Reading marched to their fifth straight league victory this afternoon to complete a perfect February and build on a solid third place in Division One. Rotherham were swept aside with a dramatic first half performance from the Royals that saw them steam into a 3-0 half time lead. Reading didn't need to overstretch themselves in the second half and Rotherham never really threatened to get back into the game with Reading sealing the points before the second half had even kicked off. The opening forty five minutes from the Royals was nearly as good as they come as they hit the visitors with three fantastic goals with pace and precision that tore the Millers to pieces. They must have wondered what hit them as Reading put on a show of attacking football that wouldn't have looked out of place at the top of the Premiership. It took just fifteen minutes for Reading to show what was to come when Chadwick set up Forster down the right. Forster cut the ball back to Harper who drove it into the top of the net from the edge of the box. It was 2-0 to Reading just after the half hour with another amazing finish from distance. This time Reading steamed forward on the break and Hughes exchanged passes with Forster on the left before receiving the ball back and driving it home. Just before the break the victory was all but wrapped up when Reading put together another fast attacking move that left the Rotherham defence standing as the ball was quickly played forward. Hughes and Forster again linked up, with Hughes crossing from the right and Forster sticking it in from close distance to make it 3-0. Rotherham had a few chances throughout the first and second half and never looked a poor side - they were just beaten by a side that looked well in control and perhaps had a touch more class. Hahnemann made a couple of saves and Rotherham threatened with some high balls, but mostly Reading had no problems dealing with the visitors and were happy to stroke the ball around towards the end of the game for a comfortable victory.

Following report from John Wells:
It was not just the result that was significant about this fine victory , it was the manner in which their opponents, potential play-ff contenders, were swept aside with ease. Rotherham are renowned for their battling qualities but they simply could not contend with the power, pace and flair of a Reading side who now look very strong contenders for a place in the Premiership. Today the Royals wore the look of a team that believed they were good enough to go up and at this moment few would bet against them.

The first half was an exhibition of fine passing and movement punctuated by three superbly constructed and taken goals. The first came when Chadwick slipped a clever pass to Forster down the right who cut the ball back to the edge of the penalty area. Harper not in the slightest deterred by an imminent challenge, struck as sweet a shot as you are likely to see this anywhere season high into the top corner of the net. The second was equally spectacular. Hughes sent Forster through with a carefully weighted pass, received the ball back from the striker on the edge of the box, and smashed the ball high into the roof of the net. With five minutes left in the half Forster killed Rotherham off. Once again was Hughes was involved, breaking quickly down the left he slid in a perfect cross which curled behind the defence and eluded the 'keeper leaving Fozzy with a simple tap in at the far post. The only time Rotherham looked likely to score was when the Reading defence got itself in a muddle and nearly put the ball in their own net. When the whistle went the crowd were on their feet applauding a great first half performance which made the second half more or less a formality.

In contrast the second half was a understandably an anti-climax, but if you were a Reading fan there could be no complaints. The Royals eased back but still threatened to increase their lead with more slick passing and movement. By the end Chadwick was cutting through Rotherham's defence at will with clever flicks and twists and turns. Rotherham had no answers to the problems posed by the Reading midfield which was full of energy and invention, and their scoring attempts were easily snuffed out by a dominant back four. Tyson and Henderson came on to remind us that there are good young players waiting for their chance to break into the team.

Pardew and Dillon have moulded their squad into a very solid and entertaining team. There were good performances throughout the team today. Harper was as industrious as ever, and hit some superb long passes. Chadwick frequently went past three or four defenders with ease, and played through some excellent passes. Sidwell clearly had been briefed to concentrate on defensive duties and was outstanding, constantly winning possession and breaking up Rotherham attacks. He almost added a fourth goal near the end too. Hughes made a mess of several passes and a couple of scoring chances, but also created chances through superb passing and strong direct running from midfield. Forster worked hard and has recently begun to look much stronger in the air, making life even more difficult for opposing centre backs.

It was good to see Watson back for brief appearance as substitute. At his best, he fits comfortably into a side that is passing well, and we are bound to need his services before the end of the season as injuries and suspensions arise as surely they must. Just before Christmas I felt sure we would drop out of play-off contention. Since then Brown, Sidwell and Chadwick have arrived to make me eat my words. There was brief chorus of "We are going up" today. If we can perform well enough to beat Sheffield United away, and dominate at as we did today, it is a real possibility. I can't wait to see what he national press have to say about our chances tomorrow.