Reading failed yet again to make home advantage count and drew yet another game in front of possibly the lowest crowd of the season. As Reading drop down the table the crowds slip away. No surprise. Yet Reading were winning this one from the first half after taking the lead through Lee Nogan right until the last minute when they finally deceided that they were in danger of winning and let Southend equalize. Memories of last seasons Port Vale game come flooding back.

Lee Nogan put Reading ahead just before half time. I can't remember the last time Nogs netted a goal for us. But it's great to here him score on his comeback from suspension. Nogan beat the offside trap, continued forward and slid the ball under the keeper and into the back of the net.

Just after half time Archie Lovell had the miss of the season before Reading took a stunning 2-0 lead. Wow. Not only winning but by two against the play-off hopefuls. Lee Nogan banging another in.

Then it was Southends turn with about 15 minutes gone of the second half. The goal was pulled back from a free kick.

After Sheppards performance on Saturday Bobby made a welcome return, although he suffered a major collision and fell over grabbing his head. The rumour is he was worried that his wig had become unstuck.

Twenty five minutes of the second half gone and we go 3-1 up. Crikey. Thats more goals than we've scored all season isn't it? Lee Nogan claiming a hatrick.

With about 5 minutes left Southend pull another goal back. Wow, goal feast. But luckily still 3-2 to the R's.

Oh Bugger. Then the draw I expected all along as Reading throw away their lead. Not much more that 5 minutes left and we're leading 3-1 then before I know it it's 3-3. With 1 minute left Southend level the scores just when it looked like we could win a game for a change.

Still a much improved performance and a vital point I guess...

Graham

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