck so emphatically, was just what the rookie manager Southgate did not require. It has been a quiet summer at the Riverside. Boro have lost Franck Queudrue and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and have so far brought in only Julio Arca from Sunderland and Herold Goulon from Lyon.
During the match, there were no great exhibitions of passion from Southgate. Afterwards his demeanour had not altered. "Nothing in life comes easily, as I know only too well," he said. "This was a great opportunity to get a win, and we didn't take it. We stopped doing the things that got us the lead, and we'll learn from that."
For the moment his counterpart Coppell has added only Seol and Sam Sodje, from Brentford, to the team who secured the Championship with a record points tally last season. The chairman, John Madejski, who says he would like to find a new owner, deems the lack of signings as "building sensibly for the long-term". For a time yesterday, that sounded hollow.
Initially, there was some inventive passing by the home side, but no execution. That was the crucial difference between the sides in the first 20 minutes, during which Boro hunted voraciously. Stewart Downing, said to be a target for Spurs, Mark Viduka and Aiyegbeni Yakubu all troubled the home defence.
After 11 minutes that pressure told when Yakubu's cross was met by an unmarked Downing, who steered the ball across goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann. Ten minutes later, Fabio Rochemback's low free-kick speared the wall. Hahnemann saved, but could only spill the ball to Yakubu who turned it home.
The Royals' response was remarkable. The impressive Kevin Doyle, Sidwell and Graeme Murty were all denied by Mark Schwarzer, before Kitson capitalised when the visitorsfailed to clear a low centre from Seol.
A minute later, Reading were level, deservedly so when Sidwell beat Schwarzer with a beautifully precise effort, before being cautioned for his celebrations. Chris Riggott received a similar punishment seconds later when he flew in to a challenge on Kitson, which resulted in the striker's substitution by Lita at half-time. The culprit might easily have received a red.
Reading were relentless. After 10 minutes of the half, Seol was again the provider with a delicate low pass into the goalmouth. Schwarzer and his defenders failed to clear under pressure from Doyle, and Lita drove home from close range.
It provoked surprisingly little reaction from Boro until Gaizka Mendieta was introduced and brought some impetus to the dispirited visitors. The Spain international forced a fine save from Hahnemann, who then denied Viduka. The Australia forward finally had the ball in the net, but was flagged offside.
Reading held on for a famous victory. The prelude to something special? Certainly, if Coppell has any say in the matter.
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football ... 220507.ece
Reading 3 Middlesbrough 2: Lita completes a startling comeback
Coppell shows rare animation as Reading make an extraordinary start in the top division
By Nick Townsend at The Madejski Stadium
Published: 20 August 2006
As a crescendo of sound enveloped the referee, Mark Halsey, imploring him to signal Reading's first Premiership triumph, even Steve Coppell, a man who traditionally adopts what one might term a monastic pose, was whistling and gesticulating frantically at his men. Victory was not to be denied his team now, not after yielding two early goals to a Middlesbrough side who gratefully accepted them and might have proceeded to inflict a mortal wound on the newcomers.
As Sir Alex Ferguson once said: "With promoted clubs, it's always the same. If you don't start well, you're dead." After 20 minutes, there was just that prospect; of the worst start imaginable for Coppell's men. They were tentative, marking poorly and out-thought, seemingly out of their depth.
Then, as if struck by a blinding light, belief suddenly began to pulse through Coppell's men. In midfield Steven Sidwell started to assert himself while Seol Ki-Hyeon showed the poise which had persuaded Reading to make him their record signing, at £1.5 million from Wolves.
Goals from Dave Kitson and Sidwell brought Reading back into contention within a frantic five minutes before the break. Boro were on the ropes and Gareth Southgate could only look on helplessly when, after the interval, the substitute Leroy Lita produced the winner.
As Coppell put it: "This was a special game and we were very nervous and anxious, but our body language didn't let us down when their second goal went in. We thought 'sod it' and went after it. We didn't want to whimper out of our first Premiership game."
Such a response from the Royals, after Boro had struck so emphatically, was just what the rookie manager Southgate did not require. It has been a quiet summer at the Riverside. Boro have lost Franck Queudrue and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and have so far brought in only Julio Arca from Sunderland and Herold Goulon from Lyon.
During the match, there were no great exhibitions of passion from Southgate. Afterwards his demeanour had not altered. "Nothing in life comes easily, as I know only too well," he said. "This was a great opportunity to get a win, and we didn't take it. We stopped doing the things that got us the lead, and we'll learn from that."
For the moment his counterpart Coppell has added only Seol and Sam Sodje, from Brentford, to the team who secured the Championship with a record points tally last season. The chairman, John Madejski, who says he would like to find a new owner, deems the lack of signings as "building sensibly for the long-term". For a time yesterday, that sounded hollow.
Initially, there was some inventive passing by the home side, but no execution. That was the crucial difference between the sides in the first 20 minutes, during which Boro hunted voraciously. Stewart Downing, said to be a target for Spurs, Mark Viduka and Aiyegbeni Yakubu all troubled the home defence.
After 11 minutes that pressure told when Yakubu's cross was met by an unmarked Downing, who steered the ball across goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann. Ten minutes later, Fabio Rochemback's low free-kick speared the wall. Hahnemann saved, but could only spill the ball to Yakubu who turned it home.
The Royals' response was remarkable. The impressive Kevin Doyle, Sidwell and Graeme Murty were all denied by Mark Schwarzer, before Kitson capitalised when the visitorsfailed to clear a low centre from Seol.
A minute later, Reading were level, deservedly so when Sidwell beat Schwarzer with a beautifully precise effort, before being cautioned for his celebrations. Chris Riggott received a similar punishment seconds later when he flew in to a challenge on Kitson, which resulted in the striker's substitution by Lita at half-time. The culprit might easily have received a red.
Reading were relentless. After 10 minutes of the half, Seol was again the provider with a delicate low pass into the goalmouth. Schwarzer and his defenders failed to clear under pressure from Doyle, and Lita drove home from close range.
It provoked surprisingly little reaction from Boro until Gaizka Mendieta was introduced and brought some impetus to the dispirited visitors. The Spain international forced a fine save from Hahnemann, who then denied Viduka. The Australia forward finally had the ball in the net, but was flagged offside.
Reading held on for a famous victory. The prelude to something special? Certainly, if Coppell has any say in the matter.
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football ... 220507.ece
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Telegraph
Reading begin life at the top with thrilling fightback
By Colin Malam Madejski Stadium
(Filed: 20/08/2006)
Reading (2) 3 Middlesbrough (2) 2
Middlesbrough discovered yesterday exactly why Reading won last season's Championship by a street and in record time. Two-up after 21 minutes, the established Premiership side found themselves caught up, then overtaken by the determination and attacking potency of the newcomers. Boro, though, were unlucky not to equalise themselves in a thrilling contest.
Those early goals by Stewart Downing and Aiyegbeni Yakubu looked to have put the visitors in an impregnable position. But counter-strikes by Dave Kitson and Steve Sidwell sent the teams in on level terms at half-time.
Then, early in the second half, an opportunist goal by substitute Leroy Lita got Reading's Premiership debut off to an encouraging start.
Although both clubs had been unable to strengthen their squads as much as they would have liked, each was able to parade their principal signing.
South Korea international Seol Ki-Hyeon, who cost Reading a record £1.5 million from Wolves, took over from the injured Glen Little on the right of midfield, while Julio Arca, bought from Sunderland for £1.75 million, replaced the departed Franck Queudrue at left-back for Boro.
Seol was soon prominent, Mark Schwarzer leaping to turn the South Korean's long free-kick over the bar as early as the fourth minute.
Middlesbrough's Australian goalkeeper also did well to drop on the low shot Bobby Convey drove at him through a crowd of players. But Reading's bristling enthusiasm was rudely interrupted by a fine goal from the visitors in the 11th minute.
When Yakubu swung the ball from right to left across the Reading penalty area, the pass was met first-time on the volley by Downing's renowned left foot and the ball fairly flew past Marcus Hahnemann. Little sign there of the suspected dead leg the left-winger had collected on England duty in midweek.
There was worse to come for Reading 10 minutes later. Yakubu was on target this time, reacting faster than anyone else after Hahnemann had failed to hold the free-kick Fabio Rochemback somehow drilled through what looked a stout defensive wall. As the ball rolled loose, the powerful Nigerian striker flicked it past the struggling American goalkeeper.
Reading very nearly reduced the deficit in the 31st minute. Left-back Nicky Shorey completed a wonderful, surging run upfield with a through pass to Kevin Doyle and Schwarzer could only parry the striker's shot. Kitson slid in to meet the loose ball and it needed the combined attentions of Arca and Chris Riggott to keep Boro's goal intact.
The Teessiders found it increasingly difficult to resist Reading as the home side pounded their goal in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
During this stressful period, Boro were indebted to Schwarzer for keeping out a shot from Sidwell and a wicked, curling free-kick by Shorey.
The big Australian finally ran out of saves in the 42nd minute. Kitson prodded the ball over the line as it ricocheted around the goalmouth following Boro's failure to clear Seol's low centre. Then, to the unbridled delight of all in blue and white hoops, Sidwell equalised a couple of minutes later by tucking away Ivar Ingimarsson's cut-back from the left.
Unfortunately, the midfielder's wild celebration cost him a booking.
Because of a dreadful, two-footed tackle by Riggott on Kitson just before the interval, Reading were compelled to start the second half with Lita on for last season's leading scorer.
Referee Mark Halsey took an age to book the Boro defender, who could consider himself fortunate to have been shown only the yellow and not a red.
The change did not weaken Reading, as Lita proved 10 minutes after the restart. When the consistently dangerous Seol centred once more from the right, Doyle, Schwarzer, substitute Andrew Davies and Riggott got into a terrible tangle in the six-yard box. Finally, the ball squirted out to Lita, who banged it into an unguarded net.
Middlesbrough dominated the rest of the match, but were denied twice by Hahnemann.
However, the officials were wrong to rule out Mark Viduka's late 'equaliser', from James Morrison's low centre, for offside.
Reading begin life at the top with thrilling fightback
By Colin Malam Madejski Stadium
(Filed: 20/08/2006)
Reading (2) 3 Middlesbrough (2) 2
Middlesbrough discovered yesterday exactly why Reading won last season's Championship by a street and in record time. Two-up after 21 minutes, the established Premiership side found themselves caught up, then overtaken by the determination and attacking potency of the newcomers. Boro, though, were unlucky not to equalise themselves in a thrilling contest.
Those early goals by Stewart Downing and Aiyegbeni Yakubu looked to have put the visitors in an impregnable position. But counter-strikes by Dave Kitson and Steve Sidwell sent the teams in on level terms at half-time.
Then, early in the second half, an opportunist goal by substitute Leroy Lita got Reading's Premiership debut off to an encouraging start.
Although both clubs had been unable to strengthen their squads as much as they would have liked, each was able to parade their principal signing.
South Korea international Seol Ki-Hyeon, who cost Reading a record £1.5 million from Wolves, took over from the injured Glen Little on the right of midfield, while Julio Arca, bought from Sunderland for £1.75 million, replaced the departed Franck Queudrue at left-back for Boro.
Seol was soon prominent, Mark Schwarzer leaping to turn the South Korean's long free-kick over the bar as early as the fourth minute.
Middlesbrough's Australian goalkeeper also did well to drop on the low shot Bobby Convey drove at him through a crowd of players. But Reading's bristling enthusiasm was rudely interrupted by a fine goal from the visitors in the 11th minute.
When Yakubu swung the ball from right to left across the Reading penalty area, the pass was met first-time on the volley by Downing's renowned left foot and the ball fairly flew past Marcus Hahnemann. Little sign there of the suspected dead leg the left-winger had collected on England duty in midweek.
There was worse to come for Reading 10 minutes later. Yakubu was on target this time, reacting faster than anyone else after Hahnemann had failed to hold the free-kick Fabio Rochemback somehow drilled through what looked a stout defensive wall. As the ball rolled loose, the powerful Nigerian striker flicked it past the struggling American goalkeeper.
Reading very nearly reduced the deficit in the 31st minute. Left-back Nicky Shorey completed a wonderful, surging run upfield with a through pass to Kevin Doyle and Schwarzer could only parry the striker's shot. Kitson slid in to meet the loose ball and it needed the combined attentions of Arca and Chris Riggott to keep Boro's goal intact.
The Teessiders found it increasingly difficult to resist Reading as the home side pounded their goal in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
During this stressful period, Boro were indebted to Schwarzer for keeping out a shot from Sidwell and a wicked, curling free-kick by Shorey.
The big Australian finally ran out of saves in the 42nd minute. Kitson prodded the ball over the line as it ricocheted around the goalmouth following Boro's failure to clear Seol's low centre. Then, to the unbridled delight of all in blue and white hoops, Sidwell equalised a couple of minutes later by tucking away Ivar Ingimarsson's cut-back from the left.
Unfortunately, the midfielder's wild celebration cost him a booking.
Because of a dreadful, two-footed tackle by Riggott on Kitson just before the interval, Reading were compelled to start the second half with Lita on for last season's leading scorer.
Referee Mark Halsey took an age to book the Boro defender, who could consider himself fortunate to have been shown only the yellow and not a red.
The change did not weaken Reading, as Lita proved 10 minutes after the restart. When the consistently dangerous Seol centred once more from the right, Doyle, Schwarzer, substitute Andrew Davies and Riggott got into a terrible tangle in the six-yard box. Finally, the ball squirted out to Lita, who banged it into an unguarded net.
Middlesbrough dominated the rest of the match, but were denied twice by Hahnemann.
However, the officials were wrong to rule out Mark Viduka's late 'equaliser', from James Morrison's low centre, for offside.
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The Telegraph
Reading begin life at the top with thrilling fightback
By Colin Malam Madejski Stadium
(Filed: 20/08/2006)
Reading (2) 3 Middlesbrough (2) 2
Middlesbrough discovered yesterday exactly why Reading won last season's Championship by a street and in record time. Two-up after 21 minutes, the established Premiership side found themselves caught up, then overtaken by the determination and attacking potency of the newcomers. Boro, though, were unlucky not to equalise themselves in a thrilling contest.
Those early goals by Stewart Downing and Aiyegbeni Yakubu looked to have put the visitors in an impregnable position. But counter-strikes by Dave Kitson and Steve Sidwell sent the teams in on level terms at half-time.
Then, early in the second half, an opportunist goal by substitute Leroy Lita got Reading's Premiership debut off to an encouraging start.
Although both clubs had been unable to strengthen their squads as much as they would have liked, each was able to parade their principal signing.
South Korea international Seol Ki-Hyeon, who cost Reading a record £1.5 million from Wolves, took over from the injured Glen Little on the right of midfield, while Julio Arca, bought from Sunderland for £1.75 million, replaced the departed Franck Queudrue at left-back for Boro.
Seol was soon prominent, Mark Schwarzer leaping to turn the South Korean's long free-kick over the bar as early as the fourth minute.
Middlesbrough's Australian goalkeeper also did well to drop on the low shot Bobby Convey drove at him through a crowd of players. But Reading's bristling enthusiasm was rudely interrupted by a fine goal from the visitors in the 11th minute.
When Yakubu swung the ball from right to left across the Reading penalty area, the pass was met first-time on the volley by Downing's renowned left foot and the ball fairly flew past Marcus Hahnemann. Little sign there of the suspected dead leg the left-winger had collected on England duty in midweek.
There was worse to come for Reading 10 minutes later. Yakubu was on target this time, reacting faster than anyone else after Hahnemann had failed to hold the free-kick Fabio Rochemback somehow drilled through what looked a stout defensive wall. As the ball rolled loose, the powerful Nigerian striker flicked it past the struggling American goalkeeper.
Reading very nearly reduced the deficit in the 31st minute. Left-back Nicky Shorey completed a wonderful, surging run upfield with a through pass to Kevin Doyle and Schwarzer could only parry the striker's shot. Kitson slid in to meet the loose ball and it needed the combined attentions of Arca and Chris Riggott to keep Boro's goal intact.
The Teessiders found it increasingly difficult to resist Reading as the home side pounded their goal in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
During this stressful period, Boro were indebted to Schwarzer for keeping out a shot from Sidwell and a wicked, curling free-kick by Shorey.
The big Australian finally ran out of saves in the 42nd minute. Kitson prodded the ball over the line as it ricocheted around the goalmouth following Boro's failure to clear Seol's low centre. Then, to the unbridled delight of all in blue and white hoops, Sidwell equalised a couple of minutes later by tucking away Ivar Ingimarsson's cut-back from the left.
Unfortunately, the midfielder's wild celebration cost him a booking.
Because of a dreadful, two-footed tackle by Riggott on Kitson just before the interval, Reading were compelled to start the second half with Lita on for last season's leading scorer.
Referee Mark Halsey took an age to book the Boro defender, who could consider himself fortunate to have been shown only the yellow and not a red.
The change did not weaken Reading, as Lita proved 10 minutes after the restart. When the consistently dangerous Seol centred once more from the right, Doyle, Schwarzer, substitute Andrew Davies and Riggott got into a terrible tangle in the six-yard box. Finally, the ball squirted out to Lita, who banged it into an unguarded net.
Middlesbrough dominated the rest of the match, but were denied twice by Hahnemann.
However, the officials were wrong to rule out Mark Viduka's late 'equaliser', from James Morrison's low centre, for offside.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.j ... grea20.xml
Reading begin life at the top with thrilling fightback
By Colin Malam Madejski Stadium
(Filed: 20/08/2006)
Reading (2) 3 Middlesbrough (2) 2
Middlesbrough discovered yesterday exactly why Reading won last season's Championship by a street and in record time. Two-up after 21 minutes, the established Premiership side found themselves caught up, then overtaken by the determination and attacking potency of the newcomers. Boro, though, were unlucky not to equalise themselves in a thrilling contest.
Those early goals by Stewart Downing and Aiyegbeni Yakubu looked to have put the visitors in an impregnable position. But counter-strikes by Dave Kitson and Steve Sidwell sent the teams in on level terms at half-time.
Then, early in the second half, an opportunist goal by substitute Leroy Lita got Reading's Premiership debut off to an encouraging start.
Although both clubs had been unable to strengthen their squads as much as they would have liked, each was able to parade their principal signing.
South Korea international Seol Ki-Hyeon, who cost Reading a record £1.5 million from Wolves, took over from the injured Glen Little on the right of midfield, while Julio Arca, bought from Sunderland for £1.75 million, replaced the departed Franck Queudrue at left-back for Boro.
Seol was soon prominent, Mark Schwarzer leaping to turn the South Korean's long free-kick over the bar as early as the fourth minute.
Middlesbrough's Australian goalkeeper also did well to drop on the low shot Bobby Convey drove at him through a crowd of players. But Reading's bristling enthusiasm was rudely interrupted by a fine goal from the visitors in the 11th minute.
When Yakubu swung the ball from right to left across the Reading penalty area, the pass was met first-time on the volley by Downing's renowned left foot and the ball fairly flew past Marcus Hahnemann. Little sign there of the suspected dead leg the left-winger had collected on England duty in midweek.
There was worse to come for Reading 10 minutes later. Yakubu was on target this time, reacting faster than anyone else after Hahnemann had failed to hold the free-kick Fabio Rochemback somehow drilled through what looked a stout defensive wall. As the ball rolled loose, the powerful Nigerian striker flicked it past the struggling American goalkeeper.
Reading very nearly reduced the deficit in the 31st minute. Left-back Nicky Shorey completed a wonderful, surging run upfield with a through pass to Kevin Doyle and Schwarzer could only parry the striker's shot. Kitson slid in to meet the loose ball and it needed the combined attentions of Arca and Chris Riggott to keep Boro's goal intact.
The Teessiders found it increasingly difficult to resist Reading as the home side pounded their goal in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
During this stressful period, Boro were indebted to Schwarzer for keeping out a shot from Sidwell and a wicked, curling free-kick by Shorey.
The big Australian finally ran out of saves in the 42nd minute. Kitson prodded the ball over the line as it ricocheted around the goalmouth following Boro's failure to clear Seol's low centre. Then, to the unbridled delight of all in blue and white hoops, Sidwell equalised a couple of minutes later by tucking away Ivar Ingimarsson's cut-back from the left.
Unfortunately, the midfielder's wild celebration cost him a booking.
Because of a dreadful, two-footed tackle by Riggott on Kitson just before the interval, Reading were compelled to start the second half with Lita on for last season's leading scorer.
Referee Mark Halsey took an age to book the Boro defender, who could consider himself fortunate to have been shown only the yellow and not a red.
The change did not weaken Reading, as Lita proved 10 minutes after the restart. When the consistently dangerous Seol centred once more from the right, Doyle, Schwarzer, substitute Andrew Davies and Riggott got into a terrible tangle in the six-yard box. Finally, the ball squirted out to Lita, who banged it into an unguarded net.
Middlesbrough dominated the rest of the match, but were denied twice by Hahnemann.
However, the officials were wrong to rule out Mark Viduka's late 'equaliser', from James Morrison's low centre, for offside.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.j ... grea20.xml
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The Sunday Times August 20, 2006
Reading 3 Middlesbrough 2: Southgate fails his Reading test
Paul Rowan at Madejski stadium
READING fans must believe that the Premiership is a land of milk and honey, where all their wildest dreams come true. Never in their 135-year history have they played in the top flight of English football, and at least a few supporters must have dreamed of a dramatic comeback culminating in glorious victory. Yesterday their team delivered, coming from two goals behind to record a famous victory on their debut in the top flight. Welcome to the Premiership, Gareth Southgate.
After 21 minutes, the story of the day had seemed written. Reading had started brightly but had been hit by two sucker punches. The first came on 11 minutes when Nicky Shorey backed away from the muscular Yakubu on the left-hand side and the Boro forward’s cross was finished off on the far post by a sweet volley from Stewart Downing, in front of watching England No 2, Terry Venables.
Ten minutes later Boro scored again, gifted a second goal by an even sloppier piece of Reading defending. Midfielder James Harper was guilty of a reckless challenge on Yakubu inside the D and when Marcus Hahnemann managed only to parry Fabio Rochemback’s resulting free kick, Yakubu was alert enough to pounce on the rebound. A case of Premiership also rans teaching the winners of the Championship a lesson in the big boy’s league, or so it seemed.
“This game took an age to come around,â€
Reading 3 Middlesbrough 2: Southgate fails his Reading test
Paul Rowan at Madejski stadium
READING fans must believe that the Premiership is a land of milk and honey, where all their wildest dreams come true. Never in their 135-year history have they played in the top flight of English football, and at least a few supporters must have dreamed of a dramatic comeback culminating in glorious victory. Yesterday their team delivered, coming from two goals behind to record a famous victory on their debut in the top flight. Welcome to the Premiership, Gareth Southgate.
After 21 minutes, the story of the day had seemed written. Reading had started brightly but had been hit by two sucker punches. The first came on 11 minutes when Nicky Shorey backed away from the muscular Yakubu on the left-hand side and the Boro forward’s cross was finished off on the far post by a sweet volley from Stewart Downing, in front of watching England No 2, Terry Venables.
Ten minutes later Boro scored again, gifted a second goal by an even sloppier piece of Reading defending. Midfielder James Harper was guilty of a reckless challenge on Yakubu inside the D and when Marcus Hahnemann managed only to parry Fabio Rochemback’s resulting free kick, Yakubu was alert enough to pounce on the rebound. A case of Premiership also rans teaching the winners of the Championship a lesson in the big boy’s league, or so it seemed.
“This game took an age to come around,â€
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Royal Fleet
- Member
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Daily Mail
Reading fightback to take debut win
17:52pm 19th August 2006
Reading 3 Middlesbrough 2
Reading opened their maiden Barclays Premiership campaign on a triumphant note when Leroy Lita completed a stunning comeback from the newcomers.
Boro looked to be on course to take a simple three points from last season's Championship winners when Stewart Downing and Aiyegbeni Yakubu grabbed a 2-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes.
England winger Downing looked particularly impressive after shaking off the dead leg he suffered in the midweek international against Greece.
But the scoreline clearly flattered Boro, who had goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to thank for their advantage, with Dave Kitson, Seol Ki-Hyeon and Kevin Doyle going close.
As the first half neared its conclusion Reading were in full control and were rewarded with two goals in as many minutes from Kitson and Steve Sidwell.
The salvo was no more than Reading deserved and they completed the fightback through substitute Lita, who had replaced the injured Kitson.
Australian striker Mark Viduka thought he had snatched a point for the visitors with eight minutes to go but the goal was harshly disallowed for offside.
Aside from the performances of Downing and Schwarzer, it was a deflating start to the managerial career of Gareth Southgate.
Reading, however, can look ahead with confidence as their kind introduction to the Premiership will continue with fixtures against Aston Villa, Wigan, Manchester City and Sheffield United.
Boro looked a classier outfit early on with Downing leading the charge with a rampaging run down the left.
But Reading were soon into the swing of things as Schwarzer displayed lightning reflexes to tip over a Seol free-kick and then deal with a Bobby Convey effort.
The Madejski Stadium crackled with expectation at Reading's start but home fans were soon brought back down to earth when Boro opened the scoring in the 11th minute.
Boateng made the initial inroads through midfield before feeding Yakubu who picked out Downing at the far post with a precision cross the 22-year-old buried emphatically.
Steve Sidwell blazed over as the lively Convey continued to get joy down the left but a mistake then saw Reading concede a second in the 21st minute.
James Harper hacked down Yakubu on the edge of the area and Fabio Rochemback managed to slip a low free-kick through the wall.
Marcus Hahnemann spilled the shot into the path of Yakubu who gleefully prodded home from close range.
Reading refused to buckle and their first Premiership goal nearly arrived through Kevin Doyle only for Schwarzer to save and Chris Riggott to get across to prevent Kitson converting the rebound.
Kitson should have scored in the 35th minute but his header from Graeme Murty's pin-point free-kick was weak.
Murty then curled a free-kick inside the near post only to be denied by Schwarzer's fingertips.
Reading dominated the last 20 minutes of the first half and their endeavour was rewarded with two goals - both of which highlighted frailties in Boro's defence.
Seol supplied the first with a tricky run and cross that should have been cleared but was converted by Kitson as Schwarzer and his defenders dithered.
An unmarked Sidwell then smashed home after picking up a crafty pass from Ivar Ingimarsson, who had started in place of hamstring injury victim Glen Little.
Sidwell jumped into the stands to celebrate - earning a yellow card from referee Mark Halsey - before Kitson limped off seconds before the break.
Reading's unlikely victory became a reality in the 56th minute when Seol's intelligent running creating problems before he squared to Doyle and although he failed to scramble it home Lita capitalised as the ball emerged from a melee of defenders.
Rochemback was booked for an off-the-ball shoulder charge on Seol before Viduka was then denied his late equaliser when the flag went up.
Reading fightback to take debut win
17:52pm 19th August 2006
Reading 3 Middlesbrough 2
Reading opened their maiden Barclays Premiership campaign on a triumphant note when Leroy Lita completed a stunning comeback from the newcomers.
Boro looked to be on course to take a simple three points from last season's Championship winners when Stewart Downing and Aiyegbeni Yakubu grabbed a 2-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes.
England winger Downing looked particularly impressive after shaking off the dead leg he suffered in the midweek international against Greece.
But the scoreline clearly flattered Boro, who had goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to thank for their advantage, with Dave Kitson, Seol Ki-Hyeon and Kevin Doyle going close.
As the first half neared its conclusion Reading were in full control and were rewarded with two goals in as many minutes from Kitson and Steve Sidwell.
The salvo was no more than Reading deserved and they completed the fightback through substitute Lita, who had replaced the injured Kitson.
Australian striker Mark Viduka thought he had snatched a point for the visitors with eight minutes to go but the goal was harshly disallowed for offside.
Aside from the performances of Downing and Schwarzer, it was a deflating start to the managerial career of Gareth Southgate.
Reading, however, can look ahead with confidence as their kind introduction to the Premiership will continue with fixtures against Aston Villa, Wigan, Manchester City and Sheffield United.
Boro looked a classier outfit early on with Downing leading the charge with a rampaging run down the left.
But Reading were soon into the swing of things as Schwarzer displayed lightning reflexes to tip over a Seol free-kick and then deal with a Bobby Convey effort.
The Madejski Stadium crackled with expectation at Reading's start but home fans were soon brought back down to earth when Boro opened the scoring in the 11th minute.
Boateng made the initial inroads through midfield before feeding Yakubu who picked out Downing at the far post with a precision cross the 22-year-old buried emphatically.
Steve Sidwell blazed over as the lively Convey continued to get joy down the left but a mistake then saw Reading concede a second in the 21st minute.
James Harper hacked down Yakubu on the edge of the area and Fabio Rochemback managed to slip a low free-kick through the wall.
Marcus Hahnemann spilled the shot into the path of Yakubu who gleefully prodded home from close range.
Reading refused to buckle and their first Premiership goal nearly arrived through Kevin Doyle only for Schwarzer to save and Chris Riggott to get across to prevent Kitson converting the rebound.
Kitson should have scored in the 35th minute but his header from Graeme Murty's pin-point free-kick was weak.
Murty then curled a free-kick inside the near post only to be denied by Schwarzer's fingertips.
Reading dominated the last 20 minutes of the first half and their endeavour was rewarded with two goals - both of which highlighted frailties in Boro's defence.
Seol supplied the first with a tricky run and cross that should have been cleared but was converted by Kitson as Schwarzer and his defenders dithered.
An unmarked Sidwell then smashed home after picking up a crafty pass from Ivar Ingimarsson, who had started in place of hamstring injury victim Glen Little.
Sidwell jumped into the stands to celebrate - earning a yellow card from referee Mark Halsey - before Kitson limped off seconds before the break.
Reading's unlikely victory became a reality in the 56th minute when Seol's intelligent running creating problems before he squared to Doyle and although he failed to scramble it home Lita capitalised as the ball emerged from a melee of defenders.
Rochemback was booked for an off-the-ball shoulder charge on Seol before Viduka was then denied his late equaliser when the flag went up.
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