MATCH REPORT: 2008/2009 Season
27 April 2009: LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
NORWICH CITY 0 READING 2
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goals
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Reading: Long (68 mins, 78 mins).
Norwich: -. |
Half Time: 0-0 Attendance: 25,041
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teams
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Reading:
Hahnemann, Rosenior, Bikey, Duberry, Harding, Cisse (Matejovsky 62), Karacan, Kebe, Little (Stephen Hunt 41), Kitson (Pearce 89), Long.
Subs Not Used: Federici, Doyle.
Norwich: Marshall, Otsemobor, Shackell (Leijer 79), Doherty, Bertrand, Gow, Clingan, Russell, Carney (Daley 74), Lee, McDonald. Subs Not Used: Nelson, Cureton, Lappin. |
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bookings
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Reading: Rosenior, Cisse, Matejovsky.
Norwich: Lee. Ref: Clive Oliver (Northumberland). |
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report
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Two goals from Shane Long secured a vital away win at Norwich City last night to set up a huge final day of the season next Sunday. It had looked as though Reading had thrown the season away two weeks ago, but two straight away wins and a Birmingham City defeat at the weekend leaves second place in the table still up for grabs with one game left to play. A victory over Birmingham on Sunday will see Reading return to the Premiership, on goal difference, if Crystal Palace manage to take at least a point from Sheffield United. It remains an outside bet but the possibility of automatic promotion has gone from no chance to a strong possibility on the back of two excellent away showings. If next Sunday doesn't work out then these two results, a pick-up in form, could see Reading well placed for promotion via the play-offs.
Last night the Royals were faced with a tough fixture against a Norwich side desperate to win themselves to avoid relegation. After an even first half in which neither side had many chances to go ahead, Reading quickly looked comfortable in the second half. City may have had more shots in the first half, but these were from long range efforts that were often narrowly off target. The Royals were defending well, closing the home side down quickly and preventing them working any close range efforts. In the second half Reading built on this and City were pushed back into their own half nearly every time they ventured forward. In attack, Reading had Kebe and Long to thank for the two vital goals - each an excellent cross from Kebe on the left to Long in the box to head home. The first was easy for Long with a perfect cross and perfect positioning from Long for a simple close range header. The second saw Long do the difficult work, rising above two defenders in the middle of the box to score. The Royals now need to take their away form to the Madejski Stadium on Sunday, again in front of the live Sky TV cameras, and hope Palace can help out. It should be quite some day - an unexpected rush of excitement at the end of the season and the chance of completing a quick return to the top tier. |
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