Match Report: 2011/2012 Season
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28 January 2012: CHAMPIONSHIP
READING 1 BRISTOL CITY 0
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goals
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Reading: Roberts (58 mins).
Bristol City: -. |
Half Time: 0-0. Attendance: 17,825
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teams
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Reading: A Federici, A Griffin, K Gorkss, A Pearce, S Cummings, J McAnuff, J Tabb, J Karacan, M Antonio (T Cywka, 82), N Hunt, J Roberts (S Church, 77).
Subs not used: I Harte, A Le Fondre, M Andersen Bristol City: D James, R Foster, L Nyatanga, L Carey, R McGivern (N Maynard, 85), C Skuse, K Cisse (N Kilkenny, 88), A Adomah, Y Bolasie (J Wilson, 58), S Pearson, C Wood. Subs not used: D Gerken, B Pitman |
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bookings
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Reading: Hunt.
Bristol City: Pearson. Sent Off: Carey (56 mins). Ref: P Miller. |
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report
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New signing Jason Roberts marked his debut with a goal which secured three valuable points for the Royals and pushed them up to fourth in the table. It is heartening for Reading fans to hear Brian Mc Dermott sounding so positive after the game. He was quick to point out that this victory was the eighth in last eleven league fixtures which somewhat masks a recent dip in form over last five matches (including the Cup) in which Reading have lost three and only managed to score three goals. The arrival of Roberts and the imminent return of Kebe and Leigertwood will certainly give everyone a lift especially as the next two games are against struggling teams. City gave Reading a hard game today and even when reduced to ten men threatened to come back. They are a physically strong team who close down opponents quickly all over the pitch. Reading found it difficult to play through City's five man midfield and often had to resort to the long ball. This may well be the pattern for visiting teams for the rest of the season so a solution will need to be found.
City had a fair share of possession in the first half and it was Federici who was called upon to make the first save of the game tipping over a header from Chris Wood. Roberts made an immediate impact in the opening twenty minutes linking up well with Hunt and Antonio. Reading were creating chances but their finishing was not sharp enough. James saved well from Antonio from close range and both Karacan and Gorkss struck good shots from outside the box which flew just over the bar. The best chance of the half fell to McAnuff from a superb cross by Hunt but although the ball hung invitingly at the far post his header was poor and drifted past the post. City should have taken the lead just after half time but Woods headed straight at Federici with the goal at his mercy. McAnuff drew a save from James as both teams went in search of the first goal. A smart turn inside the box by Roberts on fifty-seven minutes was halted by Carey's outstretched leg in front of goal resulting in an inevitable red card and a penalty. Roberts stepped up to despatch the spot kick but James managed to get a hand to it. The rebound was prodded in off the post by a stumbling Roberts. City found themselves a goal down and down to ten men but were undeterred. Griffin, back from injury, was a having a solid game at left back but almost gifted City an equaliser with a suicidal back pass. City's enterprise was almost rewarded when Adomah hit the post. Committed to attack City were open to counter attacks and Karacan made a couple of great runs deep into their half which ultimately came to nothing. Reading's other new signing Cywka came on to play wide on the right and won a second penalty with good run into the box. A weary Roberts had already been replaced by Church so McAnuff took responsibility for the kick and for the second time this season Reading failed to score from the spot twice in a game. This time James saved well. Cisse was warmly applauded off by Reading fans (in contrast to Rosenior last week!) on his return. Hunt was booked for time wasting and Reading saw out the game to take the points. I would have preferred to see Le Fondre up front with Roberts and hopefully he will get his chance soon. Although Reading are not at their best at the moment I have not seen any other team significantly better than them this season so the play-offs are still a real possibility. John Wells PS. It was interesting to see this week how often the referee gave a free kick for offside when a player ran towards the ball from an offside position BEFORE he touched the ball. Had the same interpretation been applied last week we would probably have been a point better off. I hope Hull don't edge us out off the play-offs at the end of the season! |
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