Match Report vs QPR
QPR 0 READING 2
YES! Reading made it an incredible five wins out of seven, with their second away win of the season, and moved up to 15th in the table. Excellent stuff. Unfortunately I was stuck doing overtime, but here are some brief details of the win - followed by another report below...
The Royals took the lead after one and a half minutes. A Caskey free kick found Morley in the box who let loose with a sexy header. The ball flew into the back of the net for his 22nd of the season to put Reading in front. Reading looked the better of the two teams at the start before QPR started getting into the game.
As the second half got underway Reading were forced to go on the defensive as QPR pushed forward. Quinn almost scored with one of very few touches - he let swing from outside the area and the ball flew just over the QPR crossbar. Then, what could have been the turning point. With 55 minutes of the game gone Quinn fell over after an off the ball clash with QPR's Carl Ready. Quinn got up, they both look pissed off and the referee showed Ready the red card. QPR looked momentarily more determined. A low cross into the Reading box show the ball just sneak wide of the post off Hateley's boot.
But with 15 minutes of the game remaining Reading sealed the win. A great cross from Andy Bernal caused panic in the defence and the ball curved into the net with the keeper beaten from a QPR defender. And it was all too late for the home side. A great run from Gilkes in the dying minutes with the keeper stranded could have made it three. Then the final whistle went; 2-0 to the Royals and a great away win. One of the best away performances of the season and Reading are, at last storming.
Graham
Reading striker Trevor Morley headed in his 22nd goal of the season to help the Royals to only their second away win of the campaign at Loftus Road. QPR, looking to battle their way back into the play-off frame, were frankly dreadful, and to rob salt into their wounds had defender Karl Ready sent off in the 55th minute when he lashed out at Reading player-manager Jimmy Quinn off the ball.
Morley took just 84 seconds to get his name on the scoresheet when Darren Caskey's free kick found him totally unmarked in the six-yard box, and he made no mistake with a crisp header. That goal should have spurred Rangers on but it took them 43 minutes before they managed a shot on goal, Simon Barker's effort being blocked by Barry Hunter.
Meanwhile, Reading were creating plenty of chances, Morley firing just wide from 35 yards with Jurgen Sommer beaten, while Quinn fired inches past the post from the edge of the box. The visitors continued to hold the upper hand after the break, and when Ready was given his marching orders Rangers boss Stewart Houston sent on experienced Mark Hateley and Alan McDonald to try and turn things round. It looked as if it may work when a sweeping Rangers move saw John Spencer find Trevor Sinclair on the right, and after he had ghosted past Mick Gooding he sent in a low cross which just needed a touch that Hateley was unable to provide.
Gavin Peacock forced a fine save from Steve Mautone after 72 minutes, but with Rangers throwing players forward they paid the price as Reading wrapped up victory four minutes later. Andy Bernal swung in a cross which Danny Maddix attempted to head away but the ball skidded off the top of his head and flew into the top corner for an own goal.
Michael Gilkes almost made it 3-0 before the end with a fine shot saved by Sommer's feet on an awful night for Rangers. The crowd were calling long before the final whistle for manager Stewart Houston to go.