The day did not have the feel of match days previous, it felt more like a dentist appointment, you had to go and you were likely to come home feeling hurt and sorry.
Taking up my seat in the Lower West, foot already hurting, caused by new boots rubbing on my heel, my wife Sue and I had ourselves a hot drink, Hot Chocolate for her, coffee for me, regrettably no milk, but could not be bothered to return back just for a spot of the white stuff.
So the game began, notably slightly subdued, Everton were looking a confident side, we were looking apprehensive, most notably the only atmosphere being generated was from the scousers in Blue. Once again we had little to show, and Tim Howard only had a few harmless crosses to keep him warm.
As the ball dropped to McAnuff on the edge of our area his clearance was sliced sending the leather sphere into orbit, where gravity was its only saviour, no sooner had the ball arrived back on earth and it was directed by Everton into the Reading net.
Delirium from the travelling fans from Mersyside, groans from the other fans. The half got no better, and my team looked lost, out of their depth. Brian McDermott, unusually, suited and booted, was busy writing his notes,CV or resignation. Who knows? Occasionally descent was creeping in and players were starting to point and question fellow team mates.
It was a feeling of despair as the whistle went for half time, muted sounds rang out from the stands, no booing, but the silence spoke louder.
Team talks at half time were key, and as the players returned to the field, there was only ever going to be one winner, David Moyes would want his Everton team to put this game to bed.
But before my very eyes Reading were the team asking the questions, and early in the second half as the atmosphere was starting to grow, up popped Alfie to put the ball back in the net, previously used to capture the Everton first half goal, joyous celebrations rang out around the ground, game on.
The field of play now contained two teams who believed they could win this match, for a change, a draw would be welcomed today after the start we had.
Chances were a plenty now at both ends of the stadium, the atmosphere was electric, as both sets of fans could taste an opportunity for victory.
Once more the ball entered the Everton penalty area, and as Alfie controlled the ball with his chest, he was clattered from behind, all eyes turned to the man with the whistle, and as if in slow motion, as he blew his whistle, his arm raised to the horizontal position and pointed forwards towards a little pained dot in front of him, penalty.
Contested vigorously by the team all in Black, but to no avail the penalty stood, and waiting patiently was Alfie. The usual mind games were directed at Alfie from Tim Howard and his fellow teammates.
Now we had a chance, only a chance, our record of penalties of late has not been great.
As the shrill of the whistle signalled the penalty to be taken, before it fell silent the coolest person in the stadium Adam Le Fondre had struck the ball straight down the centre of the goal and into the net.
As the net bulged, the stadium absolutely erupted, joy and pandemonium a plenty, scenes of joy unequalled this season, the roof barely managing to stay on, what an unbelievable feeling, celebrations turned to joyous dancing around the stadium, it was like we had won a cup, title or the greatest trophy known to football.
The scenes were reflecting what a monumental step our season had just taken, how could a team be so poor in the first half and return to the field of play, not to dominate the game, but take their chances and the lead.
There were times after, when both teams had opportunities, the most notable was the header from Fellani which was goal bound only to strike a post and into the grateful arms of Federicci, our goalie who had in recent games been left out, but did the club proud today.
As we entered the closing stages and added time the Arsenal result was coming to the fore of my mind, we must hang on, please hang on.
Once more the stadium erupted as the game was brought to a close, the team were rightfully given a standing ovation until the last player left the field.
The whole team earned that today, and this was an immense result from a fabulous second half performance.
My Man of the Match award goes to Sean Morrison, an outstanding performance from a 21 year old central defender who left the field of play carrying his shirt in his hand and his chest as inflated as any you will have seen before.
Make no mistake this was a game of two halves and we should never been given the opportunity, but not only was it given, it was taken with interest, Reading were back, we now proved that we can compete, given some luck and the rub of the green who knows.
Today was about the team, squad, Management and all about the support staff, they turned it around, responded to a half time team talk, and delivered an inspired performance.
Reading fans can be fickle, but today they stayed with the team, a team that could have been booed off at half time. All those of Blue and White hoops persuasion crossed the line together and witnessed a fantastic result, and celebrated as one.
To put this result into context, Everton entered this game with only one defeat in twenty games, they leave Berkshire with the Royals celebrating, so loudly ringing in their ears.
No offence to Everton, have no problem with them or their followers, a much respected club, but today was ours, we not only needed this win, we bloody well earned it.
Urzz
P.s. my heel was as sore as ever as we returned to the car in a side road off Hartland Road, but it did not matter, the Royals have won. :-)
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