News and Views
Brentford Get Revenge Over Mid-Table Royals
05 October 2014
By Hob Nob Anyone?
There were no major celebrations for Reading fans as they made their first return to Brentford after that famous draw on the last day of the season in 2002. On that day in April 2002 a 1-1 draw, with Jamie Cureton's memorable equaliser late in the game, saw Reading earn promotion out of Division Two. Brentford lost out on automatic promotion and went on to lose in the play-offs. The Bees had to wait all these years to finally face Reading again - and when they did it was their fans that went home happy after a 3-1 victory. Like that game this match might have gone either way until a late goal - this time from Brentford - sealed the outcome. Brentford had been good for their win.
There was nothing so huge resting on the outcome of this single game, but Brentford's win saw them jump above Reading in the Championship table. The Royals now look thoroughly mid-table with a good chunk of the season already gone. This was Reading's fifth game without a win - which includes just two points from four Championship fixtures. Reading will be disappointed after failing to take chances that might have seen them level the game at 2-2.
The home side looked like they'd already sealed the win by half time after taking in a two goal lead at the break. Simon Cox had failed to score a single goal in 14 appearances during his loan spell at Brentford eight years ago, but as so happens when returning to old clubs, it was Cox that gave Reading a lifeline. Four minutes of the second half had passed when Cox found the net from close range to make it 1-2 in Brentford's favour.
Brentford then looked comfortable until a late rally from the Royals when they came close more than once to pulling level. Blackman, Murray and Mackie all had chances to score. Blackman and Murray put efforts over while Mackie saw his effort saved. Just when it looked like Reading might scramble a draw Brentford put the game out of Reading's reach with nine minutes left on the clock when Douglas headed home past Federici. The Royals drop to 13th in the table and will have to wait two weeks to try and return to winning ways when Derby County visit the Madejski Stadium after the International break.
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