Aston Villa 1 - 0 Reading

 

So this was the night to put matters right, we were looking to right a lot of wrongs at Villa Park.

Well that did not happen, familiar story same result as our history has laid out, no win, worse of all not even a clean sheet which could of earned at least one point from a sorry game.

The line ups were looking promising at the start and watching on Sky Sports, all the action could be observed and highlights analysed at the end of the match.

Highlights could have been written on the back of a stamp there were so few, actually there was only one, and that was for Villa scoring their winning goal.

We were beaten by a very poor Villa side, which says more about us than them. They have an excuse young side, new manager etc etc. Our excuses have now run out. Forget about luck, rub of the green, players out injured, all I can see is we did well to get nil.

Pressure and stress at work can manifest itself in many ways, but whatever form it takes you have to deal with it. Reading ain't.

The whole sorry saga has now been there for the world to see,  though a lot of people would of shut the TV off or moved to another channel after 20 minutes of dire football.

Reading fans are hurting really bad now, and like the majority of them, you watch with concern and worry, even the basics are a level we could not hope to achieve without a sherpa to guide us up to such heights.Many choose social media websites and work or family to sound off and seek some understanding, like myself here.

On Saturday we are hosts to Manchester United, well that is a god send really, because no one of sound mind and body would expect us to achieve anything.




From here on in there is only one way to follow my beloved club Reading FC, practise some of the old tried and tested methods of support using Gallows Humour, perfected by West Ham United's supporters, this is a compliment not a dig to those Hammers fans that may read this one day.

Gallows humour will reduce stress levels, lower expectations, which in turn will mean a positive approach in adversity.

The club and team including all levels of management are capable of seeing what we all see, they have tried placating the growing concerns by following social media to help pick the team, and look what that achieved at Villa Park last night.

So to those that hold Reading dear to your hearts, allow those people to do what they are capable of doing and know what they should be doing, and remember that the reason you follow your team is for the swing of feelings you have watching your team, win loose or draw. It's what keeps us alive.

My advise to the following is

• Owners;        Put your cards on the table and share your true vision good or bad
• Brian McD;  Be your own man and pick YOUR team
• Players;        Leave everything you have on the pitch, give it your all
• Supporters;  Support and enjoy the bad times as well as the good

Come the end of the season in the words of the great Steve Coppell

 

 "We will finish where we deserved to".

But god willing we will all awake the next day and the world will still be as wondrous as the day it was before, the sun will shine and the stars will sparkle at night.

Come on you Royals

 

URZZ

Wigan 3 - 2 Reading

Dark and gloomy at the Madstad

 



Never been a happy hunting ground for Reading, but the performance is far worse than the result.

After missing the first half commentary on Radio Berkshire, doing something useful, taking the dog out for a walk, it was time to tune in to the second half.

That was a big mistake, what unfolded was a huge worry. Not only did we concede a lead once more but worse we lost a game once again we were supposed to be in control of.

Live reports from Tim Dellor and Mick Gooding were very concerning, once again we blew it. After the horror first half showing against Everton I thought we had identified the problem, resolved it and were moving on, not a cat in hells chance.

Apart from a few outbursts on twitter, this is my first attempt to vent my feelings on this whole sorry saga, no need for details of who had done what wrong, who played badly etc, the whole thing is a bigger mess than most thought, the win against Everton was now irrelevant.

Today I learnt that Reading are now the bookies favourite for relegation, with Harry at QPR, somehow I do not think this makes a jot of difference to us. We are the worse team in this league.

How can the team take the blame, should not those that pick an inept team with atrocious tactics be accountable. There have been enough wake up calls already this season, true we will not be relegated until the maths says so, but even the most optimistic supporters can see the writing is on the wall, now it is only a case of when not if.

Quite honestly I have never felt so helpless watching/listening to a team representing my home town.

Will I give up on them No, but somehow the crap that is being churned out both on and off the field is an insult to peoples intelligence.

I asked a colleague at work today how many chances would his boss give him if he continued to make costly mistakes that affected our business and standing in the world, we agree one or two, so shall we say Reading FC have had their two.

Now drop all the crap of;  we have to learn; we need to move on; this game has gone; and whatever other gems are in the pipeline.

Who will draw a line in the sand and make others accountable, to be honest it must be driven from the top, others have had a chance to make a difference but not delivered, time to sharpen the axe and allow heads to roll.

If the people from the stands can see what is wrong, are others too close to see, if they are take a step back and leap forward into action.

Rant over, now going to find somewhere dark to complete my recuperation, ready to come out and watch the next episode on Sky Sports against Aston Villa.

Urzz

Reading 2-1 Everton

The phrase "must win game" was seldom heard this week, cracks in the club were starting to appear. Reports be they true or false of players contracts, players not fitting in and now Brian McDermott already only warming the seat for Dick Advocaat.

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. :-)

Oh dear, oh dear oh dear

I was looking forward to celebrating and charting the success of Readingfc return to the top flight of football.

To say it has been a disappointment so far is an understatement. Ten games into the season and yet to win a game is bad enough, but to celebrate not conceding against a poor looking Norwich City, is taking the wee wee.

No longer can I suffer in silence. The whole campaign thus far has failed to deliver apart from one glimmer of hope, unlucky to get only a draw against Newcastle United.

Tactics and formations are for cleverer people than me, but as a fan of my home town club, who I have supported since the late sixties, what they are doing ain't working.

The club try hard, but I have only witnessed true progress at the club when Steve Coppell brought respectability from within the football world, sadly that hit a brick wall, due to the clubs lack of ambition. When they were last promoted not only did those involved with the club celebrate, but we were welcomed with open arms as a breath of fresh air. Sadly that is now but a memory.

Playing in the Premiership is not the be all and end all, but if your club want success this is the only place it will be measured. It is a mixed bag at the moment, though it is good to see the stadium nearly full each game, those games are fewer and each one is a must win game.

Leaving the ground yesterday felt even worse than the collapse against Arsenal.

So my plea is thus.

Sort yourselves out Reading F C

If we are going to get relegated go down with a fight not a whimper.

Reading till I die

Sunderland P-P Reading

Due to a waterlogged pitch, this game was postponed with less than 2 hours before kick off.

No winners here in anyway shape or form.

The Royals will have to remake this trip another day, the players, fans and teams of both clubs will be gutted.

Chelsea 4 - 2 Reading

Attendance 41,733

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

 

 

Reading 1-1 Stoke City

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.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rod1871/7809884086/

(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