LATEST NEWS ON 'The Royals'
November 2002
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16th November 2002 - Blades Game Off

Reading's game away to Sheffield United this afternoon was postponed due to a water-logged pitch. A new date has yet to be arranged. The Royals slip just one place to 7th in the table after the day's other results.

9th November 2002 - Rougier Seals Win

Anthony Rougier came off the bench to cap a fine Royals performance with the only goal of the game at Gillingham. In an entertaining game, Reading deservedly took all 3 points having created the better openings. After the initial 15 minutes during which Hahnemann had to deal smartly with two long range efforts, the Royals keeper was rarely troubled and only had regulation crosses to deal with. It was the visitors who looked far sharper, but found the home keeper in inspired form. He brilliantly kept out efforts from Forster and Salako, whilst Hughes had a goalbound effort blocked and another chance was cleared off the line. So the teams went into the break goal-less, but it was Reading who were gaining in confidence as the game wore on.

In the second half, it was the Royals who continued to carve open the better opportunities and Forster was again denied by a brilliant save. Fortune smiled on the hosts as a cross from Forster was almost turned into his own net by a Gills defender, and Hughes follow up was deflected wide. However, with the visitors sensing victory, Pardew threw both Rougier and Butler into the attack. Their positive approach was rewarded when Rougier pounced at the far post to poke home after a good run and cross by the ever lively Forster.

The win lifts Reading into the dizzy heights of 6th place - the 2nd highest league position in the club's 131 year history. Only during the play-off season of 1994/95 have the Royals been higher. Now the Royals face a stern test at Sheffield United next week, whom the Royals leap-frogged into the play-off positions.

9th November 2002 - Upson Blades Doubt

On-loan defender Matthew Upson picked up a serious head injury in the clash with Gillingham at Priestfield. The centre-back, who has been in magnificent form, is doubtful for the trip to Bramall Lane next Saturday.

2nd November 2002 - Royals 2 Lions 0

Reading gained their third home win in a row with a 2:0 victory over Millwall. The reputation of the visiting fans meant an early kick-off for this fixture, and the lions were still sleeping in their den as Forster gave the home side an early lead. James Harper's cross from the right should have been easily claimed by the Millwall keeper, but he held his head in his hands as he allowed the ball to sail over him for Fozzy to head home. It was just the start the Royals hoped for and they continued to play some nice football in the first half. Although the visitors were playing with 3 strikers, they rarely troubled the home defence and it was a comfortable opening 45 minutes.

After the break, Millwall began to dominate proceedings and Reading were forced to defend for most of the 2nd half. For all their territorial advantage, however, they were still finding it difficult to break down a solid Royals defence. That said, Reading did enjoy a couple of moments of good fortune, the like of which had deserted them at Preston last week. Firstly, an excellent run into the box by Harris was thwarted at the very last as Graeme Murty just managed to toe-end the ball away from the striker. Then Millwall had a golden opportunity after a smart turn in the box left the forward in acres of space with just the home keeper to beat. However, the ball just got stuck under the players feet for a moment which allowed just enough time for the defence to recover and block the shot.

The Royals were having to rely on the occasional breakaway and it was not until the dying moments that they were able to make the game safe. A free-kick on the right hand corner of the box was played square across the 'D' for the arriving Andy Hughes to fire cleanly into the bottom corner.

In truth, Millwall will probably feel that they deserved a share of the spoils after their 2nd half display, but Reading had dominated the first period and their defence was able to maintain the best defensive record in the Division.

2nd November 2002 - Newman Suspended

Ricky Newman picked up his 5th booking of the season in the 2:0 home win over Millwall. The midfielder will now serve an automatic one match suspension for the game at Sheffield United on 16th November.