Reading FC Match Report: 2013/2014 Season - Championship
READING 1 LEEDS 0
Reading: A Le Fondre (90).
Leeds: --
In the final minute of a very generous period of stoppage time Adam Le Fondre secured three points for the Royals. His darting run drew a rash challenge from Warnock which resulted in the Leeds defender conceding a free kick receiving a second yellow card. Warnock’s dismissal was too late in the game to matter but the free kick ultimately led to Leeds’ downfall as a well flighted delivery was flicked on before Le Fondre applied a deft touch to divert he ball past Paddy Kenny. It was a victory which the Royals deserved – just.
The game started badly for the home side when Karacan was the unfortunate victim of his own poorly timed challenge. He was stretchered off, clearly seriously injured as he was last time the two teams met, only on this occasion he can only have himself to blame. It appears it will take a long time to repair. It was high price to pay for his commitment to his team and he will be greatly missd in the coming weeks. He was replaced by Akpan and the game settled down.
Robson-Kanu started as a central striker and his early involvement was very promising indeed. His touch was good and he was able to bring other players in to the game. He made room for a shot but Kenny was able to gather comfortably. Reading’s most promising attacks were coming on the left involving Bridge and Drenthe. Williams drew a save from Kenny but it was at a nice height for the ‘keeper to reach. The best chance of the half fell to Morrison from a good free kick, but his header was placed just wide of the post. He should have scored and he knew it. It was one of three decent opportunities to score with his head but each attempt was high or wide of the mark.
Reading had dominated possession for long spells and did so again at the beginning of the second half looking more likely to score than the visitors. Leeds did pose threat getting players forward quickly when Reading attacks broke down. Good defending by the entire back individually and collectively restricted United to only a couple of scoring opportunities. Tackles were well timed and positional sense took everyone into the right areas at the right time. Leeds however, came very close to scoring moments before Le Fondre notched the winner when Jason Pearce’s header ruffled the side netting leading to misguided celebrations from the away fans.
It was a disappointing return for Brian Mc Dermott but a valuable win for the Royals taking them up to seventh place having only lost one game so far this season. This victory can be attributed to good organisation and hard work. Guthrie played a central and crucial role and on this showing might arguably make a better captain than Morrison. It was a team effort and although there were only flashes of good play, the defence is holding firm and Reading are gathering the points which could provide a platform for a promotion push later- provided they can start putting the ball in the net more frequently. How they are to do that still remains a bit a mystery!
John Wells
This Championship game took place 4113 days ago in the 2013/2014 season.