8 November 2003: LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
READING 1 WIGAN ATHLETIC 0
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goals
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Reading: Hughes
(69 mins). Wigan Athletic: -. |
Half Time: 0-0 Attendance: 13,819
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teams
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Reading: Hahnemann, Murty,
Williams (Newman 27), Ingimarsson, Shorey, Murray (Savage 45), Hughes, Harper,
Salako, Goater (Watson 82), Forster. Subs not used: Ashdown, Henderson. Wigan Athletic: Filan (sent off 90), Baines (Roberts 84), Breckin, Jackson, Eaden, Liddell, Jarrett, Bullard, McCulloch (Teale 77), Ellington (Walsh 90), Horsfield. Subs not used: Mitchell, Dinning. |
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bookings
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Reading: Hughes, Murray. Wigan Athletic: None.(Filan sent off) Referee: Paul Robinson (East Yorkshire) |
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report
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Wigan arrived as league leaders and left in fourth place. Reading turned in a very encouraging performance, kept a clean sheet in a league match for the first time since August, and picked up an extremely valuable three points. On this showing Wigan's league position is a little flattering as the home fans gleefully pointed out near the end.(Top of the league? You're having a laugh!) There was a lot of pre-match talk about Wigan as a potent strike force, but they were contained well by a Reading back four that was resolute and calm at all times, in spite of losing Adie Williams mid way through the first half. His replacement, Newman, had an excellent game and alongside Ingimarsson snuffed out the threat of Horsfield and Ellington. It was clear from the start that Wigan believed they could win the game. They passed the ball well at times and were quick to break from defence to attack. Reading however looked more confident than in some recent home games and although the passing was not slick they kept their shape well. They certainly did not push Murty and Shorey forward as often as usual. On a couple of occasions the back four held back on the half way line marking just the two Wigan strikers. It was a cautious and evenly matched first half with a few half chances going to each side. I assume Murray picked up an injury because he was replaced by Bas Savage at the re-start. The second half began with a series of errors from both teams but as the game progressed the desire for a win created a bit of momentum and a goal was looking likely. It could have gone either way but it was reading that broke the deadlock. With just over twenty minutes to go Hughes launched himself at a Salako free-kick whipped in from the left and he scored with a fine header. Wigan were then forced to commit to all out attack and the game opened up. With a bit more thought and composure up front Reading could have had a couple more goals. Hahnemann had one important block to make to prevent an equaliser but the Royals kept their heads, won their tackles, and played their way out of defence with simple accurate passing. The game ended with a controversial incident which had no bearing on the result whatsoever. Forster ran onto a long ball which was met by Filan just outside the area. There was a moments hesitation from the linesman before putting his flag up to indicate that the Wigan 'keeper had handled the ball. I couldn't tell if it was the correct decision and I had good view of the incident. The Wigan players and management were overwhelmed by feelings of injustice (and possibly frustration at imminent defeat) and raced towards the officials. The red card produced even more anger and I got the feeling the referee may have got it wrong. This was the most convincing victory I have seen (I
have not seen any away games) since Coppell took over. There were some
good performances today. Apart from Ingimarssson and Newman in the centre
of defence, Murty looked good going forward in the second half, and Salako
was much more effective in what appears to be a much freer role. Hughes
typically had a fairly quiet first half, scored a great goal then was
guilty of some appalling distribution. I think Coppell's influence is
beginning to have an impact. As for Wigan - not bad side but I don't think
they will finish above Reading at the end of the season. |
FANS' POST MATCH OPINION
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Great
result for Reading and overall a good performance , after all you can't
complain after beating top of the league and in Wigan I thought we saw
the best team so far to visit the Mad Stad this season . Wigan played
some lovely football at times and we found it hard to get the ball . When
we did get it , we often needlessly gave it away , and though he scored
a great goal , Hughes was the worst culprit . He really does exasperate
the fans , does all the hard work , then makes a right balls up of crosses
and passes , he's now an honorary member of the Barry Hunter Giraffe Academy
of Passing ! Murty did well on his return and Ingi Iceman had a good game
too and looks a good buy , we're going to need him with Ade's injury .
Three players who continue to perform well below expectations are Shorey
who seems totally to have lost the plot , Murray though unlucky to go
off injured has really failed to produce the goods , so much for being
a legend as I boldly predicted at he start of the season , I still have
faith though , and the Goat ! Sorry but I've seen enough , get rid . Millwall
should be fun next week and with Alan Patridge continuing to make a complete
arse of himself at West Ham , we're now only a point behind , maybe we're
quietly getting the show back on track. Today
we beat the league leaders. OK it may not have been the most fashionable
team to wear that name, but that is what they were, and had we been there
we would have said it was on merit. Wigan certainly played with a great
deal of confidence and we hear so often what that means in the professional
game. To show what it meant to us, you just had to see the contrast in
our performance after we had scored. It was then that we moved the ball
around with confidence and more importantly, pace. Once
more Reading follow up a disappointing result with very good one against
strong opposition. Although I'd say there was no way Wigan 'outplayed'
us, as many of their texters on 'good old Berks' seemed to think, Reading
didn't completely convince with their display. The midfield was.....the
usual. I hope the management are going to buy someone with experience
& presence to sort out the middle of the park now Watson is transfer listed.
Hughes showed both the positives & negatives of his game; constant running,
popping up with a vital goal vs. awful passing at times & again costing
us a couple of good opportunities with his carelessness. Surely he (like
Harper) could benefit with playing with someone organised & creative.
Full credit to Newman for the way he stepped in for Williams & played
such a full part in shackling Wigan's supposedly 'deadly' strike force.
Savage did pretty well, although he's obviously not suited to the wing.
It's also disappointing to see Tyson transfer listed having, like Watson,
had little chance to prove his worth. Despite the concerning aspects of
the performance, Reading have once again proved themselves capable of
competing with & beating one of the leading sides in the division. And
Pardew still hasn't won a match yet. Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! COME ON.....
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