The Royals moved to within a point of Sheffield United at the top of the Championship with an entertaining 3-1 victory over Hull City at the Madejski. Reading's third straight league victory, and 21st game without defeat was another deserved victory, but not without a fighting performance from the visitors. The match started with Reading in excellent form after the international break, as we immediately imposed our authority on the game. Bobby Convey's amazing season was soon to get even better, after an early shot in the opening minutes that needed the first of several excellent saves from the Hull City keeper. Convey didn't have to wait long to put Reading ahead when Doyle fed through an excellent ball on the right with seven minutes on the clock. Convey went clear of the defence with a great run before a cool finish past the advancing keeper. City had appeared prepared to defend, with most players behind the ball, but Reading's goal saw them come forward and they could have pulled level with three chances during the opening forty five minutes. Hahnemann was certainly the quieter of the two keepers but was required to pull off two great saves, and rely on his left post to keep Reading ahead.

Despite chances for Hull, after moving a goal ahead Reading were playing some excellent football across the pitch. Another cross from Convey saw Doyle feed Lita who hit a decent shot from a tight angle that was pushed over the bar. The Hull keeper continued to perform more heroics, saving from Little and Ingimarsson as Reading looked to go further ahead. After failing to convert another of the many chances that came Reading's way, the first half faded out after a frantic first half an hour. The second half saw the game become even with Hull starting to look much more comfortable under Reading's attack. An equaliser was always a possibility and it came with 55 minutes on the clock when the ball was crossed from the right and headed past Hahnemann.

The goal stirred Reading back to life, and the game was wrapped up in the space of a minute with two quick goals with twenty minutes left to play. Little crossed for Doyle to volley home from the centre of the area, making it 2-1, and we'd barely finished celebrating when Convey steamed forward before supplying Little who ran through to finish with a low shot into the bottom of the net. The goals signaled the end of City's challenge and saw Reading clear winners with plenty of time to play out. We should have finished further ahead after Lita somehow managed to put the ball over the crossbar from a few yards out when it looked easier to score. He redeemed himself with a couple of good shots afterwards, but the Hull keeper was there again to save and make it a frustrating afternoon for Lita.
Graham

The Royals secured three richly deserved points in a blistering two minute spell mid way through the second half in which Doyle and Little both scored excellent goals. Hull had threatened to steal a point when Barmby nipped in to nod an equaliser after a defensive lapse had allowed City to find space down the right and hit deep cross which Burgess headed back across goal. Reading had threatened to overrun their opponents at times, and once again looked like a team destined for the Premiership. With the midfield firing on all cylinders, Reading were impossible to contain for a twenty minute period in the first half which Hull weathered well, and miraculously only conceded once.

Reading almost took the lead after five minutes when a superb deep cross from Sidwell found Convey. The American's sweetly struck volley was brilliantly tipped over by Myhill. From the corner Sonko had a strong header blocked. Hull pulled everyone back to defend against the onslaught and were pinned back in their own area. Convey provided the inevitable goal when he ran onto a good through ball from Doyle, and with great confidence and skill curled the ball into the net around the outstretched arm of Myhill. It was a goal which illustrated the fluidity of Reading's attack. Convey, Harper, Doyle and Little roamed the field finding space and exploiting it well trough out the game. Little had a good chance to increase the lead when a determined run by Doyle ended with a perfect pass into his path, but the big man hit his shot straight at the 'keeper. Lita had a screamer deflected away by Myhill from a tight angle, Ingamarssson and Murty also had efforts blocked,. It seemed Reading must score again, but somehow City hung on and in fact had good chances themselves. Hahnemann saved well from Burgess from close range. Cort forced the Reading 'keeper into a fine save low to his left, and Barmby hit a post with a header. It could easily have been tree all at half time. The pace of the game slowed towards half time following a long break in play to allow Murty to receive treatment.

The second half sprang to life with Barmby's equaliser. Little volleyed over in spectacular fashion after a one-two with Doyle. Hull, encouraged by their success began to pass the ball with greater confidence and began pressing with more conviction. It didn't last long. A Little cross found Doyle who spun to hook the ball into the net off the underside of the bar to release an ecstatic and relieved roar from the home fans. The crowd had barely settle d back into their seats when they were on their feet acclaiming an even more exhilarating strike from Little. Convey ran at the bemused City back line and slipped the ball to Little charging menacingly through the centre of midfield. Although the ball was slightly behind him he managed to scoop the ball into his path and place it elegantly into the corner of the net. At that point Hull knew the game was up and looked ready for their shower.

Reading could, and should, have added more goals in the closing stages. Lita missed an absolute sitter, Obinna got in the way of a goal bound header from Sidwell, and Myhill denied Lta with an absolutely brilliant save from a perfectly placed header. At that point Lita also knew it was not his day! Convey, Little and Doyle were all substituted near the end clearly to conserve energy for Tuesday night. The trio had given Reading a cutting edge that few teams can match in this division. It was a close thing, but in my opinion Convey just edged Man of the Match. Having said that, there are no weak links and was a good all round performance. Harper deserves a special mention for his phenomenal energy and effort. He covered every inch of the pitch. I can't recall such commitment to the cause since Parky patrolled midfield. What a pity Millwall couldn't hold on to their lead against Sheffield United. Watch out Mr Warnock we're closing in on you!
John Wells