We made it to the Madstad to watch the first match of the season.
As with all first home league games there was a buzz in the air, which was building to a crescendo before kick off. As we left the concourse to take up our seats we entered a cauldron of noise to the sounds of "The Big Bad Wolf" Howwwwllllllllll.
The players were going through their warm up routine, this was going to be a special atmosphere today, no pressure on the club or players then.
The players left the pitch and it was time to give it the final preparation with the sprinklers going
The newest member to the Royal Family was introduced , Kingsly our mascot had got his self a wife, time for her to take a bow in front of her loyal Royal subjects.
(Apologies for link but for unknown reason image could not be uploaded.)
As the build up continued the noise generated in the stadium was getting louder and louder. This was also due to the very vocal support from Stoke City fans. Delila was going to get a good airing today.
The impossible dream played out across the tannoy and big screen with thunderous roar of Urzzzz at the end by the home faithful.
With the new banner now passing through the East stand on its home leg we were about to begin our first match in the Premiership this season.
The Match
Kevin Friend the match referee got the match underway, with Reading attacking the South stand, split in half for the travelling away fans, the moment had arrived.
Reading were clearly going for an early strike, with a lot of pressure the Stoke defence held a strong defence. Our new striker The Pog, failed to cause the defence too many problems, but it remained pretty much all one way traffic, Stoke barely getting out of their half.
Stoke weathered the onslaught, with Reading making good use of both wings and controlled possession. The fans were enjoying the raucous banter with the travelling Stoke faithful in the blazing hot sunshine.
Dave Kitson, What a bargain, what a bargain; Sonko is Superman; rang out from the Reading faithful mocking the Stoke supporter's at the money they had spent on Reading hero's from the past, that delivered nothing for their time at Stoke.
Finally late in the first half Stoke showed a bit more of what they could do, after a free kick narrowly passing the stranded Federici, they began to take control with their own passing game. Jonathan Walters was very impressive, a good honest hard working striker. Then the inevitable, after all the possession we were suddenly one nil down when a low deflected shot was resting in the back of the net, how, Federici had plenty of time went down early, what had been festering in my mind was now a reality. Possession and pressure means zilch, if the other team put the ball in the net. The fans were stunned, the team were stunned, welcome to the Premiership.
Now there was more of a critical eye watching the match, our goalie had made an error, our new big Russian forward Pavel Pogrebnyak, was making no impression. Leigertwood was loosing possession too easily, thankfully half time came and we would have a chance for the Manager Brian McDermott and his team to sort themselves out.
Second Half
The Royals were out early to a warm reception, could we do Stoke like Boro on our first ever Premier league fixture.
Sadly it didn't look too promising, Stoke were making all the moves and asking the questions of the Reading defence, we continued to pump the ball up to the Pog, but if he won little in the first half, he was winning even less this half, Huth and Shawcross make an impressive defence duo, now with a goal to the good, Stoke were in control and happy for Reading to try to break down the two banks of four.
McCleary was sent on for Kanu-Robson, and Pogreynabak was replaced by hunt with less than twenty to go, Stoke sensed a change and began to control the match slowing the pace right down, injuries were taking an eternity to deal with, substitutes made at a pace even slower than the time it took to take the highly technical skill of throwing the ball in, Reading had less than five minutes to get something from the game, McCleary was the danger man he was unsettling Stoke at the back with his pace. Yellow cards were being brandished like confetti for the deliberate time wasting, Reading were being taught a harsh lesson on how to win a game in the Premiership.
A shot went just over the bar from an Ian Hart free kick, more and more free kicks were being awarded for fouls on the Reading players. Then with trickery and driving forward at pace once again Reading player is brought down in the box, the ref gives nothing and Noel Hunts shot is tipped over the bar. Penalty, the ref had decided no advantage had been gained, and the player was brought down unfairly.
90 minutes on the clock and up stepped Adam Le Fondre; The stadium goes ecstatic, goallllllllllllllllll.
Alfie strikes again with an impressive dead ball kick, one of only a few players to have scored in every league in the English game.
Reading are back on level terms, and in the final minutes went in search for a winner, but it was to end all square. Both sides will feel this was a game they could have and should have won.
The never say die attitude at Reading is why we were promoted to this league, this will be what will maintain our Premiership status.
Individuals could have played better, some could have made fewer mistakes, but this is football and this is why we love to follow Reading FC
URZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Attendance 23,973
Room for others to come and enjoy top flight football
