BFTG Forest (H)

[genome]

I was talking to friends in the pub before the game last night that we all expect Middlesbrough to win comfortably (3 or 4 nil), but we wouldn't be overly surprised if we rocked up and won it, such is football (and Reading).

We've got Birmingham at home first though, win that and we close the gap to them. With a good finish I think we can end the season in 8th or 9th, which would be an impressive and encouraging result considering how the season has gone.

[wingnut]

Very good first half performance, less good second half, which, given the scoreline is odd. It became quite scrappy at times in the second half and I was crying out to try something different before Ollie's shot was turned in by Vydra. We were just punting so many aimless crosses into an overcrowded box that were being easily dealt with by Forest defence.

We really should've been 2 or 3 goals front before Forest scored and their goal should also have been dealt with long before the shot was taken - both defenders and Ali looked like they were expecting each other to deal with it.

Thought Piazon faded badly in the second half but was OK in the first. Didn't think Quinn was that gr8 - an awful lot of underhit passes and too much w8ing for the ball to come to him. John also didn't look good when he came on. Norwood tho was back to his best and he's the reason we won last night.

[Hoop Blah]

Really interesting to see the way we set up last night, certainly quite different to pretty much any other game I've seen this season, in fact it was much more like Adkins wanted us to play than anything we've seen before or after his time.

It worked because Forest had so little attacking intent or quality but I'd love it if Brian could use that blueprint to build a side for next season, although I can't imagine we could be quite so cavalier against most teams who actually looked interested in competing and making a game of it.

I don't think I've ever seen a pair of fullbacks play so high up the pitch (at the same time) for Reading, and it certainly suits Norwood to be able to drop into the space between two centre halfs who split wide like we did last night.

It'll be interesting to see if we stick with a similar approach against Birmingham who should have a lot more about them upfront.

[Maneki Neko]

I thought John was all the difference

jogged around a bit following the ball, kept switching off, some very lazy and poor passing.,

hes been really good on many occasions. id love to buy him and would happily watch all the journeymen cloggers we can put in our team for many seasons if I get to watch him as well.
that appearance was not one of his best, better, or even just good ones

[OLLIE KEARNS]

I’d be interested to hear from those who claim the manager is one dimensional now that he’s played numerous formations since his return  The diamond suited us well against a poor team in that it allowed the full backs to push on (they both attack better than they defend) which in turn allowed us to play two up front without being overrun against a five man midfield. Against a better side that might not work so well but then the manager may play a different formation in that case….
What really caught my eye last night was the commitment of the side both in terms of mileage and physicality. McDermott clearly has them all on side which is a major plus. His defence of Vydra in the Dellor interview goes a long way to explaining why players like to play for him.
With a few more committed youngsters coming into the fold next year (Tshibola, Samuel, Evans, Fosu, Stacey etc) plus a few experienced signings I’d say we’re not too far away from being competitive in this league again.

[Maneki Neko]

Really interesting to see the way we set up last night, certainly quite different to pretty much any other game I've seen this season, in fact it was much more like Adkins wanted us to play than anything we've seen before or after his time.

It worked because Forest had so little attacking intent or quality but I'd love it if Brian could use that blueprint to build a side for next season, although I can't imagine we could be quite so cavalier against most teams who actually looked interested in competing and making a game of it.

I don't think I've ever seen a pair of fullbacks play so high up the pitch (at the same time) for Reading, and it certainly suits Norwood to be able to drop into the space between two centre halfs who split wide like we did last night.

It'll be interesting to see if we stick with a similar approach against Birmingham who should have a lot more about them upfront.

its two games and two wins with that formation/tactics/personnel
knowing brian as we do id say there is a very good chance we will set up in exactly the same way on sat

[Maneki Neko]

I’d be interested to hear from those who claim the manager is one dimensional now that he’s played numerous formations since his return  The diamond suited us well against a poor team in that it allowed the full backs to push on (they both attack better than they defend) which in turn allowed us to play two up front without being overrun against a five man midfield. Against a better side that might not work so well but then the manager may play a different formation in that case….
What really caught my eye last night was the commitment of the side both in terms of mileage and physicality. McDermott clearly has them all on side which is a major plus. His defence of Vydra in the Dellor interview goes a long way to explaining why players like to play for him.
With a few more committed youngsters coming into the fold next year (Tshibola, Samuel, Evans, Fosu, Stacey etc) plus a few experienced signings I’d say we’re not too far away from being competitive in this league again.

yep- all that hoofball/favourites nonsense proven to be exactly that


wont matter though, people only see what they want to, and then make it fit into their already held narrow viewpoint

[Will95]

I’d be interested to hear from those who claim the manager is one dimensional now that he’s played numerous formations since his return  The diamond suited us well against a poor team in that it allowed the full backs to push on (they both attack better than they defend) which in turn allowed us to play two up front without being overrun against a five man midfield. Against a better side that might not work so well but then the manager may play a different formation in that case….
What really caught my eye last night was the commitment of the side both in terms of mileage and physicality. McDermott clearly has them all on side which is a major plus. His defence of Vydra in the Dellor interview goes a long way to explaining why players like to play for him.
With a few more committed youngsters coming into the fold next year (Tshibola, Samuel, Evans, Fosu, Stacey etc) plus a few experienced signings I’d say we’re not too far away from being competitive in this league again.

I went with two mates who are anti-McDermott. One came out complimenting the tactics and (jokingly) saying he's always backed him. The other claims he should have been sacked straight after yesterday and is a one-dimensional idiot.

[Dr_Hfuhruhurr]

I thought John was all the difference

jogged around a bit following the ball, kept switching off, some very lazy and poor passing.,

hes been really good on many occasions. id love to buy him and would happily watch all the journeymen cloggers we can put in our team for many seasons if I get to watch him as well.
that appearance was not one of his best, better, or even just good ones

I just feel he gives the opposition more to do than wait for crosses to come in. Even when he is playing clumsily.
Plus I like him and Obita together - thats quite an exciting side of the pitch when those two are on it.

[OLLIE KEARNS]

I’d be interested to hear from those who claim the manager is one dimensional now that he’s played numerous formations since his return  The diamond suited us well against a poor team in that it allowed the full backs to push on (they both attack better than they defend) which in turn allowed us to play two up front without being overrun against a five man midfield. Against a better side that might not work so well but then the manager may play a different formation in that case….
What really caught my eye last night was the commitment of the side both in terms of mileage and physicality. McDermott clearly has them all on side which is a major plus. His defence of Vydra in the Dellor interview goes a long way to explaining why players like to play for him.
With a few more committed youngsters coming into the fold next year (Tshibola, Samuel, Evans, Fosu, Stacey etc) plus a few experienced signings I’d say we’re not too far away from being competitive in this league again.

I went with two mates who are anti-McDermott. One came out complimenting the tactics and (jokingly) saying he's always backed him. The other claims he should have been sacked straight after yesterday and is a one-dimensional idiot.

Ask him to explain exactly what that one dimension consists of in his opinion. That'll stump him !! Please post his reply for our enjoyment

[WoodleyRoyal]

Really interesting to see the way we set up last night, certainly quite different to pretty much any other game I've seen this season, in fact it was much more like Adkins wanted us to play than anything we've seen before or after his time.

It worked because Forest had so little attacking intent or quality but I'd love it if Brian could use that blueprint to build a side for next season, although I can't imagine we could be quite so cavalier against most teams who actually looked interested in competing and making a game of it.

I don't think I've ever seen a pair of fullbacks play so high up the pitch (at the same time) for Reading, and it certainly suits Norwood to be able to drop into the space between two centre halfs who split wide like we did last night.

It'll be interesting to see if we stick with a similar approach against Birmingham who should have a lot more about them upfront.

The full backs playing so high up the pitch only works if we have defensive minded wide players though, having quinn and williams out wide allowed them that freedom. You couldn't play like that with John and McCleary out wide. If this is the favored formation going forward then i think people can give up on signing john on a permanent deal.

[Sutekh]

First league at home we've won after conceding first in years. The last time was Ipswich at home on the opening day of the 2013/2014 season (65 league games ago).

Much better performance mainly because we played at a high tempo from the off for the first time in god knows how long at home.

Obita and Norwood were excellent.

And just for the record, since we last were promoted, we've played 85 home games in the league and averaged 1.36 points per game. The problem is generally failing to convert enough draws to wins. This season is an improvement on the dreadful home form of last year - when we lost 10 games - so far only 3 losses in the league this season.

[Snowball136]

Unlike Snowball, I thought John was all the difference. He might hate passing, and runs down alleys, but he's the sort of player that causes an opposition team to lose their composure. I don't think Forest were ever comfortable (but that's mainly because they're not very good at the moment) but they were noticeable uncomfortable when we started running at them. It was then that we started to look dangerous - even if Ola himself wasn't particularly. I'm not remotely sure what his asking price is - but we should at least inquire

Sorry, I wasn't clear.

I thought John and Vydra did well but there was a noticeable change in attitude at 65 minutes.

It looked like McD had said, "When the subs come on at 65 minutes I want you to go flat out to win it."

That is, it wasn't the subs themselves as much as the change in attitude from all 11.

[Hoop Blah]

The full backs playing so high up the pitch only works if we have defensive minded wide players though, having quinn and williams out wide allowed them that freedom. You couldn't play like that with John and McCleary out wide. If this is the favored formation going forward then i think people can give up on signing john on a permanent deal.

I'd argue they weren't playing outwide, but as a midfield 3 with Piazon (and sometimes Cox if he he dropped deeper) in front of them. The fullbacks then have to add all the width.

Obviously it isn't a tactic that will work in all situations and the likes of Quinn and Williams have to be willing and able to cover if the attacks breakdown. In fact last night there were occasions where it was other players too, the Piazon tackle at left back being a prime example.

[Dr_Hfuhruhurr]

Unlike Snowball, I thought John was all the difference. He might hate passing, and runs down alleys, but he's the sort of player that causes an opposition team to lose their composure. I don't think Forest were ever comfortable (but that's mainly because they're not very good at the moment) but they were noticeable uncomfortable when we started running at them. It was then that we started to look dangerous - even if Ola himself wasn't particularly. I'm not remotely sure what his asking price is - but we should at least inquire

Sorry, I wasn't clear.

I thought John and Vydra did well but there was a noticeable change in attitude at 65 minutes.

It looked like McD had said, "When the subs come on at 65 minutes I want you to go flat out to win it."

That is, it wasn't the subs themselves as much as the change in attitude from all 11.

I don't disagree with any of that.
I felt up to the substitutions we were one-dimensional, thats all. John helps change that. He's a bit of a maverick in all honesty and I like that. I think what also helped the substitutions was that Piazon was pretty anonymous last night.

[SCIAG]

That was the best we've played in months.

I was sceptical about the set up at first, but it worked.

Not sure Gunter is particularly well suited to that position though. I'd like to see some of the young players (Stacey/Owusu/Sheppard/Akinwumni) in that role in pre-season to see whether they can provide attacking performances like Obita's last night. Gunter's got all the physical and technical ability but seems to have something mentally stopping him from taking players on and whipping in crosses quickly.

MOTM has to be Norwood, really back to his best in his favoured position. Obita close behind. I also thought Williams had a better game than most are giving him credit for (although I agree that Tshibola would probably do even better in that position), and Piazon had an excellent first half.

Haven't seen their goal back, if someone was obviously at fault then deduct half a point from their score.

Al-Habsi 8 - doesn't let the ball into the net any more
Gunter 7.5 - pretty good, needs to be more adventurous
McShane 8 - can't fault that performance.
Cooper 8 - likewise, his best performance for a long time, albeit against a toothless strike force (Dexter Blackstock?)
Obita 9 - possibly his best game for Reading. Created chance after chance.
Norwood 9 MOTM - an all-round excellent performance. Got stuck in and pinged around passes effortlessly. Played a crucial role even before you get on to the goals.
Williams 8 - carried the ball forward very well. Excellent tackle to set up Norwood's goal.
Quinn 7.5 - hard to fault, but didn't offer as much going forwards as Williams.
Piazon 7 - very dangerous in the first half, but disappeared after their goal.
Cox 5 - hasn't had a good game since we lost Murray. Very quiet.
Kermogant 6 - missed a lot of chances, but we've had a lot of strikers in recent years who wouldn't even have got on the end of those

John 5.5 - worst I've seen him play
Vydra 7 - nothing special, but showed little bits of class and actually contributed.

[RoyalinBracknell]

Really enjoyed that one. Tactics worked a treat and our shape in the first half were spot on with the full-backs getting forward well. I was always confident we were going to score - no team is going to score every chance and I'm not sure it was particularly down to bad finishing (one header was well cleared off the line, one produced a good save, the looping header went narrowly wide,)

I agree with Hoop Blah that this was probably how Adkins would have liked us to play. It will be interesting to see that formation against teams who are better offensively and whether the full-backs have to focus more on defensive duties which might restrict our width,

[handbags_harris]

it's not that Williams is a bad player (and of course he's got a few goals) but that he stops our midfield being "a machine". I seriously believe we should cash in and get a more classic player.

Agreed I think. I don't believe we should actively look to sell but if we get an offer of reasonable value I think we should sell. He was signed on a Zingarevich contract and has one year left on his present deal so selling would make sense.

And dare I say it, I think Steve Sidwell is out of contract in the summer...

[Hoop Blah]

it's not that Williams is a bad player (and of course he's got a few goals) but that he stops our midfield being "a machine". I seriously believe we should cash in and get a more classic player.

Agreed I think. I don't believe we should actively look to sell but if we get an offer of reasonable value I think we should sell. He was signed on a Zingarevich contract and has one year left on his present deal so selling would make sense.

And dare I say it, I think Steve Sidwell is out of contract in the summer...

Tshibola would suit that role nicely, although the ideal would. IMO, be a slightly more mobile player. A right footed Quinn if you like.

SCIAG would probably be best placed to confirm, but that's pretty much the role he played for the U18s and 21s with Kuhl as the Norwood-lite alongside him.

[Ark Royal]

Here is the Fan Verdict I wrote up for Get Reading:

Reading F.C. deservedly take home all three points in their home match with Nottingham Forest

Reading put in the kind of performance that I think all Reading supporters would willingly pay good money to watch. Reading were all over Forest to start the game! After creating chance after chance but failing to capitalize in the first half they were struck by a fluke goal against the run of play and went in down 0-1 after the first 45 minutes.

As a Reading fan from across the pond who winds up listening to games over BBC Radio Berkshire it felt like many of our matches where we were created opportunities but were just missing that tiny bit of quality to finish off those chances.

After setting an initial lineup for the game that saw us starting a good number of players who will actually still be with the club next season. Brian McDermott made some masterful substitutions. Bringing in Ola John seemed to give the crowd and the team a spark. And when Vydra joined him it was only a matter of time before we equalised and then took the lead.

Yes, it took a bit of a lucky deflection for the first goal from a Norwood smash that deflected in off Vydra but that second goal was a wonder-strike from Ollie! No one could argue that we did not deserve all three points!

What an enjoyable match-day experience for me! After choosing the newly promoted Royals in 2006 to be my club team I had dreamed of coming over and watching a match live at the Madejski! I finally decided to take the plunge and thanks to my friends off the Reading Fan Forum (http://www.royals.org) I not only got to attend my first game but felt welcomed like family. The 10-hour overnight flight from LAX to London was entirely worth it. I got to participate in the halftime Lucky Strike Promotion and saw my club play some very attractive football. I can't wait for my next game (which is luckily only a few days away on Saturday vs. Birmingham City).

Man of the Match: Paul McShane (Forest rarely threatened and when they did the Captain cleaned up the mess time and time again. Steady as a rock!)

Nice one Seahawk. Glad you are enjoying your trip across the pond.