Nine Points Clear With Ninth Win
Added by HNA? on 27/12/05
Another comfortable away win saw Reading stretch their run to nine straight league wins as the Royals pulled a massive nine points clear of second placed Sheffield United. While the Royals remain unstoppable, the teams below continue to drop points, as United were beaten 1-3 at home by Norwich. Despite all the pre-match talk of this being one of the toughest games of the season, against a team that fancied their chances, it was just another routine league win for the league leaders. Right from kick-off there were clear indications of Reading's superiority. The Royals won a corner in the opening minute and Convey's ball caused big problems for the Wolves defence which eventually saw Kitson head the ball against the crossbar twice from two efforts on goal. Gunnarsson nearly put the Royals ahead from the same move but saw his header go over the target. Glen Little was up to his usual magic down the right wing and his cross nearly saw Reading move ahead when it found Kitson in the middle. The same combination on the half hour mark did see Reading take the lead when Little danced round the Wolves defence to cross for Kitson to head home. Reading's first half performance was marred by an injury to Little who was forced to sit out the second half as Oster took his place. The second half saw an improved spell by the home side, but it was Reading that continued to look the more dangerous side as both Gunnarsson and Kitson had efforts on target. Kitson also had a header ruled out from an Oster cross for a foul on the defender. There was a scare for the Royals when a powerful Wolves effort hit the crossbar, but then Reading sealed the win when Convey's run to the edge of the area was completed with an excellent long range effort that fly in off the post.

Royals Stretch Lead Further
Added by HNA? on 18/12/05
Reading's seemingly unstoppable push towards the Premiership continued with an eighth straight league win at Millwall this weekend. The Royals twenty-third game without defeat became straight forward just after half time when the home side were reduced to ten men when Kevin Doyle was taken down in the area and Tony Craig received a straight red card. Dave Kitson's subsequent penalty was saved by the Millwall goalkeeper, but it was only a matter of time before Reading wrapped up the three points. The early part of the game saw few chances for either side and Reading survived when a header hit Hanhnemann's crossbar with the keeper beaten. Reading took the lead five minutes before the break when Murty broke through down the right to cross to Doyle. Doyle played the ball in to Sidwell who buried it with an excellent volley into the roof of the net. Convey nearly made it two before half time after being released by Sidwell to run at goal, however the Millwall keeper made the save to keep it 1-0 at the break. The second half saw Millwall down to ten men and Kitson will be disappointed with his penalty effort that was hit straight at the goalkeeper. Despite the advantage on numbers, Millwall kept battling hard and the second half was entertaining from both sides. Hahnemann made a couple of important saves, while Reading wingers Convey and Little both had efforts just miss the target at the other end. Reading wrapped up the points with over twenty minutes left to play when Shorey, after a long run, played the ball through to Doyle who ran on goal before firing home Reading's second. The Royals had other chances to further the lead, but the final whistle saw Reading move six points clear of second placed Sheffield United and a remarkable twenty points clear of third placed Watford.

Seven Straight Wins
Added by HNA? on 10/12/05
Reading celebrated the half way stage of the season by clocking up their seventh straight league victory to go a massive 17 points clear of third place. The Royals' twenty-second league game undefeated was business as usual as Brighton were soundly beaten by an impressive second half display. Steve Coppell scored a clear tactical victory over visiting manager ex-Royals boss Mark McGhee. Although the first half wasn't a dazzling display of football from Reading, we were in clear control as Brighton were continually frustrated coming forward. The visitors couldn't break into the final third at all and were restricted to a few long range efforts. A series of crunching tackles rightly earnt yellow cards and it was clear they weren't going to finish the game with eleven players. Reading moved ahead midway through the first half when Little did all the hard work to cut into the area on the right. His cross, which was heading away from goal, was somehow turned into his own net by Brighton's Oatway. The second half saw Kitson continue to cause problems for Brighton, and as he cut through to run on goal he went down to earn Elphick a second yellow. Moments later Kitson was taken down again, this time inside the area, and he dispatched the penalty with style into the bottom corner of the net. The sending off and the second goal signalled the end for Brighton. It was three on seventy minutes when Kitson headed home his second. The fourth goal, five minutes later, was a beautifully worked goal. Substitute Gunnarsson playing a great cross field ball, Kitson nearly met the cross from the left, but it passed through to Hunt who met the cross with his head. Marcus Hahnemann must have been getting cold at the other end but was woken up on 83 minutes to pick the ball out of his net when a superb long range effort, after a great run, gave the Brighton fans something to celebrate at last. Reading's four goal margin was restored with the last play of the game when Sidwell's ball found Kitson who claimed his hat-trick, despite Hunt hammering the ball into the top of the net on the line.

FA Cup Visit To West Brom
Added by HNA? on 04/12/05
Reading have been drawn away against Premiership side West Bromwich Albion in the third round of the FA Cup. Given Reading's history in the competition in recent years, the Baggies will be firm favourites for moving through to round four. Last season we beat Swansea City after a replay in round three, only to go out at home to Leicester City in the next round. The season before we made a quick exit in the third round - going out after a replay to Preston. The Royals will travel to The Hawthorns on Saturday 7 January 2006.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals' League Form Continues
Added by HNA? on 03/12/05
After the midweek League Cup distraction against Arsenal, Reading continued with their Championship form with yet another important victory. The Royals' twenty-first consecutive league game without defeat wasn't the most convincing victory of the season, despite the convincing scoreline. Luton Town, still strong play-off contenders, will feel hard done by after they had the better of long periods during the second half. Overall the game was a scrappy affair by Reading's standards this season, and it was only after Dave Kitson hit the second goal that Reading finally looked incapable of dropping points. Chances for both sides were few and far between in the first half, with Sidwell giving the Royals the lead just before the break. There was a large element of luck with the goal, as Sidwell's long distance effort took a big deflection to end up in the opposite side of the net, with the keeper already diving the other direction. The visitors took the initiative in the second half as they looked for the equaliser but they were well contained by the Reading defence. Just when it looked like they might claw themselves back into the game, the Royals made it 2-0, perhaps against the run of play. Kitson made a big impact after coming off the bench, winning the free-kick which Little floated into the area for Kitson to head home in a pack of players. The second goal saw Reading finally take command as they looked to increase their goal difference and Luton were forced to defend under Reading's best period of attack. Kevin Doyle got the third goal with a couple of minutes left on the clock when a fast move saw Little cross from the right and Doyle score from deep inside the Luton area.

Coppell Manager Of Month - Again
Added by HNA? on 01/12/05
Royals' boss Steve Coppell has been voted the November 2005 Championship Manager of the Month - for the second month running. Reading started November in second place and three points behind the leaders, but finished the month on top of the table and four points clear of Sheffield United. The month saw Reading pick up the maximum 15 points out of 15, with three of those five wins taking place away from home.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Defeat At Highbury
Added by HNA? on 30/11/05
Reading's unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end at Highbury last night, but there was certainly no disgrace in the performance. The difference between the two sides came down to finishing, and the 0-3 scoreline provided an unfair reflection on the balance of play. Both sides fielded weakened sides, but Arsenal's team featured only three first team players, while the Royals chose to rest Hahnemann, Little, Convey and Doyle. Despite the changes to Arsenal's league line-up, the side was still packed with multi-million pounds worth of talent. Reading worked wellas a side, as they have done all season, but the flashes of pure quality came from the hosts. Reading might have done better from the game had they managed to withstand early pressure from Arsenal, but the opening goal on 12 minutes always meant Arsenal were going to be comfortable. The Royals always looked vulnerable from Arsenal's quick attacks, and the first goal came at pace as the ball was played through the Reading defence. Reyes, was judged onside and took the ball round the advancing Stack before slotting it home. Reading had chances to pull level. Lita forced his way in to get in a close range shot that was blocked, after a rare defensive mistake, and Harper tried a decent lob from the edge of the box that was tipped over the crossbar. Kitson looked certain to equalise with four minutes of the first half remainingwhen he met a cross with a powerful header. Unfortunately his effort was direct at the keeper who was able to make the save - either side of him and Reading would have been level. However, instead of the game being 1-1 at the break, it was 0-2, as Arsenal immediately broke after Kitson's attempt on goal. The ball was quickly played down the right in another lightning attack, crossed in the middle, tapped back and buried into the back of Stack's net. The second goal effectively killed off Reading's hopes of getting back into the game. Hunt looked certain to score after breaking free to run into the area to take on the keeper, however Almunia was quickly off his line to block the opportunity. Reading looked lively, but Arsenal looked livelier. It was all over on 65 minutes when Sonko gifted Arsenal a goal. Sonko looked like he had already won the ball but gave away possession just inside the Reading half, allowing Lupoli to run towards goal before taking it wide of Stack and rolling it home. It remained a good evening out despite the score-line. Reading played well but didn't over-exert themselves. We should still be freshfor the more important matter of Luton Town at home on Saturday - and the chance of going seven points clear at the top of the Championship.

Royals Get Plymouth Revenge
Added by HNA? on 27/11/05
Reading took revenge against Plymouth Argyle, the only side to have beaten the Royals this season, with a 2-0 victory to move four points clear at the top of the Championship. With a goal in each half Reading proved too good for the home side, but there was little to split the sides in the opening forty-five minutes - Glen Little. After a couple of early chances for Shorey and Lita, Plymouth had the best chance to move ahead but Marcus Hahnemann made an excellent save to keep it at 0-0. Then, with 20 minutes on the clock, Glen Little scored a wonderful individual goal to put Reading ahead, after picking up the ball inside the Plymouth half. He shook off his marker, legged it down the right, before lobbing the keeper who was off his line. Larrieu could only watch as the ball looped over his head and perfectly into the back of the net. The home side could have leveled before the break but again found Hahnemann in top form. The Reading defence continued to frustrate Plymouth and the second goal before the hour mark wrapped up the victory. Convey broke free and crossed, and the ball came to Kevin Doyle who buried it from close range. The goal signaled an end to Plymouth's resistance. The Royals could have gone on to win by more with Sonko and Lita both having chances to get the third - but it would have been harsh on Argyle. Reading's season gets more unbelievable as each game passes by - we're now four points clear at the top of the table, but a remarkable thirteen points clear of third place. After that opening day defeat against Plymouth - now successfully put right with this weekend's away win - we've managed twenty-three games unbeaten. This victory made it five straight victories - Reading's best run of the season so far. Reading travel to Arsenal in the league cup on Tuesday, as the Gunners look to be the first side to beat Reading since the start of August.

Brown and Dobson Signings Confirmed
Added by HNA? on 24/11/05
Reading have secured the loan signings of Brentford's Michael Dobson and Tamworth's Aaron Brown as Steve Coppell looks to provide back-up for his table-topping squad. Aaron Brown provides cover in the centre-back position and joins on loan until January, when it is expected the deal with become permanent with a fee to be paid to the Conference side. Brown signed for Tamworth at the start of the 2004/2005 season and quickly established himself as a vital member of the side, making 39 league appearances before joining the Royals. Dobson, another player very well known to Coppell, has spent his entire professional career with the Bees knocking up over 200 appearances. Dobson can play in either defence or midfield but has struggled to maintain his place in the starting eleven this season. His last Brenford appearance was an 89th minute entrance from the bench when his side were 2-1 up at Hartlepool - when he replaced former Reading player Paul Brooker. Meanwhile, Darren Campbell has left and is expected to hook up with Phil Parkinson's Colchester in January. Campbell made just one appearance for the Royals back in 2003 and never managed to break into the first team set-up.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Top Of The League!
Added by HNA? on 22/11/05
Reading went top of the Championship table with another stunning away victory this evening. Ipswich Town were Reading's latest victims as the Royals clocked up their 22nd game without defeat and their fourth straight league win. Sheffield United could only draw and saw Reading overhaul them at the summit and go a point clear. Watford could also only draw as the Royals moved eleven points clear in the automatic promotion positions. Reading have let in just three goals away from home this season and there was never any chance of Ipswich putting a dent in that record. The only likely winners were to be Reading who seem simply unstoppable. With an unchanged side, Reading took the game to the home side from the off, forcing a series of early corners. Lita had an early effort ruled out for offside, but Reading were ahead on the half hour mark when Convey worked hard to cross. Doyle's effort was blocked but Sidwell buried it to make it 1-0. Ipswich struggled to get a shot in on Hahnemann's goal in the first half, whiled Lita got in another decent effort before the break. The victory was wrapped up in the second half when Doyle cut back for Lita to score from close range. Doyle himself sealed the clear victory after Lita set him up from a Sonko corner. Another team performance as Reading emerge as clear promotion favourites.

Royals Close Gap To A Point
Added by HNA? on 19/11/05
The Royals moved to within a point of Sheffield United at the top of the Championship with an entertaining 3-1 victory over Hull City at the Madejski. Reading's third straight league victory, and 21st game without defeat was another deserved victory, but not without a fighting performance from the visitors. The match started with Reading in excellent form after the international break, as we immediately imposed our authority on the game. Bobby Convey's amazing season was soon to get even better, after an early shot in the opening minutes that needed the first of several excellent saves from the Hull City keeper. Convey didn't have to wait long to put Reading ahead when Doyle fed through an excellent ball on the right with seven minutes on the clock. Convey went clear of the defence with a great run before a cool finish past the advancing keeper. City had appeared prepared to defend, with most players behind the ball, but Reading's goal saw them come forward and they could have pulled level with three chances during the opening forty five minutes. Hahnemann was certainly the quieter of the two keepers but was required to pull off two great saves, and rely on his left post to keep Reading ahead. Despite chances for Hull, after moving a goal ahead Reading were playing some excellent football across the pitch. Another cross from Convey saw Doyle feed Lita who hit a decent shot from a tight angle that was pushed over the bar. The Hull keeper continued to perform more heroics, saving from Little and Ingimarsson as Reading looked to go further ahead. After failing to convert another of the many chances that came Reading's way, the first half faded out after a frantic first half an hour. The second half saw the game become even with Hull starting to look much more comfortable under Reading's attack. An equaliser was always a possibility and it came with 55 minutes on the clock when the ball was crossed from the right and headed past Hahnemann. The goal stirred Reading back to life, and the game was wrapped up in the space of a minute with two quick goals with twenty minutes left to play. Little crossed for Doyle to volley home from the centre of the area, making it 2-1, and we'd barely finished celebrating when Convey steamed forward before supplying Little who ran through to finish with a low shot into the bottom of the net. The goals signaled the end of City's challenge and saw Reading clear winners with plenty of time to play out. We should have finished further ahead after Lita somehow managed to put the ball over the crossbar from a few yards out when it looked easier to score. He redeemed himself with a couple of good shots afterwards, but the Hull keeper was there again to save and make it a frustrating afternoon for Lita.

Coppell And Sonko Win Awards
Added by HNA? on 06/11/05
Reading made a clean sweep of the Championship awards for October 2005 as Steve Coppell collected the manager of the month award, and Ibrahima Sonko was selected as the Championship's player of the month. The awards follow a highly successful month for the Royals. It was four wins and two draws from the month's fixtures as Reading continued their unbeaten run that's stretched from the second fixture of the season. In those six games, the Royals conceeded just three goals. Two of the four victories were over Sheffield United - the side top of the Championship table - once in the league, and once in the league cup.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Twenty Games Unbeaten
Added by HNA? on 06/11/05
Reading extended their undefeated run to a massive 20 games, with a hard fought victory over Queens Park Rangers. The first half had seen Reading comfortably on top, not for the first time this season. Right from kick-off Doyle could have put Reading ahead when going one-on-one with the QPR keeper, but he ended off second best. However, ten minutes later Reading did go ahead when Sidwell's pass found Dave Kitson in the area who flicked the ball through to Harper. Harper charged onto the ball and drove a low shot into the bottom of the net from the centre of the area. The Royals continued to enjoy the better of the first half, with the home side struggling to make an impression against a solid Reading defence. The second half saw the game turn back to Rangers as they immediately pulled level with a shot from the edge of the area before Reading had settled down. The final result could have gone either way as both sides battled hard in a lively half. After some pressure it was Reading that scored the vital goal on sixty six minutes after a John Oster corner. Ingimarsson capped an excellent performance with a header to match that made it 2-1 and wrapped up the three points - Reading's fifth away win of the campaign so far. Sheffield United also managed to win, yet again, as the top two sides in the Championship consolidated their positions even further. Watford remain nine points behind Reading after picking up an away win at Hull, although Luton Town slipped up allowing Watford to pull four points clear in third place. The Royals are now sixteen points clear of Southampton who currently hold the six place - the last place-off position.

Leeds Lucky To Get Point
Added by HNA? on 30/10/05
Leeds were very lucky to leave the Madjeski Stadium with a point on Saturday, after Reading dominated the fixture but slipped up due to a rare Ingimarsson mistake. Reading had the better of the game throughout but the breakthrough took over an hour to come when Gunnarsson put the Royals ahead from a corner. Reading really should have killed the visitors off with a number of chances but failed to seal the victory, leaving Leeds set-up to steal a point. Ingimarsson set-up the equaliser with a back pass that let Leeds in, and in his attempt to rectify the situation he saw the shot beat Hahneamann in the Reading goal after it deflected off his foot. Despite only picking up a point, Reading moved seven points clear of Luton and stayed three points behind Sheffield United who also only drew at home. The result saw Reading make it 18 games without defeat - a new club record.

Arsenal In Round Four
Added by HNA? on 30/10/05
Reading have been drawn against Arsenal in the fourth round of the league cup. The tie is a big reward after Reading moved through the last sixteen with three home wins in the previous rounds. Arsenal entered the competition at the third round stage and were 3-0 winners at Sunderland. Reading will travel to Highbury in a fixture that is certain to attract big interest for the Royals. The game is scheduled for Tuesday 29 November, but is subject to confirmation. Ticket information is yet to be released by the clubs. The last time the two sides met was way back in 1987, in the FA Cup, when Arsenal were 1-3 winners at Elm Park.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Progress To Round Four
Added by HNA? on 25/10/05
Dave Kitson hit two second half goals as Reading progressed to the fourth round of the league cup at the expense of Championship leaders Sheffield United. The victory extended Reading's run to a massive seventeen games without defeat. Both sides made a large number of changes to their usual starting eleven, with Reading making seven alterations to the side that won at Stoke at the weekend. As a result the first half was a largely forgetable episode, with both sides failing to get into a steady pattern of play. Reading got off to the better start with United struggling to get out of their own half, before the visitors had a better spell of play. Stack replaced Hahnemann in goal and Murty was back in place of Makin, but Reading's back four was probably a first choice. As a result there was no way through for United who managed, from memory, just a single effort on target that required a save. United continually resorted to long range efforts that were hugely wide or high - and most of the time both of those. Stack had very little to do and it was obvious that a single Reading goal would be enough to win the fixture. Ten minutes into the second half Reading took the lead when Shorey crossed from the left, Ingimarsson flicked the ball on and Kitson buried it with an excellent volley in the middle of the area. The goal ended any remote possibility of United moving into the next round as Reading started to play some good football despite the reserve line-up. Obinna impressed up front and showed a few class touches before he eventually set up the winner when he cut the ball back from a tight angle on the right. The Sheffield keeper only watched as it came across to Kitson who put it away from close range for his second of the game. Kitson had another good chance to make it three as Reading finished the game well on top with the United clearly ready to accept defeat. The fourth round draw takes place on Saturday.

Royals Close Gap
Added by HNA? on 24/10/05
Reading closed the gap back to three points at the top of the Championship with an away win at Stoke City that increased the run to sixteen games unbeaten. Dave Kitson returned to the starting eleven and made a vital contribution - the only goal of the game - in a fixture that neither team looked like winning. Kitson slotted home the all important penalty with just thirteen minutes left on the clock, after going down in the area himself when receiving a Bobby Convey cross. There were few chances in an even first half, but the second half saw the home side look more likely and they could have moved ahead with a deflected shot that beat Hahnemann but was just wide of the post. After Stoke failed to go ahead, Reading created a few chances which resulted in winning the penalty, and the Royals finished the stronger side.

Run Extended To Fifteen At Hull
Added by HNA? on 18/10/05
Glen Little scored the vital goal to maintain Reading's unbeaten run as the Royals came from a goal behind at Hull City this evening. The resulting 1-1 draw was enough to stretch Reading's run without a defeat to 15 games - thirteen of those in the league. Luton Town and Sheffield United both scored four goals each in big victories as Luton moved to four points behind the Royals, and Sheffield United pulled five points clear at the top of the Championship. Reading got off to another good start before the home side eventually got into the game. The Royals had the better first half chances, with Lita having a good chance to put Reading ahead after coming off second best in a one-on-one with the Hull keeper. Doyle was lively again and fired just over the bar after being set up by Convey. Hahnemann was having little to do in the Reading goal, but City took the lead just before the hour mark. A corner was swung in and the resulting header hit the crossbar. Reading failed to clear the ball and after a scramble it was prodded in from close range. Little came to the rescue with the equaliser with just over fifteen minutes left to play, Nicky Shorey provided the cross and Little headed home the vital goal.

Royals Dominate As Ipswich Beaten
Added by HNA? on 16/10/05
Ipswich were the latest victims of Reading's excellent form as the Royals dominated the game and recorded a 2-0 win. The final score-line flattered the visitors who were lucky to escape without being humiliated by Reading's determined attacking game. Reading were continually pushing forward to keep the game deep in the Ipswich half and the flowing passing game generated plenty of chances to put the game out of reach of Ipswich. Reading went ahead on twenty minutes when Doyle crossed from the right and the Ipswich defender was forced to make contact to prevent the ball reaching Lita at the far post. Fortunately for Reading he only managed to steer the ball into his own net to put Reading a deserved goal up. Chances continued to come for Reading, while Marcus Hahnemann was seeing very little of the game. The second half had barely started when it was two for Reading. The second goal typified Reading's whole performance. Ipswich had the ball in their own half, Gunnarsson refused to give the visitors any space and was straight in to challenge and win the ball to supply Little. Little crossed from the right and Doyle rose to send a powerful header into the back of the net. There were a whole stream of chances for Reading to go further ahead. Lita struck the post with a good effort and the ball dropped into the middle of the area where the scramble eventually saw Doyle hit the ball off the ground and onto the crossbar, as Ipswich clung on. Doyle was replaced by Kitson who returned from injury and looked immediately back to form. Kitson could have increased the lead with a couple of powerful efforts from the edge of the area - one was inches over the bar, while another looked to be heading into the bottom corner before edging just wide.
The result saw Reading increase their lead over third placed Luton to six points. Sheffield United top the table, just three points ahead of the Royals.

Kitson And Shorey To Return
Added by HNA? on 12/10/05
Reading centre forward Dave Kitson, and full back Nicky Shorey are both due to make their long awaited returns from injury today as the reserves travel to Colchester United. Kitson has been out of action since the end of August after limping off during the 2-1 home win over Burnley. Although Kitson has already hit four goals in his seven appearances before picking up his injury, he returns to action with increased competition for his place. Kevin Doyle has shown amazing form since replacing Kitson - including hitting the winning goal during that Burnley game when he replaced Kitson. Nicky Shorey has been out of action for the same amount of time - lasting until half time of the same fixture back in August. Both players are expected to be available for selection on Sunday, although neither player is expected to start, as Ipswich Town visit the Madejski Stadium. Sunday's game is being screened live on Sky TV with a 13:30 kick-off.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Record Website Traffic
Added by HNA? on 11/10/05
Hob Nob Anyone? is busier than ever as it starts it's 12th year of service to Reading fans this month. Hob Nob Anyone? began as a handful of pages in 1994, and has stayed on-line ever since, making it one of oldest football websites on the Internet. Visitor numbers and page impressions have continued to steadily grow since the website began. The first few years saw monthly visitors in just three figures, until the majority of the UK and beyond started getting on-line. In the mid to late nineties website traffic to Hob Nob Anyone? grew dramatically and has continued ever since. July 2005 was our busiest month ever as the website recorded nearly 2.5 million page views - a new record for a single month. Thank you to all contributors and all visitors, old and new, who continue to use the website.

• April 2005: 1,888,835 page views
• May 2005: 2,111,505 page views
• June 2005: 2,288,772 page views
• July 2005: 2,479,751 page views
• August 2005: 2,395,520 page views

Gunnarsson Double Defeats Leaders
Added by HNA? on 01/10/05
Two goals from Reading midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson, one at the very start of the game and one in the closing minutes, secured a dramatic victory for the Royals over league leaders Sheffield United. The victory ended United's run of eight league wins in a row and extended Reading's unbeaten run to thirteen games. The win saw Reading close the gap to just three points at the top of the Championship table. It was an afternoon full of drama at the Madejski Stadium with both teams unhappy at the referee's performance. The visitors were exteremely lucky to finish the first half with eleven players, after their goalkeeper clearly should have been shown the red card for a handball outside the area that saved a near certain Reading goal. The referee missed the incident entirely but after consoltation with his linesman eventually gave the free-kick, but only a yellow card. It was a huge let-off for United who had earlier come from a goal down after a breath-taking start from the Royals. Reading put in a stunning opening five minutes and could have moved at least two goals ahead when Ingimarsson missed a close range header and Lita put the ball wide. With just three minutes on the clock, Little crossed from the right to Gunnarsson in the centre of the area who drove a low shot into the back of the net. For a moment it looked like Reading would move further ahead before United gained their composure - which led to an equaliser after fifteen minutes. The rest of the half was an even affair but Reading lost their shape after the break when Little was replaced at half time. When Convey went off with just over twenty minutes left to play Reading seemed to lose a lot of options, with no power down the wings, and were forced on the defensive. United enjoyed virtually all of the second half posession but failed to make it count as they struggled to break through the Reading defence. Compared to the first half the second was a disappointing display from both sides and scrappy at times. However, Reading were content to soak up the pressure, and the defence was again impressive. Sheffield United felt they had a break through when Harper flew into their player in the Reading area for what looked like a definite penalty - but again the referee waved play-on. With time running out, Reading stepped up the pace and went on their first sustained period of attack of the whole second half. After a short period of pressure, the winner came from a free-kick on the right. Baradji floated the ball over and Gunnarsson rose to put a glancing header on the ball to send it into the far corner of the net. The Madejski Stadium erupted as Reading's amazing season continued.

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