Every week ex-Reading goalkeeper Steve Mautone will be delivering
his word on the Royals exclusively on Hob Nob Anyone?
Steve, who now plays for Ryman Premier side Slough Town, will be remembered
as Reading's popular first choice 'keeper after signing from West Ham for £250,000
in March 1997. Mauts went on to make 34 first team appearances for the Royals
before suffering from a knee injury which hampered his career in the football
league.
9 April 2001
"Missed Opportunities"
Lets hope that, come early May, we are not looking back at these two games against Luton and Cambridge, both struggling, and think "What If? " If you want to achieve anything in this league or any league, you must have constancy. You must take your chances when they arise and you must finish teams off.
Not only did Reading miss the opportunity to gain 4 valuable points but they also missed the opportunity to take advantage of the thumping that Rotherham got at the hands of Milwall. This is the second time that Reading could have gained some ground on the top two teams, especially Rotherham.
But on a positive note, at least the boys are still in with a chance. I was speaking to Parky and he said that the Luton was one of the worst performances that they have put in for a long time. "We didn't deserve anything more than a draw and we were lucky to come away with that." Understandably upset and frustrated Parky went on to say, "If we want that automatic promotion place, then we must kill bottom of the table teams off."
The Cambridge game had a few positive signs, at least, with Reading creating some good chances in the first half but just could not capitalise on their performance. The fact that Robinson was sent off in controversial circumstances didn't help the cause and definitely changed the course of the game but at the end of the day if you don't make the most of your opportunities, you don't achieve your goals.
Hearing the comments of a lot of supporters who were at both games, they all mentioned the same thing, and that is the fact that Reading have gone back to playing the long ball tactics. This usually happens, unintentionally, when players are nervous about making mistakes. There is a great deal to lose if someone makes a costly mistake during a game and the fact that Reading has so much to play for emphasises this point. In saying that, the quality and experience of players that are fielded by Alan Pardew, should cope with this added pressure.
Lets hope that the next two games bring more points for the Royals, with both Bournemouth and Bury having not too much to play for.
My predictions are 2-1 win at Bournemouth and 3-0 win against Bury. Please let me get one right before the end of the season.
Come on you Royals!!!!!!
Mauts.
Steve Mautone
(ex. Reading Player & avid supporter)
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