Reading kept their composure to prevail in a foul-tempered clash with Leeds United and climb to the top of the Championship for the first time this season. After 84 minutes of feisty resistance from the visitors, the substitute Adam Le Fondre struck twice to add fuel to the home team's dream of going up to the Premier League as winners of their division.
Brian McDermott's men currently stand a point above Southampton, who play Portsmouth on Saturday.
Neil Warnock arrived complaining of a "catastrophic" week in which his side suffered so many injuries and suspensions that Leeds had to take on the Championship's most in-form side without six first-team regulars. The visitors' ambition was still intact, however, and with a place in the play-offs still theoretically possible, Warnock deployed a bold 3-5-2 formation as he set out in search of a win. But Reading had other ideas.
McDermott's team quickly asserted their supremacy, Noel Hunt heading fractionally over in the second minute. Kaspars Gorkss then did likewise following a corner. By the 12th minute Leeds were struggling to contain not only their hosts but also their own frustration, and Zac Thompson was shown a straight red card for a splenetic lunge at Jobi McAnuff.
From that point Leeds' seemed to switch to a stifling strategy. They could have been diminished ever further a few minutes later when Danny Pugh performed an ugly tackle on Jem Karacan. The referee allowed play to continue, and bad blood festered. Between those two fouls, Ian Harte, the former Leeds player who was cheered by the visiting fans as a reminder of the club's past glories, struck an upright with a cross from the left.
Just after the half hour mark, with Reading embedded in the opposing half, McAnuff curled a shot from the left just over. Those were the main fragments of football in a half disfigured by skirmishes, one of which led to Karacan limping off.
The complexion barely changed in the second period. Adam Federici was forced into a save by a Robert Snodgrass free-kick in the 47th minute but, as in the first half, most of the attacking play was heading in the other direction. Harte's set pieces were a persistent danger, one free-kick from wide on the left almost finding its way into net in the 52nd minute. Pearce went close from another in the 60th minute, nodding the Irishman's delivery just over. In between those chances Pugh escaped with a yellow for another wild tackle, this time on McAnuff.
Leeds almost snatched a goal against the run of play in the 72nd minute when Jimmy Kebe slipped outside his own box, enabling Ross McCormack to crack a 20-yard shot off the post. Two minutes later McCormack created an even better chance, dribbling in-field from the left before slipping the ball through to Snodgrass, who was free 15 yards from goal. The midfielder shot straight at Federici.
That set the stage for a frenetic finish. Alex Pearce had a header cleared off the line; Mikele Leigertwood blasted over from 14 yards and then, finally, Reading edged in front.
Robson-Kanu did well to nod a Kebe pass back across the face of goal and Le Fondre nudged it into the net from close range. One minute from time Le Fondre struck again, helping a Jason Roberts shot over the line from two yards.
What the papers say : Leeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/apr/06/reading-leeds-united-championship?CMP=twt_gu
http://www.throughitalltogether.com/2012/4/6/2929788/reading-2-0-leeds-united-late-adam-le-fondre-brace-sinks-determined
A late Adam Le-Fondre double late on was enough to give Reading all three points. But the truth is Leeds made it difficult for the home side and did well to hold on for 80 minutes.
The Whites were in a 4-4-2 formation for the first time since Warnock took charge, not down to tactics but purely down to desperation. Leigh Bromby, Danny Pugh and Zac Thompson were all thrown into the starting eleven in place of Paul Connolly, Adam Clayton and Aidy White.
Star-divide
Reading started the game well with Noel Hunt going close from a header after one minute. The Leeds defence were slow off the blocks with Hunt leaving Robinson in his wake.
Moments later Gorkss went close from yet another header. Ian Harte's dead ball skills were still ever-present and Gorkss went flying in but couldn't keep his header down.
After 12 minutes the game plan was turned on its head when Zac Thompson was dismissed following a rash challenge. Thompson lost the ball on the line and to try and recover his error flew in. In all honesty it wasn't a red card I don't think, stupid decision to go in but not a red. Replays showed he missed the ball and man but still silly silly boy.
Neil Warnock got his point across afterwards and it didn't look pretty.
Ex-Leeds man Ian Harte was causing problems with his passing and crossing. Another cross of his hit the upright and bounced into the box but Leeds managed to clear.
Then another poor tackle from the 'Dirty Leeds' brigade with Danny Pugh going in over the ball and catching Jem Karcaran. Comparing the two tackles from Pugh and Thompson - Pugh should have gone, Thompson a yellow.
As the half time break approached, Leeds found themselves controlling the game and neutralling any Reading attack. Michael Brown was brilliant in the centre of the park with some perfectly timed tackles. One of them caught Karcaran and the Turk was replaced by Hal Robson-Kanu.
The Leeds fans were once again in full voice and shouting loud above the home support for most of the first-half.
At Half-time Leeds will have gone in the happier side, despite losing ten men they managed to hold out and nullify the home attack.
After the interval Robert Snodgrass went very close from a free-kick a minute into the second-half and won a corner. At the other end Andy Lonergan was throwing himself about like a ninja for some reason and Reading nearly scored, but for a Robert Snodgrass clearance.
The game started to open up and Alex Pearce nearly scored when he pulled away at the back post but once again Reading failed to keep their headers down. Reading were building the pressure thanks to Ian Harte's superb deliveries, but Andy Lonergan was just doing enough to thwart the crosses.
After 70 minutes Ross McCormack nearly turned the game on its head. Jimmy Kebe slipped on the edge of the box, McCormack found space and his curling shot just clipped the post. Two minutes later McCormack was causing chaos again, he managed to square it to Snoddy who placed the ball straight at Federici.
McCormack went close again when his long range free-kick was spilled by Federici and no Leeds player was in site to follow it up.
The Leeds players were looking tired and the introduction of Adam Le-Fondre was giving the Leeds defence some new problems. Le-Fondre had a goal disallowed in the 81st minute for offside - a decision the linesman got spot on.
But just two minutes later Le-Fondre struck to make it 1-0. Hal Robson-Kanu got up above Tom Lees and his header found an unmarked Le-Fondre who couldn't miss.
This caused Neil Warnock to make some changes, Robbie Rogers and Danny Webber coming on for Robert Snodgrass and Ross McCormack. A few seconds later Luciano Becchio came off for Forssell.
Reading were piling the pressure on and Leigertwood had a shot palmed away by Lonergan. Lonergan could do nothing though when Le-Fondre tapped home to make it 2-0 on the 90th minute. Jason Roberts did well to hold up the ball and before his shot could be stopped, Le-Fondre knicked in to send Reading top of the league.
Post-match reaction
Overall I'm feeling quite surprised and pleased at how we managed to hold Reading out. You can never be pleased with a defeat but the lads must take some pride from holding out a Reading side in top form!
For me Leeds' best players were Ross McCormack and Michael Brown. McCormack did some damage when he could with the ball but Brown was fantastic in the middle. His tackles were strong and fair and he never gave up in the middle.
In the end it shows how clinical we need to be next season. We need to look for next season now and I don't see the point in going with the same players we are doing. People like Rogers, Nunez, Webber etc need a chance to show they've got what it takes for next season. Thompson will learn from today and his tackle made it harder for us but in hindsight harder for them too. Who knows what could have happened if Snoddy's shot had gone in, or Ross'.
Derby on Monday will be no easy task and we'll face a difficult game. We also face a battle to stay in the top-half of the table with others around us hunting us down.
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Fubar
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Hob Nob Subscriber
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Sporting Life
Reading 2 Leeds 0
"Substitute Adam Le Fondre's late double sent Reading top of the npower Championship following a gritty win over 10-man Leeds.
The striker came off the bench to net twice in the final six minutes of a pulsating and at times ill-tempered clash at the Madejski Stadium as the visitors paid the price for the early sending-off of defender Zac Thompson.
Playing his first match since January 31, the youngster was sent off by referee Darren Drysdale after just 12 minutes, leaving Leeds to absorb wave after wave of Reading attacks.
Ian Harte's teasing cross evaded everyone before striking a post after 20 minutes while, after the break, Alex Pearce saw his header cleared en route to goal.
Leeds had their chances to win it late on, with Ross McCormack and Robert Snodgrass going close without success.
Le Fondre thought he had put his side ahead with eight minutes remaining, only to be denied by an offside flag, but he made the most of his next two sights of goal to fire the Royals to the division's summit.
An already feisty atmosphere in front of a near full house intensified early on with the dismissal of Thompson for a wild lunge on Jobi McAnuff.
Immediately Reading seized the initiative and the visitors were fortunate to survive a scare in the 20th minute when Harte's vicious cross thumped against keeper Andy Lonergan's left-hand post.
Leeds could easily have been reduced to nine men two minutes later when Danny Pugh's terrible challenge on Jem Karacan went unpunished.
Despite their one-man advantage, the hosts failed to create a chance of any major significance for the remainder of the opening period.
And Leeds accelerated out of the traps in the second, with Robert Snodgrass drawing a good save from Adam Federici.
But Reading responded well and Pearce nodded Harte's set-piece onto the roof of the net after 60 minutes.
Leeds were more than happy to soak up the pressure, and their sponge-like approach to defending almost paid dividends when McCormack's 20-yard effort rebounded to safety off an upright.
McCormack then teed up Snodgrass 12 yards out but Federici produced a good save, before the former Cardiff man's thunderous free-kick brought a fumble out of the Australian stopper.
At the other end, Pearce's goalbound header was cleared off the line while Le Fondre followed up McAnuff's deflected effort to slide home - only for his celebrations to be cut short by an offside flag.
But with seven minutes remaining, Reading finally found a way through.
Jimmy Kebe's deep cross to the back post was met by Hal Robson-Kanu who sent a delicate header back across goal for Le Fondre to chest home.
Two minutes later Le Fondre completed the job. Again the required finish came from less than two yards but the former Rotherham man was on hand to knock in Jason Roberts' cross-shot and spark mass delirium amongst the home supporters."
Reading 2 Leeds 0
"Substitute Adam Le Fondre's late double sent Reading top of the npower Championship following a gritty win over 10-man Leeds.
The striker came off the bench to net twice in the final six minutes of a pulsating and at times ill-tempered clash at the Madejski Stadium as the visitors paid the price for the early sending-off of defender Zac Thompson.
Playing his first match since January 31, the youngster was sent off by referee Darren Drysdale after just 12 minutes, leaving Leeds to absorb wave after wave of Reading attacks.
Ian Harte's teasing cross evaded everyone before striking a post after 20 minutes while, after the break, Alex Pearce saw his header cleared en route to goal.
Leeds had their chances to win it late on, with Ross McCormack and Robert Snodgrass going close without success.
Le Fondre thought he had put his side ahead with eight minutes remaining, only to be denied by an offside flag, but he made the most of his next two sights of goal to fire the Royals to the division's summit.
An already feisty atmosphere in front of a near full house intensified early on with the dismissal of Thompson for a wild lunge on Jobi McAnuff.
Immediately Reading seized the initiative and the visitors were fortunate to survive a scare in the 20th minute when Harte's vicious cross thumped against keeper Andy Lonergan's left-hand post.
Leeds could easily have been reduced to nine men two minutes later when Danny Pugh's terrible challenge on Jem Karacan went unpunished.
Despite their one-man advantage, the hosts failed to create a chance of any major significance for the remainder of the opening period.
And Leeds accelerated out of the traps in the second, with Robert Snodgrass drawing a good save from Adam Federici.
But Reading responded well and Pearce nodded Harte's set-piece onto the roof of the net after 60 minutes.
Leeds were more than happy to soak up the pressure, and their sponge-like approach to defending almost paid dividends when McCormack's 20-yard effort rebounded to safety off an upright.
McCormack then teed up Snodgrass 12 yards out but Federici produced a good save, before the former Cardiff man's thunderous free-kick brought a fumble out of the Australian stopper.
At the other end, Pearce's goalbound header was cleared off the line while Le Fondre followed up McAnuff's deflected effort to slide home - only for his celebrations to be cut short by an offside flag.
But with seven minutes remaining, Reading finally found a way through.
Jimmy Kebe's deep cross to the back post was met by Hal Robson-Kanu who sent a delicate header back across goal for Le Fondre to chest home.
Two minutes later Le Fondre completed the job. Again the required finish came from less than two yards but the former Rotherham man was on hand to knock in Jason Roberts' cross-shot and spark mass delirium amongst the home supporters."
sportinglife.com
the unabridged version
Reading 2 Leeds 0 npower Championship.
FT: 2-0 (HT: 0-0)
Adam Le Fondre 84 , 90
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/li ... l&BID=3658
Substitute Adam Le Fondre's late double sent Reading top of the npower Championship following a gritty win over 10-man Leeds.
The striker came off the bench to net twice in the final six minutes of a pulsating and at times ill-tempered clash at the Madejski Stadium as the visitors paid the price for the early sending-off of defender Zac Thompson.
Playing his first match since January 31, the youngster was sent off by referee Darren Drysdale after just 12 minutes, leaving Leeds to absorb wave after wave of Reading attacks.
Ian Harte's teasing cross evaded everyone before striking a post after 20 minutes while, after the break, Alex Pearce saw his header cleared en route to goal.
Leeds had their chances to win it late on, with Ross McCormack and Robert Snodgrass going close without success.
Le Fondre thought he had put his side ahead with eight minutes remaining, only to be denied by an offside flag, but he made the most of his next two sights of goal to fire the Royals to the division's summit.
An already feisty atmosphere in front of a near full house intensified early on with the dismissal of Thompson for a wild lunge on Jobi McAnuff.
Immediately Reading seized the initiative and the visitors were fortunate to survive a scare in the 20th minute when Harte's vicious cross thumped against keeper Andy Lonergan's left-hand post.
Leeds could easily have been reduced to nine men two minutes later when Danny Pugh's terrible challenge on Jem Karacan went unpunished.
Despite their one-man advantage, the hosts failed to create a chance of any major significance for the remainder of the opening period.
And Leeds accelerated out of the traps in the second, with Robert Snodgrass drawing a good save from Adam Federici.
But Reading responded well and Pearce nodded Harte's set-piece onto the roof of the net after 60 minutes.
Leeds were more than happy to soak up the pressure, and their sponge-like approach to defending almost paid dividends when McCormack's 20-yard effort rebounded to safety off an upright.
McCormack then teed up Snodgrass 12 yards out but Federici produced a good save, before the former Cardiff man's thunderous free-kick brought a fumble out of the Australian stopper.
At the other end, Pearce's goalbound header was cleared off the line while Le Fondre followed up McAnuff's deflected effort to slide home - only for his celebrations to be cut short by an offside flag.
But with seven minutes remaining, Reading finally found a way through.
Jimmy Kebe's deep cross to the back post was met by Hal Robson-Kanu who sent a delicate header back across goal for Le Fondre to chest home.
Two minutes later Le Fondre completed the job. Again the required finish came from less than two yards but the former Rotherham man was on hand to knock in Jason Roberts' cross-shot and spark mass delirium amongst the home supporters.
TEAMS
Reading
1. Adam Federici
24. Shaun Cummings
5. Alex Pearce
17. Kaspars Gorkss
23. Ian Harte
14. Jimmy Kebe
4. Jem Karacan (40)
8. Mikele Leigertwood
11. Jobi McAnuff
33. Jason Roberts
10. Noel Hunt (69)
SUBS
12. Alex McCarthy (GK)
9. Adam Le Fondre (69)
18. Simon Church
19. Hal Robson-Kanu (40)
26. Hayden Mullins (90)
Leeds
1. Andy Lonergan
26. Leigh Bromby
4. Alex Bruce
22. Tom Lees
33. Paul Robinson (yellow card)
23. Robert Snodgrass (85)
8. Michael Brown
29. Zac Thompson (red card)
16. Danny Pugh (yellow card)
44. Ross McCormack (85)
10. Luciano Becchio (87) (yellow card)
SUBS
6. Robbie Rogers (85)
9. Billy Paynter
18. Mikael Forssell (87)
25. Danny Webber (85)
31. Charlie Taylor
STAT ATTACK
Reading..............Leeds
6....Shots On Target.....4
9....Shots Off Target....3
15...Fouls (Conceded)..12
16........Corners.........1
0......Yellow Cards.......3
0.......Red Cards.........1
the unabridged version
Reading 2 Leeds 0 npower Championship.
FT: 2-0 (HT: 0-0)
Adam Le Fondre 84 , 90
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/li ... l&BID=3658
Substitute Adam Le Fondre's late double sent Reading top of the npower Championship following a gritty win over 10-man Leeds.
The striker came off the bench to net twice in the final six minutes of a pulsating and at times ill-tempered clash at the Madejski Stadium as the visitors paid the price for the early sending-off of defender Zac Thompson.
Playing his first match since January 31, the youngster was sent off by referee Darren Drysdale after just 12 minutes, leaving Leeds to absorb wave after wave of Reading attacks.
Ian Harte's teasing cross evaded everyone before striking a post after 20 minutes while, after the break, Alex Pearce saw his header cleared en route to goal.
Leeds had their chances to win it late on, with Ross McCormack and Robert Snodgrass going close without success.
Le Fondre thought he had put his side ahead with eight minutes remaining, only to be denied by an offside flag, but he made the most of his next two sights of goal to fire the Royals to the division's summit.
An already feisty atmosphere in front of a near full house intensified early on with the dismissal of Thompson for a wild lunge on Jobi McAnuff.
Immediately Reading seized the initiative and the visitors were fortunate to survive a scare in the 20th minute when Harte's vicious cross thumped against keeper Andy Lonergan's left-hand post.
Leeds could easily have been reduced to nine men two minutes later when Danny Pugh's terrible challenge on Jem Karacan went unpunished.
Despite their one-man advantage, the hosts failed to create a chance of any major significance for the remainder of the opening period.
And Leeds accelerated out of the traps in the second, with Robert Snodgrass drawing a good save from Adam Federici.
But Reading responded well and Pearce nodded Harte's set-piece onto the roof of the net after 60 minutes.
Leeds were more than happy to soak up the pressure, and their sponge-like approach to defending almost paid dividends when McCormack's 20-yard effort rebounded to safety off an upright.
McCormack then teed up Snodgrass 12 yards out but Federici produced a good save, before the former Cardiff man's thunderous free-kick brought a fumble out of the Australian stopper.
At the other end, Pearce's goalbound header was cleared off the line while Le Fondre followed up McAnuff's deflected effort to slide home - only for his celebrations to be cut short by an offside flag.
But with seven minutes remaining, Reading finally found a way through.
Jimmy Kebe's deep cross to the back post was met by Hal Robson-Kanu who sent a delicate header back across goal for Le Fondre to chest home.
Two minutes later Le Fondre completed the job. Again the required finish came from less than two yards but the former Rotherham man was on hand to knock in Jason Roberts' cross-shot and spark mass delirium amongst the home supporters.
TEAMS
Reading
1. Adam Federici
24. Shaun Cummings
5. Alex Pearce
17. Kaspars Gorkss
23. Ian Harte
14. Jimmy Kebe
4. Jem Karacan (40)
8. Mikele Leigertwood
11. Jobi McAnuff
33. Jason Roberts
10. Noel Hunt (69)
SUBS
12. Alex McCarthy (GK)
9. Adam Le Fondre (69)
18. Simon Church
19. Hal Robson-Kanu (40)
26. Hayden Mullins (90)
Leeds
1. Andy Lonergan
26. Leigh Bromby
4. Alex Bruce
22. Tom Lees
33. Paul Robinson (yellow card)
23. Robert Snodgrass (85)
8. Michael Brown
29. Zac Thompson (red card)
16. Danny Pugh (yellow card)
44. Ross McCormack (85)
10. Luciano Becchio (87) (yellow card)
SUBS
6. Robbie Rogers (85)
9. Billy Paynter
18. Mikael Forssell (87)
25. Danny Webber (85)
31. Charlie Taylor
STAT ATTACK
Reading..............Leeds
6....Shots On Target.....4
9....Shots Off Target....3
15...Fouls (Conceded)..12
16........Corners.........1
0......Yellow Cards.......3
0.......Red Cards.........1
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RoyalBlue
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Hob Nob Subscriber
- Posts: 11779
- Joined: 13 Apr 2004 22:39
- Location: Developed a pathological hatred of snakes on 14/10/19
And who is to blame for their suspensions that he was bleating about?
Stand up dirty cheating scumbag Warnock. He and his players are a disgrace - more interested in bullying opponents out of the game with fouls and outright aggression than trying to out play them.
Stand up dirty cheating scumbag Warnock. He and his players are a disgrace - more interested in bullying opponents out of the game with fouls and outright aggression than trying to out play them.
Mail Online:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... brace.html
Neil Warnock is wasted in football. A career in politics surely beckons for the Leeds United manager, who claimed his side were the victims of an ‘intimidating’ atmosphere at the Madejski Stadium after two goals from Adam Le Fondre sent Reading top of the npower Championship.
Reading’s home ground can hardly be described as a bear pit. Leeds, however, were very fortunate not to see Danny Pugh sent off for an horrendous challenge on Jem Karacan after Zac Thompson had already received a straight red card.
Warnock said: ‘Every time I come here we get a red card. We’ve got to get Elland Road like this.
MATCH FACTS
Reading: Federici, Cummings, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte, Kebe, Karacan (Robson-Kanu 40), Leigertwood, McAnuff, Roberts, Hunt (Le Fondre 69), Robson-Kanu (Mullins 90).
Subs Not Used: McCarthy, Church.
Goals: Le Fondre 84, 90.
Leeds: Lonergan, Bromby, Bruce, Lees, Robinson, Snodgrass (Webber 85), Brown, Thompson, Pugh, McCormack (Rogers 85), Becchio (Forssell 87).
Subs Not Used: Paynter, Taylor.
Sent Off: Thompson (12).
Booked: Robinson, Becchio, Pugh.
Attendance: 22,775
Referee: Darren Drysdale
‘I’ve never seen so many players surround the referee. When I came here with QPR they used to roll around and intimidate him.’
The visitors seemed to do everything to live up to the ‘Dirty Leeds’ stereotype: executing relentless and sometimes reckless challenges, determined to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm. Their 3,000 fans loved every second.
It worked for 83 minutes — and Leeds should even have taken the lead when Ross McCormack teed up Robert Snodgrass in the 73rd minute — but it certainly wasn’t a match for the purist.
Reading manager Brian McDermott said: ‘Leeds knew what they were doing and the manager knew what he was doing.
‘But I’m not disappointed in Leeds. You have to win games whichever way you can and we’ve done that, so we’re pleased.’
Leeds were down to 10 men inside 12 minutes as Thompson was dispossessed by Karacan and exacted revenge by lunging at Jobi McAnuff. The 19-year-old, making only his sixth league appearance and his first under Warnock, received a straight red card and then a barrage of criticism from his apoplectic manager.
Ian Harte hit the bar in a rare example of some football in a first half dominated by contentious challenges, including an aerial assault by Noel Hunt on Andy Lonergan. Pugh should have been sent off for a studs-up challenge on Karacan, which required the midfielder to put more supportive tape around his ankles. ‘I thought the kid (Thompson) was a bit unlucky,’ said Warnock, ‘but he had his opportunity and he’s blown it. I thought Pugh’s tackle was far worse.’ Pugh wasn’t even booked.
Michael Brown also escaped sanction 16 minutes later when he wrapped his legs around Karacan after clearing the ball.
The challenge ended Karacan’s afternoon and Nigel Gibbs, McDermott’s No 2, went to see the referee at half-time to show him the remnants of the midfielder’s sock. The fisticuffs continued in the second half with Luciano Becchio grabbing Alex Pearce’s cheek as the pair challenged for the ball and Alex Bruce pulling Pearce’s shirt as Harte sent over a Reading corner. Paul Robinson and Pugh were also booked.
Leeds irritated and infuriated Reading with their time-wasting but the home side allowed them to dictate the tempo. And it was Leeds who had the best two chances, McCormack clipping the outside of a post and Snodgrass seeing his tame shot saved by Adam Federici.
But with Leeds looking increasingly likely to nick all three points, Le Fondre bundled in McAnuff’s deflected cross in the 82nd minute. It was disallowed for offside, but it gave Reading vital belief. Two minutes later Le Fondre did score after fellow substitute Hal Robson-Kanu headed Jimmy Kebe’s cross back across goal.
Le Fondre struck again in the 90th minute. The 25-year-old, a £300,000 buy from Rotherham and now Reading’s top scorer with nine goals, darted in to convert at the near post after Jason Roberts had fired the ball towards goal.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... brace.html
Neil Warnock is wasted in football. A career in politics surely beckons for the Leeds United manager, who claimed his side were the victims of an ‘intimidating’ atmosphere at the Madejski Stadium after two goals from Adam Le Fondre sent Reading top of the npower Championship.
Reading’s home ground can hardly be described as a bear pit. Leeds, however, were very fortunate not to see Danny Pugh sent off for an horrendous challenge on Jem Karacan after Zac Thompson had already received a straight red card.
Warnock said: ‘Every time I come here we get a red card. We’ve got to get Elland Road like this.
MATCH FACTS
Reading: Federici, Cummings, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte, Kebe, Karacan (Robson-Kanu 40), Leigertwood, McAnuff, Roberts, Hunt (Le Fondre 69), Robson-Kanu (Mullins 90).
Subs Not Used: McCarthy, Church.
Goals: Le Fondre 84, 90.
Leeds: Lonergan, Bromby, Bruce, Lees, Robinson, Snodgrass (Webber 85), Brown, Thompson, Pugh, McCormack (Rogers 85), Becchio (Forssell 87).
Subs Not Used: Paynter, Taylor.
Sent Off: Thompson (12).
Booked: Robinson, Becchio, Pugh.
Attendance: 22,775
Referee: Darren Drysdale
‘I’ve never seen so many players surround the referee. When I came here with QPR they used to roll around and intimidate him.’
The visitors seemed to do everything to live up to the ‘Dirty Leeds’ stereotype: executing relentless and sometimes reckless challenges, determined to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm. Their 3,000 fans loved every second.
It worked for 83 minutes — and Leeds should even have taken the lead when Ross McCormack teed up Robert Snodgrass in the 73rd minute — but it certainly wasn’t a match for the purist.
Reading manager Brian McDermott said: ‘Leeds knew what they were doing and the manager knew what he was doing.
‘But I’m not disappointed in Leeds. You have to win games whichever way you can and we’ve done that, so we’re pleased.’
Leeds were down to 10 men inside 12 minutes as Thompson was dispossessed by Karacan and exacted revenge by lunging at Jobi McAnuff. The 19-year-old, making only his sixth league appearance and his first under Warnock, received a straight red card and then a barrage of criticism from his apoplectic manager.
Ian Harte hit the bar in a rare example of some football in a first half dominated by contentious challenges, including an aerial assault by Noel Hunt on Andy Lonergan. Pugh should have been sent off for a studs-up challenge on Karacan, which required the midfielder to put more supportive tape around his ankles. ‘I thought the kid (Thompson) was a bit unlucky,’ said Warnock, ‘but he had his opportunity and he’s blown it. I thought Pugh’s tackle was far worse.’ Pugh wasn’t even booked.
Michael Brown also escaped sanction 16 minutes later when he wrapped his legs around Karacan after clearing the ball.
The challenge ended Karacan’s afternoon and Nigel Gibbs, McDermott’s No 2, went to see the referee at half-time to show him the remnants of the midfielder’s sock. The fisticuffs continued in the second half with Luciano Becchio grabbing Alex Pearce’s cheek as the pair challenged for the ball and Alex Bruce pulling Pearce’s shirt as Harte sent over a Reading corner. Paul Robinson and Pugh were also booked.
Leeds irritated and infuriated Reading with their time-wasting but the home side allowed them to dictate the tempo. And it was Leeds who had the best two chances, McCormack clipping the outside of a post and Snodgrass seeing his tame shot saved by Adam Federici.
But with Leeds looking increasingly likely to nick all three points, Le Fondre bundled in McAnuff’s deflected cross in the 82nd minute. It was disallowed for offside, but it gave Reading vital belief. Two minutes later Le Fondre did score after fellow substitute Hal Robson-Kanu headed Jimmy Kebe’s cross back across goal.
Le Fondre struck again in the 90th minute. The 25-year-old, a £300,000 buy from Rotherham and now Reading’s top scorer with nine goals, darted in to convert at the near post after Jason Roberts had fired the ball towards goal.
Daily Telegraph
(Pretty rubbish actually!)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... eport.html
His side might have returned to the Championship summit for the first time in six years but, rather than watch the opposition, to see whether they remain there for the rest of Easter, Reading manager Brian McDermott intends to spend today pounding the streets of the city, feeding his addiction to running.
With title rivals Southampton playing Portsmouth today, Reading knew that victory against Neil Warnock’s Leeds would put them top with just five games left to play. But they were frustrated by 10-man Leeds, who had Zac Thompson dismissed after just 12 minutes with a tackle which set the tone for much of the visitors’ intent at the Madejski
Desperation was beginning to set in when Adam Le Fondre emerged from the bench with 21 minutes remaining but he left the pitch a hero having scored two of the simplest, yet most important goals of his career.
The £300,000 summer signing from Rotherham opened the scoring six minutes from time by turning Hal Robson-Kanu’s cross into an empty net with his chest from a yard out. For the second, he poked Jason Roberts’ low, goal-bound effort under the advancing Andy Lonergan.
Victory for Portsmouth could provide McDermott, searching for his first promotion as a manager, the perfect birthday present for Easter Sunday, when he turns 51.
When asked whether he would be tuning in, he said: “No, not for me. I’m going to do another run instead. actually. It’s 11km. I’m addicted.”
Warnock insisted that his side’s chances were undermined by the referee. “The red card throws everything out of the window doesn’t it?” he said.
“Every time we come here we get a red card. We have to get Elland Road like this place – intimidating. I’ve never seen so many times when five or six players have surrounded the referee. I think it does influence the referee.”
Reading (4-4-2): Federici; Cummings, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte; Kébé, Karacan (Robson-Kanu 40 (Mullins 90), Leigertwood, McAnuff; Roberts, Hunt (Le Fondre 69). Goals: Le Fondre 84, 90. Subs: McCarthy, Church.
Leeds (3-5-2): Lonergan; Bromby, Bruce, Lees; Robinson, Snodgrass (Webber 84), Brown, Thompson, Pugh; McCormack (Rogers 84), Becchio (Forssell 87). Subs: Paynter, Taylor. Booked: Robinson, Becchio, Pugh. Sent off: Thompson.
Referee: D Drysdale (Lincolnshire)
(Pretty rubbish actually!)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... eport.html
His side might have returned to the Championship summit for the first time in six years but, rather than watch the opposition, to see whether they remain there for the rest of Easter, Reading manager Brian McDermott intends to spend today pounding the streets of the city, feeding his addiction to running.
With title rivals Southampton playing Portsmouth today, Reading knew that victory against Neil Warnock’s Leeds would put them top with just five games left to play. But they were frustrated by 10-man Leeds, who had Zac Thompson dismissed after just 12 minutes with a tackle which set the tone for much of the visitors’ intent at the Madejski
Desperation was beginning to set in when Adam Le Fondre emerged from the bench with 21 minutes remaining but he left the pitch a hero having scored two of the simplest, yet most important goals of his career.
The £300,000 summer signing from Rotherham opened the scoring six minutes from time by turning Hal Robson-Kanu’s cross into an empty net with his chest from a yard out. For the second, he poked Jason Roberts’ low, goal-bound effort under the advancing Andy Lonergan.
Victory for Portsmouth could provide McDermott, searching for his first promotion as a manager, the perfect birthday present for Easter Sunday, when he turns 51.
When asked whether he would be tuning in, he said: “No, not for me. I’m going to do another run instead. actually. It’s 11km. I’m addicted.”
Warnock insisted that his side’s chances were undermined by the referee. “The red card throws everything out of the window doesn’t it?” he said.
“Every time we come here we get a red card. We have to get Elland Road like this place – intimidating. I’ve never seen so many times when five or six players have surrounded the referee. I think it does influence the referee.”
Reading (4-4-2): Federici; Cummings, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte; Kébé, Karacan (Robson-Kanu 40 (Mullins 90), Leigertwood, McAnuff; Roberts, Hunt (Le Fondre 69). Goals: Le Fondre 84, 90. Subs: McCarthy, Church.
Leeds (3-5-2): Lonergan; Bromby, Bruce, Lees; Robinson, Snodgrass (Webber 84), Brown, Thompson, Pugh; McCormack (Rogers 84), Becchio (Forssell 87). Subs: Paynter, Taylor. Booked: Robinson, Becchio, Pugh. Sent off: Thompson.
Referee: D Drysdale (Lincolnshire)
The Independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/foot ... 24858.html
Good teams always find a way through, as Reading showed yesterday by climbing to the top of the Championship. For 84 minutes they were frustrated and infuriated by a tenacious Leeds United. Even a numerical advantage, which Reading had from 12 minutes in, did not tell in their favour. But, with six minutes left, substitute Adam Le Fondre finally put Reading ahead, before adding a second late on.
It was a tribute to Reading's perseverance. Seemingly discomfited by Leeds' physical approach, they never developed much of a passing rhythm and, until Le Fondre's goals, they did not create much. It was not their best display of the season, but it might be their most important in their mission to return to the Premier League.
"We just had to keep going," manager Brian McDermott said afterwards. "You have to win game whatever it takes, in whichever way is required. We will not sit back and settle for a draw, we just keep going and keep going."
McDermott was also impressed that his players held their nerve in the face of some robust tackling. Zac Thomspon was sent off after 12 minutes for a late and high tackle on Jobi McAnuff, while Danny Pugh was fortunate not to go the same way.
When Leeds channelled their commitment, though, they were excellent, and were close to what would have been a very satisfactory point. "I'm right pleased," Neil Warnock said. "Not one of those lads could have given me any more; they were fantastic under the circumstances."
The defensive effort limited Reading, for most of the afternoon, to slinging in hopeful crosses which were headed away. The closest the home side came to scoring before they did so was when Ian Harte's first-half cross hit the far post. That aside, it was mainly a game of snatched chances.
It was Leeds, in fact, who created the game's best opportunity before the goals. Ross McCormack, with 20 minutes left, rolled the ball to Robert Snodgrass who shot weakly at Adam Federici. But it was Le Fondre, on for Noel Hunt, who made the difference at the other end. McDermott said he was brought on to "nick us a goal", and first he chested Hal Robson-Kanu's header over the line before diverting Jason Roberts' shot past Andy Lonergan in the final minute.
Reading (4-4-1-1) Federici; Cummings, Gorkss, Pearce, Harte; Kébé, Karacan (Robson-Kanu, 40; Mullins, 90), Leigertwood, McAnuff; Hunt (Le Fondre, 69); Roberts. Substitutes not used: McCarthy (gk), Church.
Leeds United (4-4-1-1) Lonergan; Bruce, Bromby, Robinson, Pugh; Lees, Thompson, Brown, Snodgrass (Webber, 85); McCormack (Rogers, 85), Becchio (Forssell, 87). Substitutes not used: Taylor (gk), Paynter.
Referee: D Drysdale (Lincolnshire).
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/foot ... 24858.html
Good teams always find a way through, as Reading showed yesterday by climbing to the top of the Championship. For 84 minutes they were frustrated and infuriated by a tenacious Leeds United. Even a numerical advantage, which Reading had from 12 minutes in, did not tell in their favour. But, with six minutes left, substitute Adam Le Fondre finally put Reading ahead, before adding a second late on.
It was a tribute to Reading's perseverance. Seemingly discomfited by Leeds' physical approach, they never developed much of a passing rhythm and, until Le Fondre's goals, they did not create much. It was not their best display of the season, but it might be their most important in their mission to return to the Premier League.
"We just had to keep going," manager Brian McDermott said afterwards. "You have to win game whatever it takes, in whichever way is required. We will not sit back and settle for a draw, we just keep going and keep going."
McDermott was also impressed that his players held their nerve in the face of some robust tackling. Zac Thomspon was sent off after 12 minutes for a late and high tackle on Jobi McAnuff, while Danny Pugh was fortunate not to go the same way.
When Leeds channelled their commitment, though, they were excellent, and were close to what would have been a very satisfactory point. "I'm right pleased," Neil Warnock said. "Not one of those lads could have given me any more; they were fantastic under the circumstances."
The defensive effort limited Reading, for most of the afternoon, to slinging in hopeful crosses which were headed away. The closest the home side came to scoring before they did so was when Ian Harte's first-half cross hit the far post. That aside, it was mainly a game of snatched chances.
It was Leeds, in fact, who created the game's best opportunity before the goals. Ross McCormack, with 20 minutes left, rolled the ball to Robert Snodgrass who shot weakly at Adam Federici. But it was Le Fondre, on for Noel Hunt, who made the difference at the other end. McDermott said he was brought on to "nick us a goal", and first he chested Hal Robson-Kanu's header over the line before diverting Jason Roberts' shot past Andy Lonergan in the final minute.
Reading (4-4-1-1) Federici; Cummings, Gorkss, Pearce, Harte; Kébé, Karacan (Robson-Kanu, 40; Mullins, 90), Leigertwood, McAnuff; Hunt (Le Fondre, 69); Roberts. Substitutes not used: McCarthy (gk), Church.
Leeds United (4-4-1-1) Lonergan; Bruce, Bromby, Robinson, Pugh; Lees, Thompson, Brown, Snodgrass (Webber, 85); McCormack (Rogers, 85), Becchio (Forssell, 87). Substitutes not used: Taylor (gk), Paynter.
Referee: D Drysdale (Lincolnshire).
Colin's column in The Independent (of course, that complete tosser would have a column in the media's equivilent of himself......)
I was not looking forward to yesterday's game at Reading. We had so many players out, or under par with knocks or illness, I was worried we would concede seven again, but the players gave me everything and I went back to Yorkshire last night disappointed we didn't get at least a point. We created the two best chances in the second half and if we'd taken either I couldn't see Reading getting back into it.
I knew it would be tough even before we had young Zac Thompson sent off early on. It was a harsh decision – I've seen a lot worse go unpunished. In fact, Danny Pugh made one later on in the half and he wasn't even booked while the worst challenge of the game was by Noel Hunt on our keeper. But the Madejski has always been an intimidating place to come. The players roll around and the referee gets surrounded. You can't tell me that doesn't influence decisions. I always seem to have someone sent off there. We need to make Elland Road the same fortress next season.
We had an awful build-up. With three players suspended and four out injured, I decided to give Ramon Nunez and Andy O'Brien a chance. I told them both on Monday they'd be playing. Andy pulled up on Wednesday with a hamstring problem; Ramon had a calf injury on Thursday. Another lad was away with a family health problem, Ross McCormack played with a tight hamstring and Alex Bruce with a broken nose.
I felt a little bit sorry for West Ham, Reading's promotion rivals. When we played them a couple of weeks ago we had a full squad and but for a last-minute equaliser we'd have won. It shows that when you play a team during a season can be important: whether you catch them in a good run, or when they have a lot of players absent, can make a big difference.
Yesterday's result probably finishes the season for us. The gap's too big now unless something remarkable happens. It's disappointing, but the good thing about being here at Leeds is the majority of fans understand the situation we're in and they are as tolerant as you can get.
It is difficult as a manager when you know you can't really wait for the season to end and you can get cracking on the next one. I never thought I'd have another summer of recruitment like I did when I took over at QPR, but it looks like it will have to be another busy one.
I'm lucky in that I've not often been in this situation over the years: at this stage I've usually been chasing promotion, or, a couple of times, fighting relegation. However, this is a chance to look at players and I learnt a few things about one or two yesterday that surprised me – good things. The question now is: Can they keep that up over the next five games?
There were 2 comments on the above article, one from a fawning Leeds fan saying that if Warnock left, it would be the end of Leeds United...
and then there was this comment........
Say what you like Neil, everybody who counts knows you are a liar.
You try hard to convince yourself, but I know you are at home now with the sinking feeling of failure and bitterness that all you have brought to the game is violent tactics.
Palm the blame onto the other team (Reading) but everyone watched the match Neil. We all saw Leeds take no interest in the game and go out to cripple players.
You don't even have the guts to admit it in public, but I'm satisfied that in private, it probably tears you apart knowing what a filthy manager you are.
Now Leeds season is over, I have no doubt your tactics will be to try and injure as many opponent players as possible.
But I know you feel the shame and I know that nobody believes you when you lie about the opposition. That's good enough for me.
I was not looking forward to yesterday's game at Reading. We had so many players out, or under par with knocks or illness, I was worried we would concede seven again, but the players gave me everything and I went back to Yorkshire last night disappointed we didn't get at least a point. We created the two best chances in the second half and if we'd taken either I couldn't see Reading getting back into it.
I knew it would be tough even before we had young Zac Thompson sent off early on. It was a harsh decision – I've seen a lot worse go unpunished. In fact, Danny Pugh made one later on in the half and he wasn't even booked while the worst challenge of the game was by Noel Hunt on our keeper. But the Madejski has always been an intimidating place to come. The players roll around and the referee gets surrounded. You can't tell me that doesn't influence decisions. I always seem to have someone sent off there. We need to make Elland Road the same fortress next season.
We had an awful build-up. With three players suspended and four out injured, I decided to give Ramon Nunez and Andy O'Brien a chance. I told them both on Monday they'd be playing. Andy pulled up on Wednesday with a hamstring problem; Ramon had a calf injury on Thursday. Another lad was away with a family health problem, Ross McCormack played with a tight hamstring and Alex Bruce with a broken nose.
I felt a little bit sorry for West Ham, Reading's promotion rivals. When we played them a couple of weeks ago we had a full squad and but for a last-minute equaliser we'd have won. It shows that when you play a team during a season can be important: whether you catch them in a good run, or when they have a lot of players absent, can make a big difference.
Yesterday's result probably finishes the season for us. The gap's too big now unless something remarkable happens. It's disappointing, but the good thing about being here at Leeds is the majority of fans understand the situation we're in and they are as tolerant as you can get.
It is difficult as a manager when you know you can't really wait for the season to end and you can get cracking on the next one. I never thought I'd have another summer of recruitment like I did when I took over at QPR, but it looks like it will have to be another busy one.
I'm lucky in that I've not often been in this situation over the years: at this stage I've usually been chasing promotion, or, a couple of times, fighting relegation. However, this is a chance to look at players and I learnt a few things about one or two yesterday that surprised me – good things. The question now is: Can they keep that up over the next five games?
There were 2 comments on the above article, one from a fawning Leeds fan saying that if Warnock left, it would be the end of Leeds United...
and then there was this comment........ Say what you like Neil, everybody who counts knows you are a liar.
You try hard to convince yourself, but I know you are at home now with the sinking feeling of failure and bitterness that all you have brought to the game is violent tactics.
Palm the blame onto the other team (Reading) but everyone watched the match Neil. We all saw Leeds take no interest in the game and go out to cripple players.
You don't even have the guts to admit it in public, but I'm satisfied that in private, it probably tears you apart knowing what a filthy manager you are.
Now Leeds season is over, I have no doubt your tactics will be to try and injure as many opponent players as possible.
But I know you feel the shame and I know that nobody believes you when you lie about the opposition. That's good enough for me.
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RoyalBlue
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:I knew it would be tough even before we had young Zac Thompson sent off early on. It was a harsh decision – I've seen a lot worse go unpunished. In fact, Danny Pugh made one later on in the half and he wasn't even booked while the worst challenge of the game was by Noel Hunt on our keeper.
Deluded, hypocritical, cheating, thuggish c**t!
Complete crap along the lines of that spouted by the so called sports writer of the year.
Of course, Noel Hunt's challenge on the keeper had to be the worst. It stands to reason. He is the brother of Stephen Hunt and everyone knows that the Hunt family genes dictate that they always set out to deliberately maim keepers!
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RoyalBlue
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More crap from the cheating barstard Warnock in the Yorkshire Evening Post:
I really think Warnock should be drugs tested because he was clearly hallucinating during the game:
Published on Saturday 7 April 2012 08:51
Neil Warnock accused Reading’s players of encouraging Zac Thompson’s dismissal after 10-man Leeds United suffered a dramatic defeat at the Madejski Stadium.
Warnock claimed the young midfielder was “unlucky” to incur the red card which left Leeds to fight a numerical disadvantage for more than an hour against the Championship’s leaders.
Thompson departed for an early bath after catching Reading winger Jobi McAnuff with a loose tackle in the 13th minute.
United held out until six minutes from time before finally succumbing to a brace from Adam Le Fondre as Reading took another step towards promotion with a 2-0 win, effectively confirming that Leeds are heading for a third season in the Championship.
Warnock expressed frustration with the performance of referee Darren Drysdale, claiming the official had overlooked worse challenges than Thompson’s when Danny Pugh fouled Jem Karacan and Noel Hunt collided with United goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.
But he was left to rue chances missed by Ross McCormack and Robert Snodgrass with the game goalless deep into the second half.
A proud Leeds manager said: “The players were fantastic under the circumstances. We had a makeshift team and I didn’t think they had a shot on goal until they scored.
“We played really well under the cosh and I’m right pleased.
“But I’ve never seen players surround the referee like they did here. It does influence him. We’re told not to do it but everybody seems to.
“Straight away he gives the red card and I thought the kid was unlucky, having watched it three or four times. The ref only sees it once but when you’ve got the crowd and five or six players around you straight away, you tend to react.
“I don’t think it’s a red card, not when you see it in slow motion. I thought Pugh’s tackle was worse. He should have been sent off and Hunt’s challenge on Lonergan was a disgrace.”
Reading struggled to cut through Warnock’s defence despite Thompson’s dismissal, and United’s chances to snatch an unlikely win came in quick succession as McCormack struck the outside of a post and Snodgrass drove a weak finish from eight yards straight at goalkeeper Adam Federici.
“We had the best chances,” Warnock said. “We can’t blame anybody for that but ourselves.
“I’d have expected Ross to score his and Rob didn’t have the belief he needed. He wanted to hit the target instead of just smashing it.
“If Snodgrass scores we win the game because they panic like hell with 20 minutes to go. We’ve had an opportunity to beat the best side in the league in my eyes – and that’s with made-up side. I’m absolutely delighted.”
Thompson’s sending off was a pivotal moment at an early stage of the game, coming as Leeds attempted to fight through a spell of pressure from Reading.
Reading manager Brian McDermott also believed Pugh should also have been dismissed for his sliding challenge on Karacan, saying: “One or two tackles were questionable.
“The referee took the decision to send the young lad (Thompson) off but Pugh made a tackle on Jem which was a certain red card. He should have been sent off.
“It was very difficult for us and Adam Federici made a crucial save at 0-0 but if you need someone to score a goal, we’ve got the perfect man.”
I really think Warnock should be drugs tested because he was clearly hallucinating during the game:
suddenly one Ian Harte becomes five or six Reading players or did he just confuse shirt colours when 4 or 5 Leeds cheats immediately surrounded the ref trying to persuade him that the assault perfectly fitted Warnock's view of what the game should really be like and therefore should go unpunished.The ref only sees it once but when you’ve got the crowd and five or six players around you straight away, you tend to react.
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SLAMMED
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RoyalBlue which left Leeds to fight a numerical disadvantage for more than an hour against the Championship’s leaders.
Thompson departed for an early bath after catching Reading winger Jobi McAnuff with a loose tackle in the 13th minute.
Clearly this reporter has difficulty subtracting 13 from 90
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Franchise FC
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SLAMMEDRoyalBlue which left Leeds to fight a numerical disadvantage for more than an hour against the Championship’s leaders.
Thompson departed for an early bath after catching Reading winger Jobi McAnuff with a loose tackle in the 13th minute.
Clearly this reporter has difficulty subtracting 13 from 90
Why ? What's he got wrong ?
90 minus 13 is ............ 77. That appears to be more than an hour.
Have I missed something ?
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SLAMMED
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Correct it is more than an hour, but more than an hour by quite a bit.
'More than an hour' suggests 60-65 minutes?
'More than an hour' suggests 60-65 minutes?
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West Stand Man
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SLAMMED Correct it is more than an hour, but more than an hour by quite a bit.
'More than an hour' suggests 60-65 minutes?
No, it means 'more than an hour'. Nowhere is there any inference of it being 'just over an hour'.
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SLAMMED
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So if he had said 'It took Reading over an hour to score their 2 goals', you would have accepted it?
Didn't think so...
Didn't think so...
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West Stand Man
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SLAMMED So if he had said 'It took Reading over an hour to score their 2 goals', you would have accepted it?
Didn't think so...
Actually I would, as that is totally true. At the one hour point it was 0-0 so it did take over an hour for us to score our 2 goals. Are you not in touch with the concept of time?
Do you choose to make assumptions on my behalf? Did think so ......
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SLAMMED
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It's just bad journalism.
Can you stop stalking me now?
Can you stop stalking me now?
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semtex1871
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SLAMMED It's just bad journalism.
Can you stop stalking me now?
Slammed, admit you got the maths wrong, apologise to WSM and move on.......
RFCUK http://www.throughitalltogether.com/2012/4/6/2929788/reading-2-0-leeds-united-late-adam-le-fondre-brace-sinks-determinedA late Adam Le-Fondre double late on was enough to give Reading all three points. But the truth is Leeds made it difficult for the home side and did well to hold on for 80 minutes.
The Whites were in a 4-4-2 formation for the first time since Warnock took charge, not down to tactics but purely down to desperation. Leigh Bromby, Danny Pugh and Zac Thompson were all thrown into the starting eleven in place of Paul Connolly, Adam Clayton and Aidy White.
Star-divide
Reading started the game well with Noel Hunt going close from a header after one minute. The Leeds defence were slow off the blocks with Hunt leaving Robinson in his wake.
Moments later Gorkss went close from yet another header. Ian Harte's dead ball skills were still ever-present and Gorkss went flying in but couldn't keep his header down.
After 12 minutes the game plan was turned on its head when Zac Thompson was dismissed following a rash challenge. Thompson lost the ball on the line and to try and recover his error flew in. In all honesty it wasn't a red card I don't think, stupid decision to go in but not a red. Replays showed he missed the ball and man but still silly silly boy.
Neil Warnock got his point across afterwards and it didn't look pretty.
Ex-Leeds man Ian Harte was causing problems with his passing and crossing. Another cross of his hit the upright and bounced into the box but Leeds managed to clear.
Then another poor tackle from the 'Dirty Leeds' brigade with Danny Pugh going in over the ball and catching Jem Karcaran. Comparing the two tackles from Pugh and Thompson - Pugh should have gone, Thompson a yellow.
As the half time break approached, Leeds found themselves controlling the game and neutralling any Reading attack. Michael Brown was brilliant in the centre of the park with some perfectly timed tackles. One of them caught Karcaran and the Turk was replaced by Hal Robson-Kanu.
The Leeds fans were once again in full voice and shouting loud above the home support for most of the first-half.
At Half-time Leeds will have gone in the happier side, despite losing ten men they managed to hold out and nullify the home attack.
After the interval Robert Snodgrass went very close from a free-kick a minute into the second-half and won a corner. At the other end Andy Lonergan was throwing himself about like a ninja for some reason and Reading nearly scored, but for a Robert Snodgrass clearance.
The game started to open up and Alex Pearce nearly scored when he pulled away at the back post but once again Reading failed to keep their headers down. Reading were building the pressure thanks to Ian Harte's superb deliveries, but Andy Lonergan was just doing enough to thwart the crosses.
After 70 minutes Ross McCormack nearly turned the game on its head. Jimmy Kebe slipped on the edge of the box, McCormack found space and his curling shot just clipped the post. Two minutes later McCormack was causing chaos again, he managed to square it to Snoddy who placed the ball straight at Federici.
McCormack went close again when his long range free-kick was spilled by Federici and no Leeds player was in site to follow it up.
The Leeds players were looking tired and the introduction of Adam Le-Fondre was giving the Leeds defence some new problems. Le-Fondre had a goal disallowed in the 81st minute for offside - a decision the linesman got spot on.
But just two minutes later Le-Fondre struck to make it 1-0. Hal Robson-Kanu got up above Tom Lees and his header found an unmarked Le-Fondre who couldn't miss.
This caused Neil Warnock to make some changes, Robbie Rogers and Danny Webber coming on for Robert Snodgrass and Ross McCormack. A few seconds later Luciano Becchio came off for Forssell.
Reading were piling the pressure on and Leigertwood had a shot palmed away by Lonergan. Lonergan could do nothing though when Le-Fondre tapped home to make it 2-0 on the 90th minute. Jason Roberts did well to hold up the ball and before his shot could be stopped, Le-Fondre knicked in to send Reading top of the league.
Post-match reaction
Overall I'm feeling quite surprised and pleased at how we managed to hold Reading out. You can never be pleased with a defeat but the lads must take some pride from holding out a Reading side in top form!
For me Leeds' best players were Ross McCormack and Michael Brown. McCormack did some damage when he could with the ball but Brown was fantastic in the middle. His tackles were strong and fair and he never gave up in the middle.
In the end it shows how clinical we need to be next season. We need to look for next season now and I don't see the point in going with the same players we are doing. People like Rogers, Nunez, Webber etc need a chance to show they've got what it takes for next season. Thompson will learn from today and his tackle made it harder for us but in hindsight harder for them too. Who knows what could have happened if Snoddy's shot had gone in, or Ross'.
Derby on Monday will be no easy task and we'll face a difficult game. We also face a battle to stay in the top-half of the table with others around us hunting us down.
I wish that was what had happened! What a rubbish report. I nearly stopped reading it when they said "One of them caught Karcaran and the Turk was replaced by Hal Robson-Kanu.", and then DID stop reading it at the end of the first half.
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