Whew, a lot of catching up to be done!

By: Ben | February 11th, 2009

First and foremost, apologies for not doing this sooner, 2x 5k word final draft essays have been due and it’s left me bugger all time to get on here!

So, where to begin?

Wolves 0-1 Reading
The Gaff’ had said this game was more than just three points, and he wasn’t wrong. Wolves were living a rather unchallenged lead at the top of the table for near enough the whole of the season and going into the midweek fixture, they had a 5 point lead on Reading. With a near sellout crowd (23,009 if my memory serves well), expectations were high as what seemed to be one of the most anticipated clashes of the season kicked off in freezing conditions. Tragedy (snigger) befell the traveling fans after just 61 seconds, when defender Neill Collins’ header, rather skillfully had it been at the other end, lobbed his own ‘keeper Hennessey. It was 6 of one, half a dozen of the other from then on, as both teams shared injuries, fouls, and great attempts on goal, in particular when Noel Hunt had an excellent dipping freekick blocked, which otherwise looked goal-bound. For Reading, Stephen Hunt looked solid, tracking back and defending, and also sprinting up and supporting Doyle. Julian Kelly also had a reasonable debut. There was undoubtedly pressure in facing the Royals’ promotion-rivals, but Kelly seemed to keep it under control. He didn’t quite have the strength to hold off Wolves wingers Jarvis and Kightly, but his determination prevailed in scrambling the ball away when necessary. Overall, 3 points that Reading deserved to take.

Reading 0-0 QPR
A fine match which only lacked in goals. The effort from both teams was a joy to behold, and the main focus of the match was in the centre parts rather than at either end. The hosts should have taken the lead through Helguson but he headed wide of Federici’s goal. Cisse then responded with a well-hit drive, and QPR keeper Camp was made to make a good save. Neither Lita nor Doyle could penetrate the defence, so the game ended in deadlock at Loftus Road.
Coppell:

“All told I would say we edged it, but not by much. There was a terrific work-rate from both teams and it was a shame there wasn’t goals in it somewhere.”

Reading 0-0 Preston
A second consecutive goalless draw meant we dropped another 2 points where really, they should have been easily plucked. The Royals have now gone 269 minutes without scoring, a stark contrast to the kind of form we were used to in the first half of the season- averaging 2 goals a game. Again, we dominated the pitch, and the only real point of interest was a controversial call, which ruled out a penalty appeal. Youl Mawene appeared to blatantly handle the ball to clear it off the line from Kebe’s shot.
Next week at Bristol had better show some spark, else I might just take a 90 minute nap.

Snow! and a transfer window round-up
Whilst the sports headlines were dominated with the likes of Keane and Arshavin, and the news headlines were swamped with stories and warnings of snow, Reading managed to secure two transfers before Berkshire felt the full force of the wintery storms. Irish midfielder Jay Tabb was secured from Coventry for an undisclosed fee, and Coppell has previously worked with Tabb at Brentford. I for one am looking forward to seeing him in action, providing the insurance for Harper and Cisse. Coppell also brought in Ipswich’s defender, Dan Harding on loan. His left-wing abilities will become a useful substitute for injuries and bans. The majority of Reading fans also heaved a sigh of relief on deadline day, after 24hrs of seeing rumor after rumor of S. Hunt’s departure to Spurs for around the 5 million mark. Fortunately he’s still here, least til the summer.

Bye-bye Bobby
Finally, American Bobby Convey left last week by mutual consent. Convey, although playing a major part in our promotion in 2006, has been riddled with injury this season, his last start being in early January against Cardiff in the FA Cup. Today it was announced he has joined Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes. Best wishes to Bobby for the future, and ta for the great years here!