Reading played their first away fixture in the Barclay's Premier League at Stamford Bridge last night.
The cost for a ticket was £47.00; So although an easy ground to get to, I decided to listen to this one on the local BBC radio; Radio Berkshire with Tim Dellor and Mick Gooding.
It was a packed midfield for Reading and early doors were under the cosh a bit, but the first blood was to Chelsea, a penalty was conceded and duly netted, 1-0
Fearing the floodgates would open up it was a shock to hear Reading not only equalise but take the lead 1-2 to the visitors, and Reading were playing a good game, going into the end of the first half one goal better than the Champions of Europe.
Tim Dellor was waxing lyrical about how this is the greatest game in Reading's history and as it stood Reading FC were top of the English Premier League.
The second half we heard Chelsea were finding it difficult to break down Reading and when they did the goalie was not being troubled. Pearce was only an inch away from heading in a cross which would have made it three to the Royals.
Cahill picked up the ball in his own half moved forward and with a tame shot from 35 yards Federici was beaten, he failed to deal with the ball, 2 a piece. It sounded like Federici had made a bad error for the second game on the trot. Chelsea know how to sense a change and went for it.
Torres struck with a goal that was clearly offside, this was not to be a great result for Reading.
Pushing hard to respond Reading went into added time and up went Federici, into the Chelsea box, and the result was a breakaway from Chelsea with no goalie to beat Ivanovic slotted into an empty net 4-2. The Royals were beaten and the final whistle ended their misery.
On a personal note Federici should not have gambled going for the equaliser, but I fully understood how he wanted to right a wrong, unfortunately the gamble didn't pay off. He is a good goalie but this form is reminiscent of a couple of years ago. He needs to get over it and return to what he is capable of achieving his team mates, the club and the fans want him to succeed, he must get to the bottom of what is behind these errors and resolve it. This league shows no forgiveness and those errors could become expodential.
Federici did not make the biggest mistake of the night, that honour goes to the lino and his fellow officials for allowing an offside goal to stand. (Torres)
Feds, you need to sought yourself out for Sunderland, the spotlight is on you now, other clubs will be playing to your weakness. Learn and become a great goalie, the support is still there for you but failure is not an option, as it is the same for all of us.
Well done Reading FC and fans, you gave it a good go.
Chelsea used up a large slice of luck and good fortune last night, ours will come another day.
Urzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
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