Match Report Port Vale (Away)

Division One Match
Sat 9 December 1995

PORT VALE 3 READING 2
(Morley, Quinn) Att:
READING TEAM:

Well at least Morley has become a regular scorer.... and at least we got two. Reading got off to the worst start possible by letting a goal in after just two mins. The first half was all Port Vales and before half time the score was 3-1. So it's to the Royals credit that Quinns second half penalty pulled one back for us and we only lost 3-2. Hmmm.

Another point to make is the number of injures mounting up. (not that I'm making excuses for yet another defeat). Reading were forced to play an unusual line-up which included Steve Swales in the centre of defence. Maybe the season is turning (slowly). Maybe.

Heres a report from R.Evans...

Reading were very unlucky to lose to Port Vale yesterday. They still looked cold when Port Vale got thei first after 2mins. The second was a cross that 'Bobby' should have kept out (I don't rate Bulgaria's chances in the European championships judging by this performance). However after Reading had snatched one back the most decisive incident of the game occured. After a mad goal-mouth scramble, involving a couple of clearances off the line, the ref indicated a corner then suddenly decided that a penalty might be more interesting. It was by no means his first diabolical misjudgement. I was sat behind the goal and there was definately no hand ball. A near riot broke out in the Reading end such was the feeling of injustice. That penalty turned out to be the winner.

Reading fans were very annoyed and dished out plenty of abuse whenever the ref was within earshot. The fact was that a crap ref had cost us the game. Reading outplaye Port Vale in the second half but with the man in black behaving like Vale's 12th man it was to no avail.

Some more about the penalty decision... from Pat Donnelly

It looked all too clear that Steve Swales stopped a certain goal with his hand. The linesman saw it and flagged the referee. I don't like to say it but Swalesy was extremely lucky to stay on the pitch (never mind the penalty). Watch it again on Endsleigh League Extra if you don't believe me.