Reading deservedly took another three points from a well organised and competitive Watford side today. Although Watson scored the only goal with a strike from outside the box which took a heavy deflection to deceive the 'keeper, Hahnemann's first half penalty save was crucial in this tight game.

Forster's injury forced Reading to revert their old 4-4-2 formation with Butler and Cureton leading the attack and looked far less threatening than they have in recent games. Having said that, the pair almost produced a goal after two minutes when Butler swung the ball in from the right and had Cureton had been an inch or two taller he would surely have scored. Watford seemed to sit back and invite Reading to attack in the opening quarter of an hour and although there were some moments of panic in the visitors defence there were no really clear cut chances.

Midway through the half Reading appeared to have conceded a goal but the referee gave a penalty that neither the crowd or the players seemed to have noticed. There were no protests from the Reading players who were probably relieved that a goal was not given. The penalty was well struck but Hahnemann made a good diving save to his left.

Seven minutes later Butler flicked on a Salako cross and the ball ran away from Cureton in the six yard area. It was a very sharp chance but one that the little man was capable of tucking a way. Cureton then produced a defence splitting ball to Harper on the right who delivered a good low cross which Watford managed to clear for a corner. Reading had another scare just before half time when Watford had the ball in the net again. This time it was ruled out due to an offside decision.

Reading began the second half brightly and created pressure with some good passing and movement. They had to wait for the sixty-first minute for the goal. Watson having had three spectacular misses from outside the box let fly and the 'keeper was completely wrong-footed by a vicious deflection. Watson can hit a ball really well but today his shooting had been awful.

This inevitably opened up the game as Watford pressed for an equaliser but it didn't really look on the cards. Their finishing had been woeful all afternoon and when they did create chances the resulting strikes on goal were more of danger to their own fans than the Reading defence. Igoe and Rougier replaced Cureton and Salako presumably to freshen up the attack. It was disappointing to see Cureton come off just when he was looking likely to create chances and had hit the bar with a header. I think he should have stayed on. I was less impressed with Butler who gave the ball away far too often with poor control or passing.

The referee through some amazingly poor decisions, and adding a ludicrous amount of stoppage time, managed to create an ill-tempered climax to the game. Rougier was a little unlucky to be booked and then was fouled blatantly right under the referee's nose and nothing was given! I seem to recall Mr. Stretton putting in a similarly inept performance here last season. Let us hope we only get him once a season!

Pardew rightly cited the back four as the difference between the two teams today - they were superb again. It was noticeable not only in the way they snuffed out danger but also their composure on the ball and distribution gave the Royals crucial edge. Shorey is looking more confident every game and for a small player won a very high percentage of balls in the air with his excellent timing. The formation did not look as effective as the 4-5-1 of recent weeks. Not only did the attack lack pace, but I felt Hughes and Harper were less inclined to push forward with only four in the middle.

Only three goals concede in the last nine games is an impressive record, and indicates there is a solid base from which to mount a serious challenge for a play-off place. I still think a big strong front man with good touch and the ability to score with his head could make us more than hopeful contenders for that spot. The Portsmouth game promises to be a cracker!
John Wells