News and Views
Royals Hold Out For Another Win
22 February 2022
By Hob Nob Anyone?
On Saturday Paul Ince joked that Reading had 'played like Barcelona' in the first half at Deepdale. Last night, after a first half performance which was more akin to Barnsley than Barca, Lucas Joao set Reading on course for a crucial home win with a goal which would not have looked out of place at the Camp Nou. With City defenders closing in on him just outside the box, Joao made room for a strike on goal and curled the ball just inside the upright as Etheridge came off his line. It was in every respect an outstanding finish. Awareness, touch, composure and laser like accuracy, it had the lot. Six minutes later, Reading increased their lead. Tom Ince slipped a perfectly weighted pass through City's defence to put Yiadom clean through on goal. His progress was ended abruptly by a clumsy challenge earning Hernandez a yellow card and crucially, a penalty for Reading. Swift composed himself before lashing the spot kick into the roof of the net.
There was little evidence of new manger 'bounce' in the first half of Paul Ince's first game in charge. In fact Reading looked unusually uncomfortable in possession and lacking a cutting edge in attack. Hein and Etheridge had little to do before half time. Ince squandered the best chance just before the interval when he swung his weaker right foot at Hoilett's excellent ball to the far post sending the ball high and wide. A composed side footed-strike would probably have given his Dad the start he desired. However he more than made up for his profligacy with a dogged and committed performance and his part in the second goal.
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