MATCHWATCH : Swindon Town (h)

[WestYorksRoyal]

I am glad I ended up going to this one and it made me realise just how much I have missed the local rivalry of playing Oxford, Swindon and Aldershot. I had a few scraps in my youth, but too old for that now.

In terms of the game, I thought Craig was superb until he got cramp and needs to be given a chance in the first team. Knibbs got 3 goals, but I can’t say that he played great. I thought Holmes was pretty solid and I have to now admit NGW is our best LB. Overall it was entertaining, however, it only really proved that our youngsters are far more superior than theirs.

My wish list is for the rest of the season is new owners, a boring mid table finish and a trip to Wembley.

Wouldn't we all take that in a heartbeat.

[YorkshireRoyal99]

My wish list is for the rest of the season is new owners, a boring mid table finish and a trip to Wembley.

At the moment, yes this would be good.

Can't read too much into last night in terms of what this means going forward in the league, but some decent performances all around.

[Royals and Racers]

We have qualified for the next stage with the final group match v Arsenal U 21 still to be played.
Next round is W/C 4th December- group winner plays at home runner up away. Round is still regionalised. A draw or win against Arsenal will see us top the group.

The competition remains regionalised until, obviously, the final itself.

Arsenal U21s won 5-0 at Exeter last night.

We can even afford to lose the penalties if we draw with Arsenal to finish top, as GD is the deciding factor on teams being level on points. If we finish top we will be at home to one of the other 7 Southern group runners up.(Oxford could be one of them !!!)

[Stranded]

All last night showed is what we already know - the team can create chances and when playing weaker opposition where defence is really not much of a concern can create tons of the them - problem has mostly been taking the chances created, or picking the right pass when in good position.

Our Home form is fine W3 D1 L1 - 2 pts a game, Keep that up over the season and we get to 46pts - if we can sort out the away form and even go something like W4 D5 L8 over the last 17 away games, then we will be comfortable. If we don't sort out the away form then the pressure will really mount at home and we'll be in massive trouble.

[NathStPaul]

Great to see a couple of Swindon supporters getting a good hiding last night. Top stuff.

[NathStPaul]

Absolute scenes after the game TVP should be ashamed just filtered the Swindon fans into the Reading fans on the dual carriageway. The atmosphere was feisty in the ground it’s obvious the Swindon fans all left on about 75 mins to wait for the Reading fans no
Police there whatsoever ever. Then it all kicked off fighting in the middle of the road Swindon got absolutely battered. Then the riot police turn up with dogs peeper spray full riot gear swinging kloshes never seen trouble like that.

Just wait until Oxford that'll be worse

Are you going to go tooled up?

[Needle]

If the rumours are true, and that's our last ever result, it's pretty sweet.

[Snowflake Royal]

All last night showed is what we already know - the team can create chances and when playing weaker opposition where defence is really not much of a concern can create tons of the them - problem has mostly been taking the chances created, or picking the right pass when in good position.

Our Home form is fine W3 D1 L1 - 2 pts a game, Keep that up over the season and we get to 46pts - if we can sort out the away form and even go something like W4 D5 L8 over the last 17 away games, then we will be comfortable. If we don't sort out the away form then the pressure will really mount at home and we'll be in massive trouble.

We all know from previous seasons that we're more likely to start performing worse where we're strong than improve where we're weak though

[Stranded]

All last night showed is what we already know - the team can create chances and when playing weaker opposition where defence is really not much of a concern can create tons of the them - problem has mostly been taking the chances created, or picking the right pass when in good position.

Our Home form is fine W3 D1 L1 - 2 pts a game, Keep that up over the season and we get to 46pts - if we can sort out the away form and even go something like W4 D5 L8 over the last 17 away games, then we will be comfortable. If we don't sort out the away form then the pressure will really mount at home and we'll be in massive trouble.

We all know from previous seasons that we're more likely to start performing worse where we're strong than improve where we're weak though

True but thats because of the pressure the weakness builds on the strength. The hope and it can only be a hope, forlorn one at that, is that somehow getting that first away win will act as a release on the pressure valve.

Even the law of averages suggests we need to fluke one at some point. Although half expect us to be talking at Xmas lamenting how we've only managed 1 point away from home in 2023.

[Clyde1998]

Can't say I saw much trouble myself last night - worst was a group of Swindon fans who'd ripped a seat out of a train going from Reading to Green Park. Police seemed to be on all the carriages except that one.

In terms of the football: it was disappointing to see CBC get injured in the warm up - although he wouldn't've had a very busy night.

From the off, it had the air of comfortable night about it. It was really a question of making sure we scored before Swindon got any sort of momentum. Knibbs was given far too much time in the box to fire a deflected effort home after NGW's cross had bounced off a Swindon defender.

It was always a question of how many we could get after that point. NGW's cross for Knibbs, in first half stoppage time, was impressively turned into the top corner.

The third came when Mukairu's heavy touch led to a loose ball, with the winger getting ahead of the sliding defender - an obvious penalty. Knibbs confidently rolled home for his hat-trick. The game became players going through the motions at that point, with the exception of a Swindon fan who decided to jump around in front of Y25/Y26 - so he won't be attending any games in the near future.

We had to wait until stoppage time for the final two goals. Vickers' free-kick was saved onto the post, with the ball rebounding to Mukairu who had the simplest of tasks heading home for four. The fifth quickly followed: Wing's cross found Dean who was completely unmarked at the back post. Another simple header.

One clearly noticeable difference from our recent matches was the pressing from the front. We may have not been playing against the strongest side we'll face this season (understatement), but we did force Swindon into a lot of errors through this pressure. Throughout the game we could've scored ten - including three good chances in stoppage time which we didn't score. On a general point, there did seem to be a bit of an issue of players not knowing where others would be, leading to some stray passes - especially when the game had some intensity to it.

Players

1. Button - Can't really say anything about his performance as he didn't have to do anything.
2. Yiadom - Looked positive going forward, including the shot that was saved early on.
3. NGW - Two assists, looked good going forward. Did have a few slack passes, especially in the first half. Hopefully he'll be regularly involved in the first team from now on.
4. Holmes - A quiet night for Holmes, but did everything required of him. Hopefully the injury was nothing more serious than cramp.
5. Mola - Again a quiet night for the other CB. Did seem a bit more comfortable at CB than LB, but, due to the context of the game, I don't think we can draw much from that.
6. Craig - Controlled the midfield well, before going off with what appeared to be cramp. Can't be too much longer before he's regularly involved in league matches.
7. Rushesha - Ditto Craig - although survived the ninety minutes.
8. Knibbs - Hat-trick; can't remember him doing a huge amount other than the goals. Taken off early with his job done.
9. Mukairu - Got a goal and won a penalty. First touch does seem a bit heavy at times.
10. Vickers - Caused Swindon problems; could've had a goal himself. Continues his good start to the season.
11. Wareham - Looked very lively and had a number of chances to score. Still looks raw, but certainly has something about him. Wouldn't be surprised if he turns up in a league game at some point this season.
12. Azeez - The ball didn't really fall for him to do much after coming on. Game a largely dead by the time he got onto the pitch though.
13. Dean - Got a goal, but as with the other defenders wasn't challenged defensively.
14. Norcott - Good to see him come on, even if he didn't need to do anything. May suddenly be our number two keeper now CBC and Pereira are injured.
15. Stickland - Good that he's clearly back from his injury and performing well at U21 level. First time he's feature in a first team game since the start of 2021 (IIRC).
16. Wing - Assisted Dean's goal. Good ten minute run out for him.

[Sutekh]

We have qualified for the next stage with the final group match v Arsenal U 21 still to be played.
Next round is W/C 4th December- group winner plays at home runner up away. Round is still regionalised. A draw or win against Arsenal will see us top the group.

The competition remains regionalised until, obviously, the final itself.

Arsenal U21s won 5-0 at Exeter last night.

We can even afford to lose the penalties if we draw with Arsenal to finish top, as GD is the deciding factor on teams being level on points. If we finish top we will be at home to one of the other 7 Southern group runners up.(Oxford could be one of them !!!)

Results so far

Swindon Town 2-2 Arsenal U21 (Arsenal won on penalties)
Exeter City 0-9 Reading
Exeter City 0-5 Arsenal U21
Reading 5-0 Swindon Town

Table

Pos. Team - Pld W DW DL L F A Pts
1. Reading - 2 2 0 0 0 14 0 6
2. Arsenal U21 - 2 1 1 0 0 7 2 5
================================
3. Swindon - 2 0 0 1 1 2 7 1
4. Exeter - 2 0 0 0 2 0 14 0

Still to play

Swindon Town v Exeter City
Reading v Arsenal U21

Therefore Reading have already qualified for the knockout round and need to avoid defeat to Arsenal in the final game to be sure of winning the group. A losing draw would be enough to win the group given the goal difference. Luckily it's not a first team game for both sides so there'll be a small chance of avoiding defeat against the Gunners.....

[Millsy]

Reading FC have found their level at last.

[Snowflake Royal]

Reading FC have found their level at last.

Category 1 Academy lads with some senior players mixed in smashing L1/2 youth teams shocker.

[Clyde1998]

Reading FC have found their level at last.

Category 1 Academy lads with some senior players mixed in smashing L1/2 youth teams shocker.

Someone suggested we've got ~20 outfield players of fairly similar ability - that ability is clearly above youth level of most L1/L2 sides, but might be below the level of an average L1 first team (albeit with a young squad that should quickly improve throughout the season). Which would be why we're able to perform well in cup competitions, but aren't doing well in the league so far.

[Stranded]

Reading FC have found their level at last.

Category 1 Academy lads with some senior players mixed in smashing L1/2 youth teams shocker.

Someone suggested we've got ~20 outfield players of fairly similar ability - that ability is clearly above youth level of most L1/L2 sides, but might be below the level of an average L1 first team (albeit with a young squad that should quickly improve throughout the season). Which would be why we're able to perform well in cup competitions, but aren't doing well in the league so far.

I think the quality of most of our players is mid/lowe mid L1 but we haven't played them in the right combination/formation as yet.

[Millsy]

Category 1 Academy lads with some senior players mixed in smashing L1/2 youth teams shocker.

Someone suggested we've got ~20 outfield players of fairly similar ability - that ability is clearly above youth level of most L1/L2 sides, but might be below the level of an average L1 first team (albeit with a young squad that should quickly improve throughout the season). Which would be why we're able to perform well in cup competitions, but aren't doing well in the league so far.

I think the quality of most of our players is mid/lowe mid L1 but we haven't played them in the right combination/formation as yet.

Yeah, so I'll pose another possibility, just thinking out loudly.

Our boys smash every cup oppoistion including Millwall who are champ, so it's clearly not just about opposition level.

There's somehting either mental with the players or the way they approach these games that is totally different.

Perhaps league games are videod and scouted to death and it really is a battle of tactics and systems. Whereas cup games are more expermental perhaps for all, not as much tactical analysis, more fluid, more a case of trying new players and asking them to give it a go.

Perhaps SeLLLLes can motivate players well, which works well in cup games, but up against shrewd proper managers who really do their homework for a league game, it all falls apart as seLLLes sticks to his tried and failed telephone number formations which oppositions pick apart.

Just an idea.

[72 bus]

Can't say I saw much trouble myself last night - worst was a group of Swindon fans who'd ripped a seat out of a train going from Reading to Green Park. Police seemed to be on all the carriages except that one.

In terms of the football: it was disappointing to see CBC get injured in the warm up - although he wouldn't've had a very busy night.

From the off, it had the air of comfortable night about it. It was really a question of making sure we scored before Swindon got any sort of momentum. Knibbs was given far too much time in the box to fire a deflected effort home after NGW's cross had bounced off a Swindon defender.

It was always a question of how many we could get after that point. NGW's cross for Knibbs, in first half stoppage time, was impressively turned into the top corner.

The third came when Mukairu's heavy touch led to a loose ball, with the winger getting ahead of the sliding defender - an obvious penalty. Knibbs confidently rolled home for his hat-trick. The game became players going through the motions at that point, with the exception of a Swindon fan who decided to jump around in front of Y25/Y26 - so he won't be attending any games in the near future.

We had to wait until stoppage time for the final two goals. Vickers' free-kick was saved onto the post, with the ball rebounding to Mukairu who had the simplest of tasks heading home for four. The fifth quickly followed: Wing's cross found Dean who was completely unmarked at the back post. Another simple header.

One clearly noticeable difference from our recent matches was the pressing from the front. We may have not been playing against the strongest side we'll face this season (understatement), but we did force Swindon into a lot of errors through this pressure. Throughout the game we could've scored ten - including three good chances in stoppage time which we didn't score. On a general point, there did seem to be a bit of an issue of players not knowing where others would be, leading to some stray passes - especially when the game had some intensity to it.

Players

1. Button - Can't really say anything about his performance as he didn't have to do anything.
2. Yiadom - Looked positive going forward, including the shot that was saved early on.
3. NGW - Two assists, looked good going forward. Did have a few slack passes, especially in the first half. Hopefully he'll be regularly involved in the first team from now on.
4. Holmes - A quiet night for Holmes, but did everything required of him. Hopefully the injury was nothing more serious than cramp.
5. Mola - Again a quiet night for the other CB. Did seem a bit more comfortable at CB than LB, but, due to the context of the game, I don't think we can draw much from that.
6. Craig - Controlled the midfield well, before going off with what appeared to be cramp. Can't be too much longer before he's regularly involved in league matches.
7. Rushesha - Ditto Craig - although survived the ninety minutes.
8. Knibbs - Hat-trick; can't remember him doing a huge amount other than the goals. Taken off early with his job done.
9. Mukairu - Got a goal and won a penalty. First touch does seem a bit heavy at times.
10. Vickers - Caused Swindon problems; could've had a goal himself. Continues his good start to the season.
11. Wareham - Looked very lively and had a number of chances to score. Still looks raw, but certainly has something about him. Wouldn't be surprised if he turns up in a league game at some point this season.
12. Azeez - The ball didn't really fall for him to do much after coming on. Game a largely dead by the time he got onto the pitch though.
13. Dean - Got a goal, but as with the other defenders wasn't challenged defensively.
14. Norcott - Good to see him come on, even if he didn't need to do anything. May suddenly be our number two keeper now CBC and Pereira are injured.
15. Stickland - Good that he's clearly back from his injury and performing well at U21 level. First time he's feature in a first team game since the start of 2021 (IIRC).
16. Wing - Assisted Dean's goal. Good ten minute run out for him.

That described the game better than anything Dim Tim managed last night

[tidus_mi2]

Can't say I saw much trouble myself last night - worst was a group of Swindon fans who'd ripped a seat out of a train going from Reading to Green Park. Police seemed to be on all the carriages except that one.

In terms of the football: it was disappointing to see CBC get injured in the warm up - although he wouldn't've had a very busy night.

From the off, it had the air of comfortable night about it. It was really a question of making sure we scored before Swindon got any sort of momentum. Knibbs was given far too much time in the box to fire a deflected effort home after NGW's cross had bounced off a Swindon defender.

It was always a question of how many we could get after that point. NGW's cross for Knibbs, in first half stoppage time, was impressively turned into the top corner.

The third came when Mukairu's heavy touch led to a loose ball, with the winger getting ahead of the sliding defender - an obvious penalty. Knibbs confidently rolled home for his hat-trick. The game became players going through the motions at that point, with the exception of a Swindon fan who decided to jump around in front of Y25/Y26 - so he won't be attending any games in the near future.

We had to wait until stoppage time for the final two goals. Vickers' free-kick was saved onto the post, with the ball rebounding to Mukairu who had the simplest of tasks heading home for four. The fifth quickly followed: Wing's cross found Dean who was completely unmarked at the back post. Another simple header.

One clearly noticeable difference from our recent matches was the pressing from the front. We may have not been playing against the strongest side we'll face this season (understatement), but we did force Swindon into a lot of errors through this pressure. Throughout the game we could've scored ten - including three good chances in stoppage time which we didn't score. On a general point, there did seem to be a bit of an issue of players not knowing where others would be, leading to some stray passes - especially when the game had some intensity to it.

Players

1. Button - Can't really say anything about his performance as he didn't have to do anything.
2. Yiadom - Looked positive going forward, including the shot that was saved early on.
3. NGW - Two assists, looked good going forward. Did have a few slack passes, especially in the first half. Hopefully he'll be regularly involved in the first team from now on.
4. Holmes - A quiet night for Holmes, but did everything required of him. Hopefully the injury was nothing more serious than cramp.
5. Mola - Again a quiet night for the other CB. Did seem a bit more comfortable at CB than LB, but, due to the context of the game, I don't think we can draw much from that.
6. Craig - Controlled the midfield well, before going off with what appeared to be cramp. Can't be too much longer before he's regularly involved in league matches.
7. Rushesha - Ditto Craig - although survived the ninety minutes.
8. Knibbs - Hat-trick; can't remember him doing a huge amount other than the goals. Taken off early with his job done.
9. Mukairu - Got a goal and won a penalty. First touch does seem a bit heavy at times.
10. Vickers - Caused Swindon problems; could've had a goal himself. Continues his good start to the season.
11. Wareham - Looked very lively and had a number of chances to score. Still looks raw, but certainly has something about him. Wouldn't be surprised if he turns up in a league game at some point this season.
12. Azeez - The ball didn't really fall for him to do much after coming on. Game a largely dead by the time he got onto the pitch though.
13. Dean - Got a goal, but as with the other defenders wasn't challenged defensively.
14. Norcott - Good to see him come on, even if he didn't need to do anything. May suddenly be our number two keeper now CBC and Pereira are injured.
15. Stickland - Good that he's clearly back from his injury and performing well at U21 level. First time he's feature in a first team game since the start of 2021 (IIRC).
16. Wing - Assisted Dean's goal. Good ten minute run out for him.

That described the game better than anything Dim Tim managed last night

I don't like that they just chat about inane stuff when the match is happening, think we even scored a goal that he had a couple seconds to interrupt the chatter to describe the break into the area and resultant goal.

If the game has stopped, sure, have your chat but mid-game, describe what's happening.

[Stranded]

Seems to be the BBCB way of handling these games - Dellor sounded like he was on the phone for both the Exeter and Swindon games.

[morganb]

It was good to have a current Women's player involved on co-comms - Charlie (Estcourt we deduced as missed her introduction) - and she got quite involved with the discussion about urine samples, best overseas team jolly you've ever been on and playing for Wales.