Reading 1-0 West Ham United

We won !!

Finally Reading manage their second win of the campaign, in difficult circumstances.

Our match with West Ham had many people assuming a home win, given our results in recent history against the Hammers, but it would be as crucial as many recent results. Last season we were a thorn in their season on many levels, history.

Today as we approached the Madstad for the second time this week, the heavens were once again fully open, ensuring all approaching fans got a soaking before the match. As it did at home to Swansea City.

As with all fixtures at the Madstad, the away end would be full today. This is defiantly a stadium that welcomes and attracts away fans, so a cup tie atmosphere was expected.

Panoramic view

The game began in a frenetic manner, Reading were up for this, and showed their intentions from the start by closing down higher up the pitch. West Ham made their intentions clear, Kebe was a target, a heavy challenge a sly kick from O'Brien proved they held a grudge, and felt there was some unfinished business with Kebe, making it personal. This proved to be the case for most of the match, unfortunately the ref did nothing to protect him.

With five minutes on the clock, a forward pass from Harte was not controlled by Pogrebnyak. Collinson collected the ball and attempted to pass the ball back, but miss-controlled his pass. Pogrebnyak seized upon the under hit pass and strode into the box with the ball at his feet. No need to get excited he buggered up an opportunity against SCFC on Wednesday. That was a dress rehearsal, confidently he held off the pursuing Collinson to slot the ball into the net. Goal, cue music and wild celebrations.

The goal removed some of the pressure, but the game remained nigly, heavy challenges, feigning of tackles. The ref failed to deal with some poor tactics from a typical Allerdyce team. (The sight of Mark Noble diving to win a free kick, when it was clear the was no touch, showed how low West Ham have stooped under Allerdyce. West Ham used to be known and respected as the Aristocrats of football, now but a distant memory)

Reading needed to soak up a lot of pressure towards the later stages of the first half, but ended the half buoyant and relishing the challenge.

The second half began as the first had ended, but with one notable difference, Reading had started to slip deeper into defence, tactics that could prove to be an error. More challenges were being questioned, with even stranger calls from the referee, on more than one occasion the person putting the ball into touch was rewarded with a goal kick or throw-in for their team. Mr Oliver dressed in black would not be leaving the ground with any extra friends. Either he genuinely failed to spot what was going on in front of his eyes, or he was choosing to ignore, thus not having to make a decision.

The list of West Ham players attracting the displeasure of the East stand was growing, Nolan & Noble, was joined by Carlton Cole. He had left Chris Gunter lying prone on the floor face down, and as play continued the frustrations of the crowd was ventilated more vociferously, until Gunter got to his feet, TV replays showed Carlton Cole had only stepped on him three times, now you can't call that accidental.

One goal lead in a game like this never seems enough, and as the cross dropped on to the head of Vaz-te his glancing header was to be decisive, it went wide.

A rousing cheer of relief from the Royals fans was fuelled by the giant screen replaying the crucial miss time and time again, much to the amusement of the Reading fans.

Chances for Reading were very few in the second half, the most notable was when Jobi McAnuff cut inside to set up Karacan on the edge of the eighteen yard box for his shot to cannon off the bar.

Reading were content to play counter attack football, and take the ball into the corners, and run down the clock. Kebe had left the field of play a Reading hero, not only had he survived the aggressive repercussions for "pulling up his socks" but had maintained his dignity to give Reading a sterling defencive performance, and assisting with breaking out of defence with controlled possession. He took the longest slowest walk across the pitch to a standing ovation, and the crowd singing "He's Jimmy Kebe, he does what he wants!"

What could big Sam do? Signal to the ref indicating he was taking too long to leave the field of play. It was Jimmy's way of sticking two fingers up to Big Fat Sam and his Claret and Blue Army.

Jimmy did it on the pitch and with dignity, for his all round performance today amongst stiff competition he was my man of the match.

Even with the four minutes of added time, Reading had done enough, they had won. Urzz

As the cheers rang out around the stadium, you had to wonder how did WHUFC end the match with eleven players still on the pitch.

No moaning or bickering here today about Reading or any individuals, an old friend had returned, just like against Newcastle earlier in the season. All those wearing and supporting the blue and white hoops played their part today and should enjoy the feeling.

A bit of optimism returns to the Madstad, the side does still need strengthening in January, time for AZ to show how deep his ambition is, if he believes in McDermott, back him in the transfer window.

Urzz

Reading 0-0 Swansea City

Well Christmas done, time to watch the Royals take on Swansea City, Boxing day matches are always difficult to predict. On the way to the match the heavens once again opened up, so we were in for a wet soggy afternoon. Little fear of the match being abandoned, have only ever seen this once at the Madstad, when it was abandoned at half time against Leicester City.

Revenge for the defeat at Wembley, no longer applicable, we had enough on our plate without concerning ourselves with that baggage.

Nice to see a couple of familiar faces in the starting line up, especially Jem Karacan and Danny Guthrie.

So it began, as the rain continued, on the stroke of 3 o'clock the shrill of the whistle set the game alight.

When I say it set the game alight, that was a vast exaggeration, apart from a strong penalty claim for the Royals, and some wayward shooting from Swansea, our fayre for the first half was to watch Swansea stroke the ball around with no end product. Now if that was not boring enough, on the rare occasion we did get the ball, we gave it straight back, so they could do it all again. To be honest it is mind numbing to sit and watch.

On a rare occasion after a few passes the Pog was striding into the penalty area from the right, a heavy touch put the ball ahead of him, what does he do, stop, put his hands to his head in frustration, then realise there is still a chance to get the ball. By the time he realises, the moment is gone and the ball is gathered gratefully by the Swansea keeper. Groans echoed around the ground, and so it continued until the half time whistle, met by muted boo's and deafening silence.

Surely this had to change, not one worthy effort could be recalled for either keeper to deal with, do we want to stay in this league, on that showing, we may want to, but the term "snowball in hell's chance" springs to mind.

For 15 minutes in the second half the balance swung even further in favour of Swansea, time to make changes, off went the "Pog" and Captain McAnuff on come Alfie and Hal Robson Kanu, finally the team were showing some fight and ambition, sadly Leigertwood remained on the pitch to ensure Swansea regained possession, honestly that bloke couldn't pass wind!

The (New) Reading Way (Hope not!)

As the ball struck the back of the net many around me were in raptures, up off their seats celebrating Alfie putting the ball in the net. Not me!

Firstly and most importantly I am and always have been a fan of Reading Football Club, who do things the right way, and in my eyes are honest and above board.

I watched as Alfie rose to pat the ball into the back of the net with his left hand, and sat feeling disgusted that my beloved team had resorted to "cheating"

I was glad to see that not only did the ref rule the goal out, but produce a yellow card for the offence.

Alfie had become a cult hero at the club, akin to Jamie Cureton, but in my eyes it is no longer a comparison.

What makes this worse is the after match press conference where McDermott tried to make light of the situation by referring back to a goal by Demba Ba for Newcastle, and saying goals like that normally count at the Madstad. Shocking! Alfie should be fined a months wages for the offence, and another weeks wages for being caught in the act.

Back to the game; the match was now a contest and both teams going for a win, end to end football, terrific saves from Federici and at the other end a superb volley from Alfie was cleared off the line.At last some oohs and aaghs from the crowd.

One of the biggest cheers was saved for the recently recalled Alex Pearce who somehow managed to put a ball out for a throw in a yard from the touchline. The reason being, that it travelled off the field of play the necessary one yard for a clearance but went skywards sailing up onto the roof of the East stand and out of the ground, possibly the first time this feat has been achieved in the time Reading have called this home.

So the game concluded nils a piece and one point meant Reading leapfrogged QPR.

Final note; Reading please cut out any inclinations of cheating, whatever league we are in this team represents our town, if we get relegated honourably so be it. Emotions are running high at the moment, but dignity must be retained above all.

Manchester City 1-0 Reading

Well another defeat, but not as heavy as expected.
BM said he was gutted, as he felt the team deserved a point after an injury time goal won the game for city.

Once again we got beat and our losing run continues if they do not pick up two wins at home, there would be no point in entering the transfer window spending money it will be wasted.

The team and Manager surely have entered the last chance saloon, but will they get served?

Reading 2 - 5 Arsenal

For those that thought it could not get any worse, than going bottom of the league on Saturday.

It just did!

Dropped the wife off and drove home in time to watch the match on Sky Sports, just as Gary Neville was analysing the teams and formations. To those that ever doubted Gary's ability, do yourself a favour and look it up. He got it spot on, I doff my cap to you Gary, you were spot on with how we would have no chance in midfield, and almost to a tee described how Arsenal would score their first two goals.

 

A word that is banded about more and more of late is "embarrassment" and that is an understatement.

 

 

Rubbish formation, tactics and no team spirit, and the off the field battles continue, with no end in sight.

 

 

I was amazed that we pulled two goals back, and no sooner had Kebe scooped the ball out of the net and ran to the half way line to restart and go again, he was substituted, the one player that was causing Arsenal any problems aside Alfie, surely not another injury, from that point on I was beyond caring, put the coat on and went out to the car to go and fetch the wife from the football mecca Madstad. As I was driving along Radio Berkshire announced the score was now five to the Arsenal, once again frustration was replaced with despair.

 

 

Reading fans have been patient with the owner's and Managers in recent past, but they are now being mugged off big time.

 

How did Brian McDermot justify our position, "You have to remember three years ago when I took over the club they were heading for Division One" Well Brian that might be your idea of justification but it sure in hell isn't mine.

 

We were told the new owners had big ideas, plans to take the club forward and establish them as a top ten side, well that is not going to happen anytime soon.

 

 

My one bit of advice to Brian McDermot is do not even try to justify or defend this inept team and football club. Previously I had concerns over your tactics but do not try to make a mug out of the fans, they don't deserve it. The notes that you are seen writing down after each goal should be thrown away and face up to what is staring you in the face, you got it wrong, you carry on getting it wrong and you are learning nothing. With each performance this team is being hung out to dry.

 

 

My final bit of advice to the new owner AZ, please remind us of your intentions for this club.

 

 

Sold down the river by JM, expect now for the fans to express their support in a negative way to reflect the utter shite being dished out.

 

 



Bottom of the league Readingfc

Houston we have landed, we have a problem.

Well it has been coming for a while now but Readingfc have now secured our rightful spot at the bottom of the table, what an utter shambles this club has become. 

They were so poor against Southampton and Sunderland, it was not even worthy of writing about, for the record we did not score in either game, but travelling south we conceded just the one but three times as many in the North East.

QPR won their first game yesterday to near rivals Fulham, (Fulham never do us any favours, but why should they) thus placing us firmly at the foot of the table. 

The achievements and impact we made at our last visit to the premiership could not have prepared us for the shambolic position we find ourselves in.

Daily now we are hearing of rifts in the team and between players and manager, the new owners have gone very very quiet.

I don't have the answers because i do not know all that is going on but, we currently would have to over achieve just to produce the basics, our tactics worked last season, let the other team have the ball and do whatever they want with it, we will simply play counter attack football through the channels and the wings.

Not exactly new news, but it doesn't work against quality sides, to be honest there was recorded a more spirited performance by the band on the Titanic, God rest their souls.

All I hope for Christmas is friends and relatives do not buy my presents from Readingfc Megastore!!

Monday night we take on Arsenal, my wife and I take it turns to go in the week, one of us always stays at home to look after our German Shepherd Blue.

It was a tough fought battle as to who goes, but I won, Sue has to go!!

The overriding factor was that I had already seen us play the Arsenal for 45 minutes at the Madstad in the "Whateveryouwanttocallitthisyearleaguecup". So my time has been served.

I hope that whatever the problems are, they are sorted so that even when we are relegated we can go without shame or embarrassment. For now it is merely a question of not if but when.

One solution to prevent Arsenal scoring seven against us is to secure the shutters, batten down the hatches, and don't let them in the ground on Monday night. (We would still probably fail to secure victory)

Defence against Arsenal

Still worse things happen in life, you could have been brought up supporting Swindon Town or Oxford United.

Reading 3 - 4 Manchester United

The Royals were taking on the top of the league Manchester United, an evening kick off for the sake of ESPN to show on TV.

Given our performance against Aston Villa, who knows what the score would be and how it would come across on the TV.

So with a 5.30 pm kick off what little warmth there was from the sun during the day had already disappeared before taking up the customary seat in the lower west stand.

All the usual pre-match hype was all done and dusted as we waited for the teams to enter the field of play, now in my mind, this was going to be a match to savour, forget about winning just compete was the phrase rattling round in my head, just compete please.

 

 

As the teams entered the field to a rapturous roar, from both sets of fans, our league position had now been put to one side for 90 minutes, all our woes and troubles did not mean a jot. The match kicked off and from both sides it was a thoroughly entertaining encounter, action all the way, to summarise how do you begin to describe a game where by half time you have seen Reading take the lead twice, scoring three goals but conceding four, without one that by all accounts crossed the line but was not given. A penalty which was almost so comical it was like our defence had the mindset of the keystone cops.

 

Ferguson was left to substitute his right back, after being skinned more times than a Fyffes banana, really although he only received a yellow card, he was lucky it was not his second, so Rafael was substituted and left the field not a happy bunny, strop of the day.

 

Now whatever Reading achieve this season to have scored three goals against Manchester United within 23 minutes of play has to merit recording some sort of record, just a shame that we were to concede four in 34 minutes.

 

Finally the half was brought to a close, remaining at 3-4, but we were still in the game.

 

The second half came and unlike the Arsenal game there were to be no further goals, but entertaining all the same, chances at both ends.

 

Now I went to the game to be positive and I am going to share one moment of utter frustration, his name is Adam Federici, some of his antics and performances of late have been shocking, he is in the side due to the injury of Alex McCarthy, forgiven for all those previous misdemeanours, including being beaten at his near post by Anderson in the 13th minute. But for all in the world that is holy, what was that lunatic doing trying to dribble around Robin Van Persie.

 

If I were the Manager he would have been taken off the field of play, and never seen first team action again as a player for Reading FC. We were already struggling to deal with a team that was top of the league, who were leading by one goal and sympathy from the man in black favoured those in red, so he tries to dribble around RVP, absolute lunatic, is my honest opinion.

 

 

 

The goalless second half was concluded and the score remained as it did the end of the first, once again Reading were defeated. Note I said defeated and not losers, because losers they are not.

 

 

Somehow it seems inevitable that we will be relegated, but life will go on, and matches like we watched today are what is great about being in the Premier league, unfortunately the tables that record our progress, reflect the other side that in the cold light of day is based on facts, not how you feel.

 

One final thought to share, I heard that the match was the lead on Match of the Day, a programme I gave up on a few seasons back, it does very little to provide an in depth unbias reflection of the football of that day, no longer my cup of tea.

 

So of an official crowd of 24,095 this Royals fan went home very content with watching a terrific game of football, and thinking how close we came from winning or loosing by a larger margin, the score line was fair.

 

Urzz