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.
22 May 2001
"Inspirational"
That one word sums up Reading's performance on Wednesday night: "Inspirational".
And what a game it was.
I wasn't there on Sunday but I was speaking to a supporter in the bar before Wednesday's game and he was a little worried about the game because he said that the performance in Wigan was far from convincing. In fact he said that we should have lost. So coming away from Wigan with a scoreless draw was a fantastic result.
The first half of Wednesday's game was typical of a semi final encounter. Each team sounding each other out, no one wanting to make a mistake, and every player looking a little nervous. This was understandable considering what was at stake and you couldn't really blame anyone for that. But players need to stand up and be counted in situations like this and in the first half I couldn't really see any Reading player's standing. I thought they were poor and sloppy in all aspects of the game and did well to go into the break only one down.
The second half didn't start much better for the lads but you could see the fighting spirit was there and that counts for a lot.
With Phil Whitehead in such fine form all season, the vital save he made in the second half was just the ingredients to lift the boys. I suppose they gained confidence from that save and started believing that they could win.
But it wasn't till super sub Nicky Forster came on and turned the game around. With his pace, ball skills and enthusiasm, Fossie absolutely destroyed Wigan's confidence and well what can I say about the last five minutes? If you were there you will know what I mean!
Now that semi final was the easy part! The real test comes on Sunday in Cardiff. This last game is what being a footballer is all about. And it is also what being a fan is all about. I know that it is going to be a fantastic game and a fantastic day and I can't wait to be sitting in the Millennium Stadium cheering the boys on.
Mauts.
Steve Mautone
(ex. Reading Player & avid supporter)
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