The wins just keep on coming! Reading's season continues to improve weekly - both in terms of performances and results. Coming to Selhurst Park and taking the full three points is an amazing achievement and it was done with another solid determined performance that gets results. We just keep working hard and when you're this determined to get results, you get results. This victory made it five wins from five games without letting a goal in - and made it eight league victories from ten fixtures. It really is championship winning form - and with nineteen games of the season played Reading are now riding high in fourth place in the table with the best defensive record in the Division. The three points collected from Selhurst Park saw Reading leap above Sheffield United, Wolves, and Nottingham Forest - and we still have a game in hand over the three teams above us.

Reading had Nicky Forster to thank for the goal that won the game - but had to thank another great all round team effort including excellent performances from Marcus Hahnemann in goal and Matthew Upson in the centre of defence. Perhaps most of the praise should be directed to Alan Pardew - clearly one of the best managers in the country at the moment. We are so lucky to possess such a young, intelligent manager that has clearly got the hang of winning tactics in Division One. Pardew hid the extent of Nicky Forster's injury and gave the impression that Palace could expect the double of Butler and Cureton up front. Instead we had Forster back from injury and straight in the side and ready to cause damage. Cureton didn't make an appearance and Butler came on for a symbolic last couple of minutes. Newman started on the bench too as Reading brought in Rougier to play a varied role. The revised lay-out of the side gave Reading a continued strong midfield and defence and a front line capable of grabing that vital goal to win the game.

Crystal Palace aren't having a too bad season themselves. They had previously lost just four league fixtures all season - but were frustrated by a Reading side that defended strongly and refused to give in under late second half pressure from the home side. The first half saw few chances from either sides in a close encounter - but a Nicky Forster goal was the big difference at the break. Forster found the net after 39 minutes when his low shot from the edge of the box hit the bottom corner. It was Reading's first real attempt of the game - but a vital attempt to take the three points. The Royals looked well organised against a Palace side that were restricted to long range efforts throughout the game.

The second half came to life as Reading looked to extend their lead after the break. Forster could have made it two as Reading looked dangerous on the break - one shot was narrowly over the crossbar. Palace had a number of long range efforts as the Reading defence prevented them getting in close - and Hahnemann was always equal to any effort that found itself on target. Palace had their best period of the game in the last twenty minutes as they went on the hunt for the equaliser but the Reading defence was more than equal. A close ranger header was held with ease by Hahnemann and they had a close range shot just wide of the bar - but balls pumped into the box were headed clear by both Williams and Upson or held by Hahnemann.