NOW MAD ABOUT READING OLIVER HOLT SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AGAIN (his quote not mine, obviously alegend in his own lunchbox) Oliver Holt 28/02/2007 DUE in equal measure to the death threats, the abuse and the snivelling of a cheerleader masquerading as a journalist from BBC Radio Berkshire, I've seen the error of my ways about Reading. I'm considering a radical U-turn and 10 years of penitence at the feet of that gentle angel Stephen Hunt and the great intellectual Steve Coppell, who illustrated his capacity for articulate debate last week by saying he would wipe his a**e on this column. I've had a rethink about the legacy of chairman John Madejski, too. Why stop at naming the stadium after the guy? I think we should go further: Reading itself should be renamed Madejskiville. As for Berkshire, that's a bit old-fashioned for me. From now on, let it be known as Madejskia. I'm sure the great man wouldn't object.
My ast comment on this as can't be bothered with him really don't see how he can fault the club at all.
Ok, so as we’re forever being told by the opposition we’ve never won f*ck all - a marvellous example of the double negative in action - but we’ve had some great cup nights over the years. Indulge me to delve into my own personal memory banks to get us in the mood.
93/94, Premiership Man City edged a Carling Cup tie in teeming Elm Park rain but boy didn’t they know they’d been in a game. This was a great Reading side en route to the Division 2 title and nearly two successive promotions. City took the lead against the run of play about half time, but we kept going and Quinny headed us level from all of 2 centimetres. A split-second of joy was replaced by unfamiliar terror as my feet went from under me – my first experience of a good old fashioned crowd surge! Ultimately Adie Williams went off injured and his marker Niall Quinn looped a late headed winner over Shaka. Gutted, but good times were around the corner.
95/96, Southampton and my first experience of seeing Reading dump a top flight team out of the cup – and to do it against those Meridian and South Today darlings of The Dell was even sweeter. A Wembley-esque Nogan strike, Trevor Morley’s iron head, 90 minutes of never-play-for-England-you’ve-got-a-f*cking-big-nose abuse for Matthew Le Tissier and better still a vocal Saints fan on the Southbank got some real stick which to be fair he took in good spirit. Beautiful.
97/98 as a season was sh*tter than a My Family Christmas special, but we did ok in the cups. Dances with Wolves in the Carling Cup, surely the best minute of football ever seen – Adie Williams remembers his roots with an own goal par excellence and within sixty seconds Parky shoves Ray Houghton off the ball and has a dig from twenty five yards. Unusually it flies in. Boro and the Butcher of Bootle cheat us in the Quarters and the Southbank bays for blood but we’re somewhat more sheepish a few weeks later as we edge out third division Cardiff on penalties as our charming welsh visitors take defeat in their usual graceless fashion by attempting to demolish Elm Park several weeks ahead of schedule.
The MadStad, truth be told, has held less happy cup memories but we’ve had West Ham knocked out on penalties, Bas Savage’s finest hour and a half vs Chelsea and of course that WBA comeback last season. Much like EP, the MadStad tends to be a bit more lively for evening games; imho the best atmosphere this season at home has been Man City on a Monday night way back in September. So let’s enjoy tomorrow for what it is – a home cup tie against the best team in the country – and give it some of the old style Southbank atmosphere. Perhaps even leave off the Ronaldo-baiting for one night, eh ? Anyone who doesn’t go into work on Wednesday morning hoarse is a cissy.
Match of the Day closed their coverage of this cup tie using New Order’s ‘True Faith’ as their closing music. In the face of much criticism from the national press this week, Steve Coppell seemed to be asking Reading fans to keep the faith. The result and the nature in which it was achieved will have told all and sundry that the gospel according to Steve Coppell is indeed worth listening to. Both sides were supposedly fielding weakened sides but Manchester United’s starting line up had plenty of big names that would contend with Reading; namely internationals in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo; Michael Carrick; Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Louis Saha. Ronaldo tried to take control for United but found himself stifled by the collective efforts of the Reading defence. Ronaldo shot wide on three occasions in the first half, but United found that Reading held firm. Reading’s Australian international goalkeeper Adam Federici was looking comfortable too not being troubled by the Ronaldo chances and a close range take from Solskjaer who could not convert a Michael Carrick cross. It was Carrick who did break the deadlock in first half stoppage time (2 bloody mins as well); just when 0-0 looked to be the half time score. Carrick produced a pile driver from the outside of the box, that was hard and low and beat Federici. The goal appeared to be harsh on Reading. However, Reading perhaps had leaned a little too much towards a policy of containment. If they wanted to stay in the FA Cup, they would have to score in the second half and once again compound their critics. A goal conceded before half time is always seen as a psychological score. Reading though came into their own in the second half, particularly after United failed to increase their advantage. Ronaldo could not score after a feint touch from Federici pushed the Portuguese shot wide. If Reading rode their luck in the face of some sloppy United finishing, they totally deserved to do so. In the 67th minute came the moment we had all been waiting for. Brynar Gunnarsson rose to meet a John Oster corner and scored with a powerful header. Gunnarsson was positioned just near the penalty spot, but the crowd of players between him and the net had no chance of stopping the header. Gunnarsson is possibly the most likely player in the Reading squad to be afforded the title of utility player. If that description appears to be patronising, it is most certainly not meant to be. Gunnarsson is not a regular first team selection, but whenever he is called upon he plays with such verve that he has never let Reading down. That was true today as the player covered so many areas of the pitch to thwart United. Of course the Icelandic international has scored a few important goals along the way, though perhaps none more famous than this Old Trafford equaliser. With the scores at 1-1, the match erupted into an end to end thriller in the final twenty minutes. Dave Kitson could have given Reading a winner after United defender Nemanja Vidic struggled to shepherd the ball out of play. Kitson harassed the defender and got a touch on the ball only for it to fall just wide of the United goal. Nicky Shorey also should have scored with a shot by the left hand post following a Seol Ky Heon cross and would have done but for a great defensive headed clearance from Wes Brown. Manchester United had their chances to win the game late on. Henrik Larsson had a shot superbly pushed wide by Federici, when at first glance it looked like another glaring United miss. Louis Saha had a one on one with Federici in the last minute, but shot wide again. Both sides couldn’t get a winner and much to the chagrin of Manchester United, but the delight of Reading a replay will take place at Madejski Stadium.
Todays daily mirror has this little gem in the Oliver Holt column...I am almost lost for words with this twat, quite how he can write such drivel in a national daily paper I don't know.
STEVE'S NO SAINT PLENTY of observers attempted to paint Stephen Hunt as a man of saintly innocence over his appalling challenge that fractured Petr Cech's skull. An accident, they said. Such a quiet lad, too. Not given to that kind of thing at all. No track record of nasty challenges. Not in his nature. I thought of that when I saw Hunt launching a double-footed tackle at the Reading mascot 10 days ago in the aftermath of Reading's opening goal against Sheffield United. How playful. And it appears Hunt's preferred goal celebration is not to punch the air or raise a forefinger in triumph. Funnily enough, it involves a manic double-footed challenge on the corner flag. (perhaps it was an anorexic Petr Cech).Anyone sense a pattern emerging here? Petr Cech probably does.
nice to see some people have got onto the mirror (rag) an made comment
Robin Whear from Sheffield 14:50:30 31 January 2007 reply Oliver Holt, I'm afraid you are a fool and a very poor journalist. How does an over-zealous goal celebration prove someone capable of maliciously causing harm to an opponent? It doesn't. For your information, the mascot and corner flag have managed to pull through their violent ordeals. No further death threats are anticipated. [QUOTE=Paul from Windsor] Re: Stephen Hunt|Oliver Holt, |I and everyone in the Thames Valley think you are wrong to continue to persecute Stephen Hunt.|From reading some of your columns, it seems clear as day that you are a Chelsea fan and you are incapable of writing an unbiased piece about any other team where Chelsea are the opposition and you are the only journalist still raking over this issue. The FA had a thoroughly good look at the incident and found Hunty innocent of any mal intent. Everyone else has moved on so isn't it time for you to do so as well.|Why don't you do a piece on the deplorable way that Robben, Drogba, Essien and Lampard dive all over the pitch and bully the Ref when they don't get the decision they want?|Or does Abramovich own the Mirror now as well????? [QUOTE=Dave from London] [QUOTE=ian mack from newcastle] Re: Oliver Holt and Stephen Hunt.|Although you have not said it directly, I have a sneaky feeling that you are suspicious regarding Hunts "challenge" on Cech. Can't say I blame you. Video replays show that Hunt's knee was dragged onto Cech's head by Cech's arm as he slid past him. Accident. Yellow card. End of story but for an unfortunate clash.|Hunt is not a dirty player, but some - such as Holt, who is beginning to move towards being sued thanks to some of the lies he prints - want to paint Hunt as the next Savage, even blaming him for getting elbowed last week. Some claimed Hunt confronted Gillespie, when the opposite was true. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story, eh Oliver. Dave from London 14:02:53 31 January 2007 reply ian mack from newcastle said... Re: Oliver Holt and Stephen Hunt. Although you have not said it directly, I have a sneaky feeling that you are suspicious regarding Hunts challenge on Cech. Can't say I blame you. Video replays show that Hunt's knee was dragged onto Cech's head by Cech's arm as he slid past him. Accident. Yellow card. End of story but for an unfortunate clash. Hunt is not a dirty player, but some - such as Holt, who is beginning to move towards being sued thanks to some of the lies he prints - want to paint Hunt as the next Savage, even blaming him for getting elbowed last week. Some claimed Hunt confronted Gillespie, when the opposite was true. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story, eh Oliver.
Reading’s home match against Wigan Athletic came hot on the heels of a FA Cup weekend that really heated up the collective football soul. With a crisp wind working its way round the Madejski Stadium bowl, all FA Cup memories and thoughts of a fifth round trip to Old Trafford were put aside very quickly as Wigan produced a brisk start. Reading were caught off guard after just three minutes when Emile Heskey fired in a shot low and hard, inside Marcus Hahnemann’s near post for an early lead. Caleb Folan could have stolen a second for Wigan when he volleyed a shot against the bar in the 13th minute. Reading composed their play but found Wigan hard to break down. Stephen Hunt’s long range shooting was a sight to see, but on three occasions he was unable to deceive Wigan’s goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, the nearest being a shot that crept just wide of the right hand post. Leroy Lita headed wide in the 22nd minute, but it was clear that a Reading equaliser was only a matter of time. It came from the head of Reading defender Ivar Ingimarsson, following some neat work from Lita on the left side. The goal was scrappy, but deserved. Wigan though could have taken the lead before the break when Lee McCulloch produced a long-range shot that stung the hands of Marcus Hahnemann, The second half brought a more cohesive approach from Reading. Six minutes in and Shane Long scored with a header from just a yard out. The Irishman was a constant threat to Wigan and should have added a third in the 77th minute but instead shot into Kirkland’s arms. Dave Kitson also should have grabbed another goal seven minutes from time when clean through. The recently returned striker blasted his shot over leaving Kirkland heaving a huge sigh of relief. That relief lasted just minutes as Leroy Lita, sealed the win with a poached header that followed a Kitson header that Kirkland tried to stop but was only able to divert towards Lita. Wigan got a late goal when Denny Landzaat nipped in after Marcus Hahnemann dropped a Ryan Taylor free kick, but it was a consolation and was never going to pose a threat to Reading who ran out 3-2 winners. The victory takes Steve Coppell's side back up to seventh in the Premiership, and only Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd have won more games at home this season.
Reading v Wigan Athletic - Facts By Oscar Wilde - January 29 2007 ...
:) :)
In 1928, Reading were involved in an all-time FA cup classic. They had been drawn away at Cardiff City, winners the previous year, in the third round. Cardiff took the lead fortuitously in the eleventh minute when a wild shot from inside left Nathaniel Downspout ricochet off a seagull and flew into the Reading net.
Reading fought back bravely, and were rewarded for their persistence in the sixty-fifth minute when striker Jimmy Car-Battery beat the offside trap and coolly slotted home the equaliser. The game ebbed and flowed until, in the 80th minute, Car-Battery was up-ended in the box. After consulting with the linesman, the referee found he could not reach a decision to award a penalty, as both officials had been somewhat unsighted, so the captains of each team agreed to a duel to settle the affair. The weapon of choice was pistols, and at the third pace, both captains turned and fired. Cardiff captain Francis Firearm shot wildly, but the Reading captain’s aim was true and he shot Firearm in the kneecap. At this turn of events, the referee had no choice to award Reading the penalty but dismiss their captain for un-gentlemanly conduct and grievous bodily harm. Striker Car-Battery confidently despatched the penalty to give Reading a 2-1 lead, which they successfully defended for the remaining ten minutes to record a famous victory. Unfortunately they lost 3-0 in the fourth round, away at Forest Green Rovers.
History: Reading were formed in 1871 and played at Reading Recreation Ground until 1878, before moving on to Reading Cricket Ground (1878-1882), Coley Park (1882-1889) and Caversham Cricket Ground (1889-1896). The switch to professionalism in 1895 resulted in the need for a bigger ground and, to this end, the club moved again, to the purpose built Elm Park on 5 September 1896. They were originally nicknamed “The Biscuitmen” after one of the main trades in the town, Huntley & Palmers biscuits, but changed to “The Royals” in the 1970s after Prince Charles had trials with them. At the time it created a media furore, and The Queen was often seen at Elm Park, cheering on her son. After a dismal season in which they were relegated to the Berkshire Shopfitters and Clergyman Combination, manager Giles Justifiable-Homicide had the bravery (and some would say reckless temerity) to drop the Prince, and he was promptly beheaded for high treason.
Famous Players: In 1979, whilst on holiday in Cleethorpes, Reading chaiman Roger Roger Over-And-Out was privy to an un-earthly vision from the next plane of existence. Whilst choking on a meat and potato pastie, and with no-one around to thump him on the back, Over-And-Out began to phase in and out of this reality and into the next, coming at last into the presence of the Grim Reaper. Rather than challenge him to the traditional game of chess, or simply accept his fate, Over-And-Out saw the potential in the Shade’s towering height, and offered him, in exchange for another fifteen years of life, a place in the Reading starting line-up.
That season, Reading goalkeeper Steve Death went an amazing 1103 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal. An English league record.
Trivia: Reading Football Club were the first football club to register their own fans as an official member of their squad, in recognition of the fact that the supporters in the stadium on a match day can sometimes influence the match just as much as a player on the pitch. The idea came from supporter Andy Manson in the summer of 2001 when the number 13 was left vacant by then boss Alan Pardew after the departure of the club's number 13, Keith Scott. Since then the "player" has been registered with squad number 13, named 'Reading Fans'. This backfired dramatically in 2003 at an away game at Watford, when with fifteen minutes to go and 1-0 down, the number 13 was raised mistakenly at a substitution, and the entire Reading away following steamed onto the pitch and scored an equaliser. As the supporters danced with jubilation, part of the pitch gave way and the Watford back four plummeted half a mile down a disused mineshaft. The match was subsequently abandoned and Reading were fined £10,000 and deducted four points for failing to control their players, with the match ordered to be replayed behind closed doors. Deprived of their super-sub in the re-match, Reading crashed to a 3-0 defeat.
Everyone got what they deserved today. Reading gained three points, Sheffield United got nothing, De la Cruz scored an amazing goal; and Kieth Gillespie, Wally Downes and Neil Warnock (Colin Wanker = anagram of Neil Warnock) were sent off. Reading, weakened by the injury Doyle and Gunarsson, suffered further setbacks shortly before kick-off in losing Kitson and Shorey. For good measure Sonko hobbled off in the first half having fallen awkwardly. Reading fans could be forgiven if they felt it was not going to be their day. The odds were heavily stacked against them. Neither side seemed capable of gaining the upper hand for most of the first half, but the most enterprising play came from Reading. Long burst through on the right but his could not find anyone with his cross. Murty and Little put over some decent crosses. De la Cruz seemed eager to get on the score sheet with couple of long range efforts. As half time approached the Royals generated a period of pressure. Space opened up in front of Murty who pushed forward and hit a scorching drive which had Kennny at full stretch to turn it round for a corner. Shortly before the interval Sonko collapsed in heap for the second time and was replaced by Bikey. After a lengthy delay Reading resumed their assault and Sidwell surged into the box and knocked the ball in for Long to finish at the near post. In the closing stages of the half United looked very wobbly at the back and Hunt had a header well saved by Kenny. If United fans expected a spirited response they were to bitterly disappointed. Early in the half the impressive De La Cruz went on a mazy run across field released the ball and kept on running. Taking Harper's pass in his stride he drew Kenny and slipped the ball coolly into the net showing the composure in front of goal any striker would be proud of. Reading celebrated their goal as Warnock prepared his substitute Gillespie to enter the fray. Suddenly all hell broke loose. Hunt went down clutching his head and a melee of players and coaching staff clustered around the referee and his assistant. Gillespie, only on the field for a few seconds, rightly received a red card and then decided to resume his assault on Hunt! It was easy to see where he got his attitude from with his manager ranting as usual about an incident which had happened a few minutes earlier when Sidwell received a yellow card for a clumsy tackle. His antics were too much for Wally Downes who charged at him like an angry rhinoceros. Players squared up to each other all over the place. The referee sent Wally and Neil off and play resumed in a highly charged atmosphere. The United players had clearly lost the plot and a another sending off looked imminent. Lita was clearly revelling in it and was taken out by a very dangerous challenge by Davis who also got his just deserts injuring himself in the process and was forced to leave the field soon after. Reading sealed their victory about twenty minutes from the end when Sidwell had his well struck shot blocked on the line and the energetic Hunt acrobatically tucked away the rebound. United finally created a chance with a lot help from the Reading defence who obligingly moved out to catch Nade offside and failed miserably. With only Hahnmenann to beat he made no mistake. It was too little too late. Seol came on for Long and tormented the United defence further. Little, not for the first time this season ballooned, a first time shot over from one of his clever passes back to the edge of the area. Convey came on and roamed around looked fresh and sharp and hit a good shot just wide. In the dying seconds Seol beat his man comprehensively on the half way line and only a good block with his legs prevented him adding a fourth. A great win for Reading and another crucial three points won. De La Cruz, Hunt and Sidwell were superb, but it was team spirit and discipline that clinched the game today. Once again I can only marvel at the way Coppell produces performances like this even with weakened squad. Warnock on the other hand has once again spent heavily on mediocre players and can't produce anything like a decent team. United looked a good bet for relegation today and I have to say I would not miss them or their manager.
Reading kicked off 2007 with a truly phenomenal performance. Having produced just one win during December, Reading didn’t just break a couple of records, they massacred them. Reading’s 6-0 victory is not only the best Premiership score of the season; it is also the best score ever at the Madejski Stadium. The last time Reading scored six goals at home was a 6-1 victory in April 1992 at Elm Park, when the victims were Torquay United. West Ham fans will not be keen to learn that Torquay finished, that particular season second from bottom of the old Third Division. A tenuous omen perhaps, but the hunger shown by Reading today was so apparent, that West Ham may consider themselves lucky to only concede six goals. The rout began in the 12th minute when Brynjar Gunnarsson nodded home a Nicky Shorey free kick. Three minutes later another header gave Reading a 2-0 lead as the forehead of Stephen Hunt connected with Steve Sidwell’s cross to beat Robert Green in the West Ham goal. West Ham were clearly in disarray. Their confusion was illustrated by the third goal of the game, yet another header beat Green, but this time it was of his own defenders who did the damage; Anton Ferdinand. Kevin Doyle grabbed his ninth goal of the season in the 36th minute after good work by both Shorey and James Harper. With the half time score sitting at 4-0 it was difficult to determine who was the most stunned; the West Ham players, the West Ham supporters or the Reading supporters. Reading’s hunger had given them a seemingly unassailable lead, but even in such uneven circumstances and with another 45 minutes still remaining the eternal pessimist in me still reared its ugly head. There really was no need. Reading scored a fifth goal in the 53rd minute courtesy of in form Leroy Lita, who shod in his now familiar yellow boots has got three goals in three games and has clearly found some top flight form at a very crucial time. Kevin Doyle will also be pleased to say that he too has returned to the form that we know he is capable of. Doyle collected his tenth goal of the season with the fourth headed goal of the match; Nicky Shorey was yet again the supplier, this time from a corner.
Reading's confidence and status continues to grow with yet another fine home performance. The winning goal came from the prolific Kevin Doyle after thirty-four minutes following a move of true Premiership quality. It gave Reading a deserved three points against a team regarded as one of the stronger and more established clubs in the division. Reading played the more enterprising and controlled football throughout. Bolton's direct approach was nowhere near subtle enough to trouble Reading in their current run of good form. From the outset Reading played with a fluidity and confidence that has grown with their recent success. Bolton gave the Reading defence a few problems in the air with Davies winning a fair share of long clearances from Jaaskelainen. Nolan threatened with some well timed runs from midfield but Hahnemann was rarely troubled. Harper shot narrowly wide from outside the area on four minutes as Reading put the visitors under pressure. Several promising situations ended with a loose final pass. With Little missing through injury Oster seized his opportunity to make his mark with an outstanding first half display on the right of midfield. He looked assured in possession, passed the ball superbly, and was full of energy. Ingamarsson had a good chance to open the scoring when he was first to meet an Oster corner at the near post but the ball was deflected over. Reading's goal came about when Storey slipped past his marker and switched the play to the right with long ball to Oster. Oster's close control and shimmy gave him the space for a beautifully flighted cross to the far post where Doyle had pulled away to meet it with a carefully placed header back across the 'keeper just inside the post. The main source of entertainment in the remaining period up to half time cane from Kingsley as he imitated Diouf's pathetic dive which the referee correctly ignored. The second half was fast and open. Bolton pressed forward more frequently and Reading absorbed their pressure and broke out with some intelligent and controlled football. It was good to watch. Hunt wriggled past his man to set up Oster with a good scoring opportunity but he lost composure and hoofed over by some distance. At the other end a scramble in the box gave Nolan a sight of goal but he dragged his shot wide. Shorey looking very assured, and getting forward frequently into good positions, hit an excellent shot just over from outside the box. As time ticked away Bolton became more desperate and supplemented their main ploy, the long throw, with some over robust challenges which might have earned more yellow cards than they actually received. Davies and Nolan were the main culprits. Lita came on for a weary looking Seol and won headers with some amazingly high and well-timed leaps. He almost finished Bolton off when he beat the offside trap and hit a great low shot which was well saved. Bolton continued to bombard Reading with long throws and Jaaskelainen even joined the last desperate onslaught. The Bolton 'keeper capped his performance with a foul on Hahnemann as he attempted to throw the ball upfied towards the unguarded net. The booking was seen as lenient by many but probably fair.
Reading temporarily went sixth in the Premiership table with their third straight league victory against ten man Fulham. Bolton, who kicked-off later and defeated Arsenal to go back above Reading, visit the Madejski Stadium on Saturday as Reading look to continue their phenomenal season so far. Reading's latest victory saw them draw level on points with Arsenal and stay ahead of both Everton and Liverpool who are immediately below Reading in the table. Happy days. Fulham were effectively defeated by a single combined incident not long after the quarter of an hour mark. Reading were already building on a very solid start that could have seen an early lead when a Little cross nearly found it's target at the far post. Little was involved again for the decisive moment when his ball to Harper saw a through ball leaving Doyle to run at goal. Pearce, the last defender, ran alongside Doyle but couldn't keep up and ended up swinging his leg through Doyle to conceed an obvious penalty. The referee had no choice but to give a straight red card and give Reading an early advantage. Doyle stepped up, the keeper went the wrong way, and Doyle's low spot-kick was to be the winning goal. Fulham had a chance to eqaulise when a decent header saw Hahnemann made a good save. Down the other end Reading nearly doubled the lead after an excellent cross caused panic in the defence and the ball was flicked over the bar for a corner. After a lively start from both sides Reading were keen to hold the lead - even more so after Sidwell and Little were both forced to leave the pitch with injuries during the first half. Reading were happy to hold back and hang onto the lead and a few mistimed passes going forward saw us fail to build on the lead. Before the break Hahnemann needed to make a save from a header on-target and Ingimarsson made a perfect tackle as it looked like both sides were playing with ten men. The home side also made a bright start to the second half and had a penalty appeal of their own turned down, before Reading regained their composure to lock Fulham out. The better chances of the second half then fell to Reading. Substitute Oster, who had replaced Little in the first half, had two chances to seal the win - putting one over the bar from close range after a Seol cross and then narrowly failing to connect with a low cross. Reading were good value for their win despite not making full advantage of the extra man. A tidy enough performance at a very difficult venue to take deserved points that add to an ever growing total.
Reading took all three points this afternoon as they comfortably defeated Charlton 2-0. Seol Ki-Hyeon opened the scoring on 18 minutes, and his header from Nicky Shorey's lovely cross was just one of a number of excellent moves that Reading put together in the opening period. Glen Little and Stephen Hunt went close just before the break, and Reading stayed on top for most of the second half, with the Addicks rarely getting forward. Kevin Doyle had been unable to score from a couple of one-on-ones, but he finally had his goal on 72 minutes when he prodded home from Steve Sidwell's miskick. Overall it was a game in which Reading were rarely tested. Les Reed's bottom-of-the-table team were well beaten by a Royals side that were in the ascendancy over the pitch.
Reading showed great character to come from a goal behind and earn a hard-fought victory over Tottenham this afternoon.
Robbie Keane's penalty gave Spurs the lead, but Nicky Shorey's 25-yarder and a goal from Steve Sidwell put Reading 2-1 up at the interval.
The second half was a cagey affair, and sub Jermain Defoe missed an excellent chance to equalise as he shot wide on the turn.
From the resulting goal kick Spurs were made to pay, as it went long to Kevin Doyle, who turned home well for 3-1.
Both teams then hit the post in the closing stages, and Reading were good value for the win
As of today, we have picked up maximum points against the teams who are currently in the bottom half of the table. If that isn't cause for something more than just blind optimism I don't know what is. M'boro, Man City, Sheff Utd, West Ham, Spurs. 5 games, 15 points.
never liked the paper but has gone up in my admiration after this article ...
Now vintage Mourinho is a cheap whine By Jim White
You may have seen those posters featuring Jose Mourinho advertising a sleek new brand of mobile phone. If Mourinho is endorsing it, one of the features of the device, presumably, is a low, irritating whine emitted in lieu of a ring tone. When the Chelsea manager first arrived in this country, he was a delightful addition to the Premiership's cast of characters. His press conferences were a command performance, his post-match interviews full of playful asides and sharp observations. He was not only —according to those who judge these things — significantly more physically attractive than many of his peers, he seemed a funnier, more interesting man. When he was on television, he held the attention. Frankly, we couldn't get enough of him. Not any more. These days the moment his face appears, you are overwhelmed by the sour whiff of paranoia oozing out of the screen. Referees, opposition players, FA officials, the media, rival managers: none of them have been spared his endless complaining. This week has been the culmination of a period in which he has been more chippy than Mrs Abramovich's divorce lawyer, forever muttering darkly about conspiracies, convinced that the world and its local NHS trust is combining to do him down. (link)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has criticised the time it took for an ambulance to arrive for Petr Cech after the goalkeeper fractured his skull. Mourinho claimed it took 30 minutes to get Cech from the dressing room to an ambulance at Reading on Saturday and was upset he was taken in a wheelchair. However, a South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust spokesman told BBC Five Live that it took seven minutes. He also said a Chelsea doctor had made the decision not to use a stretcher. Chelsea want the Football Association to look at that challenge, and both the Premiership champions and Reading issued statements on the matter on Tuesday. We believe there are serious questions that warrant further investigation by the relevant authority "Chelsea Football Club will be submitting a letter to the Football Association over the next few days regarding a number of issues that arose from the match at Reading last Saturday," said a statement from Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. "We can confirm that questions regarding the two tackles on Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini, and the medical procedures to treat the injuries sustained by our players, will be in the submission. "We have not prejudged the outcome of this submission and Chelsea FC want to stress that we will be asking the FA to look into these issues. "But we believe there are serious questions that warrant further investigation by the relevant authority." But BBC Radio Five Live sports news correspondent Gordon Farquhar reported on Tuesday that the local NHS Trust has disputed Chelsea's version of events. "We understand from the ambulance trust it was Chelsea's doctor who asked for the ambulance to be called when he realised Cech's condition was perhaps more serious than may at first have been the assessment," Farquhar said. "At 5.45pm it was decided that an ambulance should be called. It arrived at 5.52 - seven minutes after the call was made - and at 11 minutes past six he was in hospital. "So 26 minutes after the call was made to the ambulance, he actually arrived in hospital."
You were on TalkSport around 6:30 last night, and in one very well spoken statement you conveyed every sentiment that I and many others have been feeling about Chelsea and Hunt-gate since Saturday. I hope you'll forgive the following attempt to paraphrase your oh-so-eloquent comments for those that missed them. It went along the lines of, "If Chelsea are demanding an FA investigation into the Hunt/Cezc incident then we'd welcome it, but why not widen the investigation to include the diving, the haranging of the ref, the holding of the ball in the technical area and the incitement of the fans after the match, all carried out by Chelsea" Those who didn't catch the call will also have missed the responses from Mickey Quinn ("of all the fans around the country who call this program, none are as eloquent as Reading fans"), and Adrian Durham ("You Chelsea fans who always complain about how much you are despised around the country, watch that Reading game in full and you'll find out why") I don't think I've ever been so proud to be a Reading fan as I got home last night - thank-you.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech (Cudicini 5); Ferreira, Bridge, Boulahrouz, Terry (c); Essien, Lampard, Mikel; Robben (Kalou 82), Shevchenko (J Cole 63); Drogba Subs: Carvalho, Wright-Phillips Booked: Terry Sent off: Mikel (two bookings)
Ref: M Riley Ref: 24,025 Reading were somewhat unlucky to lose a scrappy game 1-0 to Chelsea this evening, with Ivar Ingimarsson's own goal separating the two teams. The first half saw Chelsea on top in terms of possession, and both teams hit the woodwork, with Kevin Doyle rattling a post and Ingimarsson heading against his own crossbar. Reading lost Graeme Murty through injury in that first period, while Bobby Convey missed the game completely because of a knee problem. Frank Lampard's free kick took a lucky double deflection just before half time, and Ingimarsson's final touch took it past Marcus Hahnemann. Chelsea then slowed the game down after the break, but John Obi Mikel's dismissal for two yellow cards just after the hour opened things up. The numerical advantage lasted 20 minutes until sub Andre Bikey was dismissed for his second caution. The Cameroonian's second card looked a little soft, with Didier Drogba certainly fouled but Mike Riley's decision to get the book out was a little surprising. Drogba cleared off the line inside injury time as Reading looked for an equaliser, and John Terry was forced to go in goal with Carlo Cudicini dazed, and Petr Cech already off injured. There was still time for more drama as Kevin Dillon and a member of the Chelsea staff were sent away from the dugout as the Chelsea man prevented Reading from getting the ball back. In the end though Chelsea went home with a win that was perhaps more a display of their experience rather than their undoubted quality.
READING'S magnificent assault on the Premiership continued at West Ham this afternoon where a brilliant goal by Seol Ki-Hyeon after 90 seconds was enough to land a 1-0 win against former boss Alan Pardew's unhappy Hammers. By the bitterest of ironies it is a result which puts even more pressure on Pardew - a great friend of Royals' mentor Steve Coppell and who left Reading under a cloud when he went originally to Upton Park. In the Sunday newspapers it was reported that West Ham's prospective new owners were thinking of a bid to land Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, although that was probably more in hope than reality. For an hour the match was played in driving rain, but the sun eventually shone on the Royals as they mounted a massive rearguard action against all the big striking names that Pards could muster. Argentine World Cup star Carlos Tevez came and went - and so did the boisterious Carlton Cole, warned several times and eventually booked for careless use of his arms. Other Hammers went into the book, including Teddy Sheringham, who came on along with Bobby Zamora and Marlon Harewood as West Ham tried desperately to salvage the game. But the Royals held firm - thanks in part to a sensational goal-line clearance by Steve Sidwell - but they could have had a second goal in the final minute. West Ham keeper Roy Carroll had gone upfield for a corner and was still way out of position when Shane Long broke clear for the Royals. But as he prepared to shoot he was crudely chopped down by Paul Konchesky, who was let off with only a yellow card by ref Uriah Rennie.
Man Utd (4-5-1): Van Der Sar, Neville (c), Heinze (O'Shea 70), Ferdinand, Vidic; Carrick, Fletcher (Solksjaer 70), Scholes, Ronaldo, Richardson (Saha 58); Rooney Subs: Kuszczak, Brown
Ref: P Walton
Attendance: 24,098
The Royals took a point from Manchester United in a pulsating game at Madejski Stadium this evening.
Kevin Doyle's penalty gave Reading the lead on 48 minutes following Gary Neville's handball, but Cristiano Ronaldo levelled matters with a good individual goal on 73.
Steve Coppell's side would have felt very hard done by if they had not taken a point, as they put in another excellent defensive performance that maintains their unbeaten home record this season.
United enjoyed the majority of play and shots on goal, but Reading were never overrun and certainly did not look out of place against the most successful team in Premiership history.
A first half header from Ivar Ingimarsson gave Reading all three points against Manchester City this evening although the noise we made as number 13 I am sure helped. The Icelander stooped to head home Bobby Convey's 23rd minute free kick, clashing heads with Sylvain Distin in the process, but the Icelander was able to continue and play a full part in a good victory. City enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the game, but Reading defended well and also looked good on the break. Ingimarsson almost scored another, but a great save from the impressive Nicky Weaver kept him out. It was an open game, and any chance City had of taking a point was all but lost in the 80th minute when Ousmane Dabo was shown a straight red card following an aerial challenge with Steve Sidwell. The City players were very upset with referee Howard Webb's decision to send the Frenchman off. It appeared more of an outstretched arm than a full elbow, although Trevor Sinclair was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off earlier for a two-footed tackle from behind on Convey. Kevin Doyle was denied by a goalline clearance inside injury time, but it was of no concern as Steve Coppell's side earned their second win in the Premiership. Coppell's men had shown two sides to their play; defending well in the face of regular attacks, but they also looked lively going forward and it was Weaver who had to make the more important saves.
WOW! We waited 135 years for this, and didn't disappoint. What a Premiership debut!
I thought we started a little nervously, with a few individual mistakes - kicking the ball out of play, giving the ball away too cheaply, crosses being over-hit or getting blocked by the first defender. But gradually we re-found the quality we showed last season. Hahnemann might have done better for the first goal and was certainly at fault for the second, but even at 0-2 we were in the game: Schwarzer had pulled off a number of saves.
Many other teams would have folded. But this was the same squad that had played together all last year and often come from behind to preserve the 33-game run. The rest of the first half we were irresistible. Each time we went forward we looked dangerous, and even defenders such as Ingimarsson and Murty were getting forward. Our crossing got better and better. Kitson's goal was scrappy but determined, typifying our bulldog spirit. Sidwell's (off an Ingimarsson cross from the byline, no less) typified our quality. We continued where we left off in the second half - Doyle didn't make the greatest of connections from Seol's cross but kept battling, and finally got the ball away from him to Lita.
Boro had come back many times in their UEFA campaign, but we held in there. Our defense was shaky and Viduka's goal was clearly onside, but Hahnemann reverted to the rock of last season.
Reasons to be excited:
1) This was practically the same team as last year - but we showed our quality, especially going forward. Boro are normally a decent defensive team, but Schwarzer prevented it being 5 or 6.
2) Great battling spirit, our lads really fought for each other, even at 2-0 down, and didn't let off at 3-2. Right at the end, Hunt got the ball on the left and /three/ tired pairs of legs surged up the field to support.
Reasons to be cautious:
1) Our defending was pretty shaky throughout. We tended to back off any Boro player trying to dribble. Sonko left a ball for Hahnemann and Viduka should have equalized, but Hahnemann made a great save. Both Boro goals and the disallowed equalizer could have been better dealt with.
But our defenders are still adapting, and will get to top form soon; Hahnemann's second half was far better than his first.
Bring on the Villa, but until then, bask in our victory
Reading's first season in the premiership kicks off with a home game against Middlesborough.
19 Aug 06 PREMIERSHIP Middlesbrough H 23 Aug 06 PREMIERSHIP Aston Villa A 26 Aug 06 PREMIERSHIP Wigan A 9 Sep 06 PREMIERSHIP Man City H 16 Sep 06 PREMIERSHIP Sheff Utd A 23 Sep 06 PREMIERSHIP Man Utd H 30 Sep 06 PREMIERSHIP West Ham A 14 Oct 06 PREMIERSHIP Chelsea H 21 Oct 06 PREMIERSHIP Arsenal H 28 Oct 06 PREMIERSHIP Portsmouth A 4 Nov 06 PREMIERSHIP Liverpool A 11 Nov 06 PREMIERSHIP Tottenham H 18 Nov 06 PREMIERSHIP Charlton H 25 Nov 06 PREMIERSHIP Fulham A 2 Dec 06 PREMIERSHIP Bolton H 6 Dec 06 PREMIERSHIP Newcastle A 9 Dec 06 PREMIERSHIP Watford A 16 Dec 06 PREMIERSHIP Blackburn H 23 Dec 06 PREMIERSHIP Everton H 26 Dec 06 PREMIERSHIP Chelsea A 30 Dec 06 PREMIERSHIP Man Utd A 1 Jan 07 PREMIERSHIP West Ham H 13 Jan 07 PREMIERSHIP Everton A 20 Jan 07 PREMIERSHIP Sheff Utd H 30 Jan 07 PREMIERSHIP Wigan H 3 Feb 07 PREMIERSHIP Man City A 10 Feb 07 PREMIERSHIP Aston Villa H 24 Feb 07 PREMIERSHIP Middlesbrough A 3 Mar 07 PREMIERSHIP Arsenal A 17 Mar 07 PREMIERSHIP Portsmouth H 31 Mar 07 PREMIERSHIP Tottenham A 7 Apr 07 PREMIERSHIP Liverpool H 9 Apr 07 PREMIERSHIP Charlton A 14 Apr 07 PREMIERSHIP Fulham H 21 Apr 07 PREMIERSHIP Bolton A 28 Apr 07 PREMIERSHIP Newcastle H 5 May 07 PREMIERSHIP Watford H 13 May 07 PREMIERSHIP Blackburn A
93/94, Premiership Man City edged a Carling Cup tie in teeming Elm Park rain but boy didn’t they know they’d been in a game. This was a great Reading side en route to the Division 2 title and nearly two successive promotions. City took the lead against the run of play about half time, but we kept going and Quinny headed us level from all of 2 centimetres. A split-second of joy was replaced by unfamiliar terror as my feet went from under me – my first experience of a good old fashioned crowd surge! Ultimately Adie Williams went off injured and his marker Niall Quinn looped a late headed winner over Shaka. Gutted, but good times were around the corner. 
Reading kicked off 2007 with a truly phenomenal performance. Having produced just one win during December, Reading didn’t just break a couple of records, they massacred them. Reading’s 6-0 victory is not only the best Premiership score of the season; it is also the best score ever at the Madejski Stadium. The last time Reading scored six goals at home was a 6-1 victory in April 1992 at Elm Park, when the victims were Torquay United. West Ham fans will not be keen to learn that Torquay finished, that particular season second from bottom of the old Third Division. A tenuous omen perhaps, but the hunger shown by Reading today was so apparent, that West Ham may consider themselves lucky to only concede six goals. 
Reading's confidence and status continues to grow with yet another fine home performance. The winning goal came from the prolific Kevin Doyle after thirty-four minutes following a move of true Premiership quality. It gave Reading a deserved three points against a team regarded as one of the stronger and more established clubs in the division. Reading played the more enterprising and controlled football throughout. Bolton's direct approach was nowhere near subtle enough to trouble Reading in their current run of good form. 
Reading temporarily went sixth in the Premiership table with their third straight league victory against ten man Fulham. Bolton, who kicked-off later and defeated Arsenal to go back above Reading, visit the Madejski Stadium on Saturday as Reading look to continue their phenomenal season so far. Reading's latest victory saw them draw level on points with Arsenal and stay ahead of both Everton and Liverpool who are immediately below Reading in the table. Happy days. 
Reading showed great character to come from a goal behind and earn a hard-fought victory over Tottenham this afternoon.
READING'S magnificent assault on the Premiership continued at West Ham this afternoon where a brilliant goal by Seol Ki-Hyeon after 90 seconds was enough to land a 1-0 win against former boss Alan Pardew's unhappy Hammers. By the bitterest of ironies it is a result which puts even more pressure on Pardew - a great friend of Royals' mentor Steve Coppell and who left Reading under a cloud when he went originally to Upton Park. 
