Rare Home Defeat As Royals Sit Mid-Table

14 September 2024
By Hob Nob Anyone?

An appalling basic error mid-way through the first half by goalkeeper Boyce-Clarke, covering for the injured Pereira, ultimately cost Reading all three points in an unexpected defeat at home at the hands of an Orient side, until yesterday, without a win in the league this season. Bindon gave Kelman too much room on the edge of the box and his pacy, but not unstoppable strike straight at Boyce-Clarke, squirmed under his body and into the net. It was a basic goalkeeping error. Nobody however, should place the blame on Reading's inexperienced stand-in 'keeper for this disappointing result who, moments earlier, had pulled off an outstanding reflex save from the scorer Kelman.

In his post-match interview Ruben Selles referred to Leyton Orients 'game plan' as a significant factor in this first Reading home defeat for some time. It is hard to argue with that point of view. Orient's 'game plan' was the main factor in producing three valuable points for the visitors and an afternoon almost devoid of entertainment. Punctuated by cynical fouls and time-wasting by Orient from start to finish, it was a truly dreadful game of football to watch, but Reading only have themselves to blame for not matching the intensity of their opponents or making the tactical adjustments to negate their plan. Too many long balls up to Smith, who was marked by two giants at the heart of the Orient defence, was only part of the problem.

Match Report - Read More: Reading 0 Leyton Orient 1