Royals Win In Bristol Rovers Friendly

22 July 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Reading were 2-0 winners at Bristol Rovers last night as the Royals began a series of pre-season friendlies back in England after their Thailand visit. Tariqe Fosu, who made his first impressions in the 3-0 win at Derby on the final day of last season, was involved in both goals. Unlike the performance at Derby, he was happy to create opportunities rather than attempt to score every time he got the ball - and looked better for it.

Reading took the lead in the first half when Fosu put the ball through for Dominic Samuel to score. In the second half Fosu was again provider when he crossed for Nick Blackman to add the second goal and secure the win. Al-Habsi was selected in goal for Reading, with Bond an unused substitute. Anton Ferdinand again started the match and was only replaced late on when Reading made a series of substitutions midway throug the second half. His appearances suggest he could play a proper part this season after missing nearly the entire of last season through various injuries.

As expected in a pre-season friendly, Reading were scrappy at times but looked better later in the second half when several substitutions saw the introduction of many first choice players including Gunter, Norwood, Blackman, and Pogrebnyak.

Starting Eleven: Al-Habsi, Long, Obita, Ferdinand, Keown, Akpan, Tshibola, Quinn, Taylor, Fosu, Samuel.
Second half substitutes used: Gunter, Griffin, Norwood, Blackman, Novakovich, Hyam, Pogrebnyak.

Meanwhile the Reading under 21 side played out a 1-1 friendly draw at Hungerford Town last night. The game was 0-0 at the break with neither keeper having much to do. The second half saw the home side take control of the game and take a deserved lead. The goal saw Reading come to life and they managed a few shots on target against a strong Hungerford Town defence, however the equaliser was very lucky for the Royals. A long kick out from the Reading keeper saw an own goal as the Crusaders defender headed over his own keeper who was off his line.

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