News and Views

Season Ends With Defeat At Blackburn

07 May 2016
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Reading's season ended in an expected defeat away at Blackburn Rovers that made it six defeats from seven games. The Royals managed to pick up just a single point from their last seven Championship fixtures and finished in 17th place. It will be a season that will very quickly be forgotten.

Reading never looked likely to pick anything up from the game in an end of season affair that produced some decent football at times despite meaning little to either side. Blackburn had slightly more to play for in front of their home crowd and with manager Paul Lambert taking charge of his last game for the side. Reading made up the numbers but were well beaten after Rovers burst into a two goal lead with just 14 minutes played.

Yann Kermorgant made it 1-2 from a free-kick but Blackburn wrapped up the win with four minutes left to play to make it 1-3 and put the game beyond Reading's reach.

It was the perfect chance for some of the academy graduates to get some first team action - and they will be expected to play a big part next season. The game allowed Barrett to make his first senior team start after impressing in the previous week. Watson failed to make an appearance from the bench after signing a new two year professional contract in the week, however fellow youngster Rob Dickie played the entire second half.

Manager Brian McDermott also took the opportunity to give Hal Robson Kanu some action as he recovers from injury. It was a chance to say goodbye before his expected departure in the summer. Robson Kanu will be hoping to feature in Wales' Euro 2016 campaign - and Reading fans will wish him well.

 

Discussion On This Story:

 Lower West

» 07 May 2016 18:33

Shortfall in the available squad was so so apparent today. Credit to Brian for working with those that will be here next season rather than papering over the cracks. ( I appreciate Kanu will be gone but no other options). Hopefully Bond will get game time to next season as Al-Habsi doesn't fill me with confidence.

 sandman

» 07 May 2016 18:43



And Bond does? :shock:

 BonBoh

» 07 May 2016 19:02


And to think that Ali Al-Habsi was our player of the season...

He looked all at sea for Blackburn's 3rd goal today. Can see where you're coming from.

 RoyallyFcuked

» 07 May 2016 19:04

I couldn't make it to the game, I had an appointment to watch paint dry at the time.

 Lower West

» 07 May 2016 19:09



We were commenting on how as a keeper he doesn't dominant his area in the first half. The goal strangely enough didn't come as a surprise from a cross/corner. Nor is he quick off his line.

An incident not dissimilar to the goal conceded at Portsmouth in the League Cup nearly sealed our fate as well.

 Top Flight

» 07 May 2016 21:50



We were commenting on how as a keeper he doesn't dominant his area in the first half. The goal strangely enough didn't come as a surprise from a cross/corner. Nor is he quick off his line.

An incident not dissimilar to the goal conceded at Portsmouth in the League Cup nearly sealed our fate as well.

This is exactly what I've been saying about Al Habsi.

He has to be our worst player of the season ever. That would have been the case whoever won it this season. And it was the right player to win. Just underlines how utterly sh!te we are.

 Uke

» 07 May 2016 21:53

Meh game

McShane the only one who really gave a toss

Sad story about the 17 month old who the one minute applause was for :(

Very poor turnout for inflatables, and not the usual end of season party atmosphere (I love a party with an atmosphere). It seemed like about two or three kids had kitten out the whole stand.


Still, we move on...

 sandman

» 07 May 2016 21:59



We were commenting on how as a keeper he doesn't dominant his area in the first half. The goal strangely enough didn't come as a surprise from a cross/corner. Nor is he quick off his line.

An incident not dissimilar to the goal conceded at Portsmouth in the League Cup nearly sealed our fate as well.

This is exactly what I've been saying about Al Habsi.

He has to be our worst player of the season ever. That would have been the case whoever won it this season. And it was the right player to win. Just underlines how utterly sh!te we are.

Sorry Dave, Stephen Hunt and James Harper far worse picks for the seasons they won pots than Al Habsi.

 Top Flight

» 07 May 2016 22:01



This is exactly what I've been saying about Al Habsi.

He has to be our worst player of the season ever. That would have been the case whoever won it this season. And it was the right player to win. Just underlines how utterly sh!te we are.

Sorry Dave, Stephen Hunt and James Harper far worse picks for the seasons they won pots than Al Habsi.

You're a nutcase Rodney.

 sandman

» 07 May 2016 22:05

Why Rodney? Trigger called Rodney "Dave" so I'd be Trigger and everyone loves Trigger, Dave.

"Super Vydra" :lol:

 Top Flight

» 07 May 2016 22:32

You seem so determined to stick the Dave tag on me that I'm starting to think that maybe you are Dave-Royal. It certainly ain't me. And I don't know why you keep reminding me of the Super Vydra thread. He was Super Vydra that day when he won us the game against Bristol. I wasn't saying he was a great player. I was just being supportive. I am a supporter at the end of the day. He was getting a lot of flak at the time.

 lightning strikes

» 07 May 2016 22:39

How did Barrett play?

 Lower West

» 07 May 2016 22:50



All things considered was ok. Struggled with the pace and physicality of the game. Which wasn't unsurprising. Substitution at half time was probably planned. Dickie had a reasonable debut as well. Lacks the build to compete for a centre of defence position. Starting at full back is a good introduction. Both at least played with commitment and desire. If this is the way forward then patience is going to be required.

 Top Flight

» 07 May 2016 23:35

Our players are lucky that their performances are not scrutinised on Match of the Day.

It would be embarrassing for them.

 mambo3

» 07 May 2016 23:44


And to think that Ali Al-Habsi was our player of the season...

He looked all at sea for Blackburn's 3rd goal today. Can see where you're coming from.

The problem is the players in front of him.

 Sutekh

» 08 May 2016 09:25

To be honest more utter crap. Should have been 4 or 5 down after the first 25 minutes as the players (on both sides really) just seemed to want a training workout.

The only good thing was we could't have cared less about the result and were looking forward to being back home before 7pm.

 Lower West

» 08 May 2016 20:00



Don't seem to get in the way too much.

 AthleticoSpizz

» 08 May 2016 20:58

a worthy winner

The keeper wins it two seasons running


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