LATEST NEWS ON 'The Royals'
November 2003
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  • 30th November 2003 - Sidders Late Winner

    • The Royals' first goal against Watford has been credited to Nicky Forster. The Reading forward claimed to have kicked the ball onto the head of hornets defender Neil Cox and the referee has confirmed that he will award the goal to Fozzy in his match report.

  • 29th November 2003 - Sidders Late Winner

    • Reading made 3 changes to the side that were humbled by Burnley on Tuesday night and put in an improved, though still not convincing performance.

    Mackie, Watson and Savage all came into the starting line-up at the expense of Newman, Harper and Murray. The first half was an even enounter against a Watford team that have been in excellent form. The home side probably shaded it but were again struggling to find that elusive goal. It was much the same after the break and, indeed, it took a Watford defender to open the scoring for Reading. Andy Hughes flicked the ball on in the direction of Nicky Forster but centre-back Neil Cox was first to the ball. However, under pressure from Fozzy, the Hornets defender could only watch in agony as he nodded the ball past his out-rushing keeper into an ungaurded net.

    The lead was short-lived though and the visitors wer level within a minute. A cross from the right was thunderously volleyed home by the lively Watford substitute. It looked as if the game was destined for a draw when Fozzy forced another Hornets defender into a mistake and just kept the ball in play on the goal-line. He chipped the ball across the area to Sidwell who sold a dummy before crashing the ball through a crowd of players for an unlikely winner.

    Steve Coppell has a reputation for being the luckiest manager in football and we are certainly seeing why. The Royals have yet to play well since Coppell took charge but they somehow managed to pick up another three points and climb back into the play-off places.

    Next up is the visit of big spenders Chelsea in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

  • 29th November 2003 - Knee Op For Goat

    • The curse of knee injuries that has struck the Royals this season has hit again. Now it is the turn of Shaun Goater to face a knee operation on Monday.

  • 25th November 2003 - Turf Moor Stinker

    • Reading crashed to their heaviest defeat under Steve Coppell on a night when nothing went right for the Royals at Turf Moor.

    The visitors fell behind in only the 5th minute and were unable to recover. It was Reading who dominated the remainder of the first half and they should have at least been on level terms at the break. But they were unable to force a goal, with Salako guilty of missing from just 6 yards.

    The game was as good as over just 9 minutes into the second half. Hahnemann pulled off an excellent save in the first minute but the reprieve was short lived. Just seconds later a mistake by Ingimarrson allowed Moore a chance on goal and Burnley doubled their lead. Before the Royals could take stock, a 30 yard free-kick was wickedly deflected off Chadwick past a helpless Hahnemann and it was all over. Coppell made a triple substitution on the hour, but it did nothing to lift Reading's spirits and they rarely threatened for the remainder of the game. The game descended into another bore and the hosts played out time for their first victory in nine attempts.

    A bad night was made worse with the news that even Crystal Palace managed a victory. The only small crumb of comfort is that Alan Pardew is still without a win as West Ham manager.

  • 22nd November 2003 - Baggies Stalemate

    • Reading held on to take a point at table-topping West Bromwich Albion in a dull game.

    The Sky TV cameramen must have had trouble staying awake and it was certainly no advertisement for Nationwide football. The Royals negative tactics made for a boring spectacle, but their hard graft earned a valuable point in this goal-less encounter, although the home side will be rueing a string of missed opportunities. Reading had their fair share of possession, but never looked like troubling the Albion goal. The visitors only effort of any note came from a long range effort by Murty that skidded wide of the far post.

    Ingimarrson and Newman both had a fine game at the heart of the Royals defence, but the visitors still needed a fair slice of luck to come away from the game unbeaten. It was certainly not the prettiest of performances, but was a good example of how Coppell wants to turn defeats into draws. Personally, I would rather stick with the old philosophy under Pardew of trying to win every game. Overall, I believe you are likely to pick up more points that way, not to mention being more entertaining for the paying public and TV viewers. But it looks as if this is what we are going to have to get used to away from home under Coppell's charge. Now the Royals travel to Turf Moor on Tuesday night for the re-arranged fixture against Burnley. Surely a more positive approach against the inconsistent Clarets is called for if Reading are to collect the victory to keep them in contention at the top of Division One.

  • 15th November 2003 - Royals Back In The Race

    • The Royals are well and truly back in the race for the Premiership following victory over the thugs from South London. Reading's 6th victory in the last 8 games moved them back up into the play-off places.

    It was a hard-earned and well deserved victory for the Royals who overcame some rough tactics by the visitors. It is hardly surprising that Millwall's fans are so dreadful when the team they watch are no more than thugs themselves. In my opinion, the Lions were fortunate not to have three or even four players sent-off and it is no wonder that Millwall are way out in front at the top of the fouls committed taable.

    The home side started the game brightly and had a great opportunity to open the scoring in the 8th minute after Nicky Shorey was 'assaulted' in the penalty area. However, Andy Hughes spot-kick was well saved by Warner in the Millwall goal. the visitors reprieve was short-lived though, as Reading continued to press the game and went in front after 23 minutes. Shaun Goater played a delightful ball out wide to the advancing Steve Sidwell. The midfielder checked his run and pulled the ball across to Salako who side-footed home from the edge of the area. For the remainder of the half, it was the Royals who continued to dictate play and deservedly led at the break.

    For the first 15 - 20 minutes of the second half, the game pretty much followed the same pattern. After that, however, Reading seemed content to preserve their lead and that allowed Millwall much more possession for the final 25 minutes. But the Reading defence was solid all afternoon and it never really looked as if the visitors would be able to force an equaliser.

    So reading must now travel to the Hawthorns for a tough encounter against table-topping West Bromwich Albion in front of the Sky TV cameras next Saturday evening. But with confidence seemingly restored, the Royals will be looking to maintain their recent run of form.

  • 13th November 2003 - Ashdown's A Diamond

    • Jamie Ashdown has joined 2nd Division Rushdon & Diamonds on a one month loan deal and is expected to go straight into their team for the trip to Hartlepool on Saturday. The keeper's place on the Royals bench for the home game with Millwall is likely to be taken by 18 year old Jamie Young.

  • 13th November 2003 - Captain Murts

    • With Adie Williams out for several weeks with a knee injury, right-back Graeme Murty will take over the captain's armband.

  • 8th November 2003 - Royals 1 Latics 0

    • Table-topping Wigan Athletic were sent to only their 3rd defeat of the season at the MadStad.

    A very even and intriguing affair was settled in the 69th minute by an Andy Hughes header. Royals had been awarded a free-kick on the left some 20 yards inside the Latics half. Salako swung in a perfect cross for Hughes to run in and head powerfully home. It was fine reward for hard-working Royals who had to contend with injuries and suspension. With Sidwell suspended and Mackie and Brown both missing through injury, the hosts also had to contend with losing their captain Adi Williams after only 27 minutes.

    Wigan looked a more than useful team, showing fluidity of formation by switching from 4-4-2 to 3-4-3 when in possession. But the Royals battled gamely and deserved to take the points for their efforts.

  • 7th November 2003 - Wats For Sale

    • Midfielder Kevin Watson has been placed on the transfer list following clear the air talks with manager Steve Coppell. The former Rotherham man and crowd favourite has been unhappy about only playing a bit-part. With his current contract due to end next summer, Coppell felt it would be best for everyone if the classy midfield play-maker was made available for transfer.

  • 1st November 2003 - Royals De-Railed

    • Reading slumped to a disappointing 1:0 defeat against Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road, and slip to 11th place in the Division 1 table.

    The home side took the lead in only the 15th minute and yet again Marcus Hahnemann must be questioned for his part in the goal. A neat through ball saw the American keeper start to come out and meet the striker, only to stop half-way and allow the Crewe man to easily take the ball round him and slot into an empty net from an acute angle. It was no more than Crewe deserved at that stage as the Royals started the game slowly. Gradually though, Reading began to get to grips with the game and looked increasingly threatening. However, they were unable to restore parity and went in to the break a goal behind.

    The second half was one-way traffic as the visitors tried desperately to find the equaliser. However, a combination of poor finishing and bad luck saw the hosts hang on to claim all three points. Reading will be wondering how on earth they finished up with nothing from a game that they should have been able to win.