| Competition | Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| U-19 League | Saturday, 27th October (11am) | Bristol City | Away | Drew 3-3 |
Match facts:
Reading goals: Jason Awbery, Scott
Williams (2, 1 penalty)
Assists:
Opposition goals:
Half-time: Bristol City 3 Reading 2
Gamebreaker:
Attendance:
Reading line-up: Simon Cox,
Declan O'Hara, Ricky Allaway, Callum Earl (Gary Middleton, 80
minutes), Nathan Stamp (Steven Laidler, half-time), Ryan Maxwell
(Louie Soares), Matt Birnie, Jason Awbery, Scott Williams,
Matthew Hopton, Joey Alcott
Subs not used:
Reading yellow cards:
Reading red cards:
Match report:
By a guest reporter:
Reading came up against another side with a handful of pros, and because they played the first twenty minutes as if they were still on the coach found themselves two goals down. After five minutes the first came as a result of Ricky Allaway and Declan O'Hara leaving a through ball to each other, whilst Simon Cox was also not awake. The forward raced goalwards, Cox raced from his area to challenge but could only divert the ball sideways and Bristol's Laing scored from the rebound. The second came as Nathan Stamp was outpaced on Reading's right and the cross was controlled by May who fired into the top corner.
Reading finally woke up, and Jason Awbery scored a fine goal from a Joey Alcott pass, then almost immediately Bristol scored again when a poor header from Stamp fell straight at the feet of Wilson who made no mistake. Reading were still making defensive errors and Cox had to be brave to deny Laing a second goal. Against the run of play Reading got a second when Alcott was tripped in the box, Scott Williams coolly slotting home the penalty.
In the second half Reading pushed forward and spent long periods in Bristol's half, in doing this leaving themselves open at the back but Cox redeemed himself for his part in the first goal by being totally dominant, countless times racing outside his box to just clear from forwards and twice making good one v one saves.
The referee then made the strangest decision I have ever seen. Bristol broke down Reading's left and curled the ball into the box 10 yards out, Cox bravely punched clear but fell to the ground injured. Play then continued with Cox lying motionless for fully 90 seconds with all players and spectators alike calling for the ref to stop play. Amazingly the ball fell to the feet of a Bristol player who, unmarked and with Reading players bending over Cox, rolled the ball into an empty net - upon which the referee blows for a free kick to Reading. He did not have a clue. Luckily Cox, after lengthy treatment, had only bruised ribs and a bloody nose. With time running out Steven Laidler, a late substitute, crossed and Williams scored his second with a deft flick.
Reading did not play well but once again showed the resolve and spirit that Kevin Dillon has given his side. Once again Matt Birnie was outstanding along with Cox who in the second half especially was imperious. Not one of Reading's better days, but they came home with a point.
Match notes:
Matthew Hopton is a trialist from Watford.
Match preview:
None.
Ticket information:
None.
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