| Competition | Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| Nationwide League Division 2 | Tuesday, 20th November (7.45pm) | Tranmere Rovers | Home | Won 4-1 |
Match facts:
Reading goals: Neil Smith (25
minutes), Nicky Forster (38 minutes), Nicky Forster (61 minutes),
Darius Henderson (91 minutes, in second half injury-time)
Assists: Nicky Forster, Adi Viveash, Nicky Shorey, Jamie Cureton
Opposition goal: After 77 minutes
Half-time: Reading 2 Tranmere Rovers 0
Gamebreaker: The sending off of a Tranmere player after 21
minutes
Attendance: 9,007
Weather: Clear
Referee: Rob
Harris (Isle of Wight)
Reading line-up: 1 Phil Whitehead;
2 Graeme Murty, 23 John Mackie, 5 Adi Viveash, 28 Nicky Shorey;
11 Andy Hughes (14 Sammy Igoe, 86 minutes), 6 Kevin Watson, 16
Neil Smith (15 James Harper, 29 minutes), 29 John Salako; 10
Nicky Forster (24 Darius Henderson, 86 minutes), 12 Jamie Cureton
Subs not used: Jamie Ashdown, 7 Anthony Rougier
Reading yellow cards: John Mackie (foul, 21 minutes), Nicky
Forster (foul, 34 minutes)
Reading red cards: None
Match report:
Match notes:
The starting line-up was exactly the same as the last League game against Bristol City. This was Reading's eighth win in nine games (six out of seven in the League), and the fourth successive League win.
Match preview:
This is the first time for a while that we've played against Tranmere Rovers, following their relegation from Division 2 last season. After a dodgy start, including a performance at Brentford so bad that the Chairman refunded fans for having to watch such rubbish, they have put some reasonable results together to be lurking just outside the play-offs. Recently, they have also brought in a couple of signings, and that appears to have given them the same sort of lift that Kevin Watson and John Salako provided at Reading.
There's no doubt that their danger man is Jason Koumas in midfield, who has attracted interest from Division 1 clubs this season, although the only actual bid for him was at the start of the season, valid for only a short while and full of clauses designed to ensure that very little money would be paid upfront. Stuart Barlow, their forward who made a guest appearance at our play-off semi-final away to Wigan Athletic last season, apparently has not travelled down with the squad. Tranmere typically play 4-4-2.
Despite teletext statements that Alan Pardew will try to play the same starting eleven as Saturday, I think it is certain that Watson and Salako will replace Joe Gamble and Alex Smith. Also, in defence Adrian Whitbread is now doubtful, allowing a possible return for John Mackie. Barring late injuries, I can't see any other changes being likely.
Tramere have inflicted a few defeats on us on the last occasions we have played them. Oddly enough, their fans still talk about gaining revenge over us, with the 1995 play-off semi-final defeat the result uppermost in their minds. They are unlikely to attack us in the way that Bristol City did, meaning that Reading will have to look to make the forward moves rather than relying on counter-attacks.
However, with seven wins in our last eight games, Reading should be confident enough to play some decent football, and playinf decent football will be good enough to secure another three points.
Ticket information:
Prices and details are the same as for standard home games, and are available here.
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