Reading bounced back from their first league defeat in 34 league games - and in doing so ended Preston North End's twenty two game unbeaten run. Reading's return to winning ways came after a tough encounter with play-off contenders Preston at another sell-out Madejski Stadium. The visitors had the better of the second half after putting in a very physical first half performance as they attempted to bully Reading out of the game. The game got off to a lively start with Reading taking the lead after just six minutes. Their goalkeeper, who looked very shaky throughout, failed to claim a cross and as the ball was driven back in he dropped it on the line. Sidwell was well placed to bundle the ball over the line. The lead only lasted two minutes, when Sonko conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area, which was put past Hahnemann with a low drive around the Reading wall.

Kitson didn't last the first half after being clattered to the ground as their keeper charged out of his area. He was forced to limp off to be replaced by Leroy Lita. Lita was only on the pitch for five minutes when Doyle played a great ball through and Lita latched onto it before driving a perfect shot across goal and into the far corner from a tight angle. Reading were forced to defend in the second half to maintain their lead. Sidwell was another casualty and was replaced by Gunnarsson on the hour, and Reading were then on the back foot. Thankfully both full backs were in good form - particularly Murty who had to scramble a couple of efforts clear from close to the goalline. Preston started to struggle to break through but there was a worrying finish as Preston enjoyed all the final pressure - luckily with no end product.
Graham

This match illustrated perfectly why Reading are top of the league and Preston are almost certainly destined for the play-offs. Finishing is always the difference between the best teams and the rest, and today although Preston dominated possession, Reading had Leroy Lita who only had one chance to clinch the game and he took it. The visitors long unbeaten run came to an end and it was obvious why they have drawn sixteen games this season. They keep the ball well but found it hard to convert their possession into goals.

Hahnemann had to be on his toes from the kick off as the Reading defence started slowly allowing the visitors to carve out an opening. Reading's 'keeper had to be quick of his line to prevent Nugent from opening the scoring. The opening minutes were tense and cautious from both teams but it was Reading who took the lead after six minutes when Sidwell got in first in a goalmouth scramble to prod the ball over the line. Given the appalling standard of refereeing throughout , it was amazing the referee didn't give North End a free kick as he did on every other occasion when Nash dropped the ball. The lead lasted only a couple of minutes. Sonko rashly clattered into a North End player when there was no real danger just outside the box. Preston cleverly moved the ball back a yard or two to give themselves a better position for a strike on goal and Davidson thumped his kick low past Hahnemann.

Preston gradually took control of the game and Reading had to concentrate hard on keeping them out. Nugent and Ormerod dropped off the Reading defence well to find space and link up with their midfield players who flooded forward in numbers. Oster had a half chance but his shot was feeble, which was pretty much in keeping with performance overall. He irritatingly ignored the option of a good simple pass and lost possession attempting the wrong option on more than one occassion. As half time approached Nash came flying out rendering Kitson unconscious forcing his departure. Amazingly Nash got away with the assault but as it turned out justice came in a round about way on the stroke of half time. Kitson's replacement, Lita raced on to Doyle's through ball and struck his shot superbly inside the far post to give the Royals an unexpected half time lead.

The second half was mainly one-way traffic as North End's physical methods paid dividends and Reading seemed prepared to concede possession too easily. Doyle was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty as he was pulled over having turned his man successfully. O'Neill was booked for a late and premeditated attack on Sidwell which ultimately resulted in the Reading man limping off. He had upset North End by having the nerve to match their bullying tactics in midfield. They were happy to dish it out but couldn't take themselves, often surrounding the referee protesting loudly. Reading simply dug in and repelled Preston without too much difficulty in spite of conceding the battle in midfield. Dichio and Agyemang came on presumably for their prowess in the air but Reading's defence handled them comfortably.

I was pleased to hear Coppell still talking about the performance as well as the result after the game. His approach has been consistent all season, dismissing talk of promotion and league tables and simply concentrating on playing well. The reward has come in the form of goals and stylish victories even if these three points were won more through hard work and high levels of concentration in defence. Although every Reading fan will be looking over their shoulder and working out how many points are needed to clinch promotion, the chasing pack must be feeling they only have realistic chance of catching Sheffield United. It was a crucial result today.
John Wells