| Competition | Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| U-19 League | Saturday, 13th October (11am) | Millwall | Away | Won 2-1 |
Match facts:
Reading goals: Louie Soares (2)
Assists:
Opposition goal:
Half-time: Millwall 1 Reading 1
Gamebreaker:
Attendance:
Reading line-up: Simon Cox, Alex
Stanley, Ricky Allaway, Callum Earl, Marcel Nugent, Steven
Laidler, Chris Davies (Simieon Howell), Scott Williams, Joey
Alcott, Louie Soares, Matt Birnie
Sub not used: Gary Middleton
Reading yellow cards:
Reading red cards:
Match report:
By a guest reporter:
Reading scored a notable success over old rivals Millwall today. This was all the more pleasing as Millwall fielded five players on pro contracts. This was an explosive encounter with numerous off the ball clashes with, it has to be said, Millwall the culprits. The game was marred by the atrocious behavior of the Millwall supporters, but more of that later.
Millwall started brightly and were on top for the first twenty minutes, but could not break down Reading's stubborn defense and so did not create any real chances. Then a moment of individual skill set Reading on their way after a period of sustained Millwall pressure. Scott Williams played a ball out of defense along the Millwall left, Louie Soares alone upfront decided to press forward and turning sharply to his left cut inside and unleashed a screamer into the top corner.
For the remainder of the half Reading dominated and should have increased their lead. They were made to pay deep into injury time. A ball along the right was played inside and C Samba pulled the ball back for May running in to meet it with a stinging half volley from ten yards out. Simon Cox made a good reaction save but the ball fell loose and Samba fired home.
The second half was much the same - end to end - but then came a passage of play that was to say the least appalling. Firstly, Cox sweeping behind Alex Stanley was caught very late but the challenge went unpunished. Then Matt Birnie took a right hander in the eye with again no punishment. Once again though Soares took a hand and scored with a snap shot. To be fair the game then became one of a higher quality and both sides could have scored, both keepers making good saves.
The match ended on a bad note though - five minutes from the end, May ran onto a through ball from Booth with only Cox to beat. Cox flew off his line and bravely saved at the striker's feet. What happened next was outrageous. The ball ran free and in the ensuing melee the striker, whether out of frustration or anger, aimed a mighty kick catching Cox full on the shin. This could have broken his leg but the referee and linesman appeared to go blind and waved play on causing another scuffle.
Sadly the controversy did not end there - after the final whistle, some Millwall supporters began threatening and verbally abusing the players and supporters. I was threatened by three lumps - I'm used to this and it was of no consequence, but then one of them accosted the officials. I know that referees in particular come in for stick and that these were no Einsteins but soon we will not have any officials if prats like these continue. However, it did not stop there - they then went on to threaten Kevin Dillon. Even with women and children present the language was appalling. They always were bad losers.
On the playing side this was the best performance I have seen from Reading who to a man were superb. Every player was outstanding, with perhaps Louie Soares the pick of the team.
Match notes:
None.
Match preview:
None.
Ticket information:
None.
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