A Nicky Forster goal within the opening two minutes was enough for the full three points, as Reading moved into fifth in the table with victory over Sunderland at the Madejski. With Little and Convey out of action, Brooker and Hughes started on the wings and the two players were involved for the only goal of the game. Brooker played the ball to Hughes who put over an excellent cross from the right which Forster powered home with his head from deep inside the Sunderland box. After the early goal a Sunderland revival appeared to be on the cards after the visitors had a good period of play - however after hitting the foot of the Reading post they rarely tested Hahnemann. Reading gradually got back on top and Harper nearly doubled the lead with a first half free-kick that required a good save from the Sunderland keeper. The second half saw Sunderland win a series of corners but they were again let down by very poor form in front of goal as they continually blasted it high and wide. A neat piece of play from Kitson set up Sidwell who had two chances to seal the win after his first effort was saved. Later on Sidwell put in a better shot that needed a good save. Down the other end, despite a few chances, the visitors failed to get the ball in on target. With time running out Sunderland's desperation showed with a dive in the area that should have received a booking. At full time it was Reading who looked good for the win against a very average Championship side.

Following report from John Wells:
Tonight Reading picked up three valuable points in a highly entertaining game against a strong Sunderland side with a very spirited performance. The Royals were a goal up inside two minutes with a superbly constructed and finished goal from Nicky Forster. Brooker came inside to scrap for a loose ball, and showing great control and composure amidst a crowd of players, delivered a pass out wide to Andy Hughes who whipped in a good early cross. Forster timed his run to perfection and nipped in to divert the ball with his head the ball in at the near post leaving Poom stranded, groping for a cross that never arrived.

Predictably Sunderland enjoyed a period of possession without really creating much pressure as Reading consolidated their position by sitting back to snuff out any attempts by the visitors to get quickly back into the game. Although they squandered possession needlessly on occasions the whole team were quick to get behind the ball and close players down quickly when danger threatened. The only clear cut chance for Sunderland in the first half when Kyle won a header to set up Whitehead whose shot struck the outside of the post.

Gradually Reading got back into the game. Brooker, who was making some good runs on the left, cut inside and was brought down from behind just outside the box. Harper's free kick was well struck and Poom spilled the ball but Reading were unable to take advantage. Just before the interval a clever through ball by Kitson put Forster clear but he allowed the ball to run away from him and the chance was lost. It was a little worrying the way Sunderland were exploiting the space behind Hughes wide on Reading's right, but Reading reached half time with a goal advantage.

Typical of a Mick McCarthy side the visitors came out fighting in the second half. They are a big and physical team capable of slick passing and movement and they were prepared to work very hard to close players down. Reading rose to the challenge and matched their opponents for effort. Defensively Reading maintained high levels of concentration and worked well as a unit. They looked like a team full of confidence and determination. As Sunderland pressed forward looking for an equaliser Reading began to look dangerous on the break. They came close to adding a second goal four times in the space of two minutes. Kitson showing fantastic awareness and invention back heeled a pass which left Sunderland's defence utterly bemused and Sidwell clean through on Poom. Unfortunately he was unable to beat he keeper with two attempts in quick succession and Forster, following up, drove the ball at Poom and the ball went out. From the resulting corner Kitson was first denied by the post and then a good close range save from the 'keeper. Sunderland were relieved not to concede. On sixty-eigth minutes Kitson went on a run into the heart of the Sunderland defence and created a chance for Sidwell who brought a fine diving save from Poom with a rasping long range effort.

With time running out McCarthy, bearing a remarkable resemblance to John Wayne, waddled back and forth yelling advice and making a succession of substitutions. Neither had much impact. Whitehead had the only decent chance and he scuffed his shot and dragged it wide of the far post. Lawrence made a meal of a challenge in the box and hopefully appealed for penalty which he did not, in my opinion, deserve. The referee wasn't too impressed either and chose to ignore the protest. To be fair to Sunderland they made a game of it but I felt Reading were just too difficult for them to break down and always looked more threatening going forward. Reading move up into fifth place with this win. The defence is looking very solid, the work rate in midfield is phenomenal, and Kitson and Forster are proving a real handful for opposing defences. Tonight Reading played like a team that means business. Not everyone appreciates Coppell's style, but his team have made a very encouraging start to the season. In fact they can count themselves a little unlucky not to have remained unbeaten so far.
John