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2002/03 Reports

Match facts:

Reading goal: Kevin Watson (61 minutes)
Assist: None
Opposition goals: None
Half-time: Reading 0 Watford 0
Gamebreaker: Final whistle
Attendance: 17,465
Weather: Spells of heavy rain
Referee: Frazer Stretton (Nottingham)

Reading line-up: 31 Marcus Hahnemann; 2 Graeme Murty, 8 Adie Williams, 29 Matthew Upson, 3 Nicky Shorey; 15 James Harper, 11 Andy Hughes (22 Nathan Tyson, 88 minutes), 4 Kevin Watson, 17 John Salako (14 Sammy Igoe, 71 minutes); 9 Martin Butler, 12 Jamie Cureton (7 Anthony Rougier, 71 minutes)
Subs not used: 21 Jamie Ashdown, 23 John Mackie
Starting formation:

Reading yellow cards: Anthony Rougier (foul, 93 minutes, in second-half injury-time)
Reading red cards: None

Match report:

To follow

Match notes:

Compared to the Gillingham game, Martin Butler and Jamie Cureton replaced the injured Nicky Forster and suspended Ricky Newman, as well as a switch from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2. Sammy Igoe and Nathan Tyson filled the gaps on the bench.

Marcus Hahnemann saved a penalty after 20 minutes.

Kevin Watson's goal was his first this season and his second overall for Reading (previous goal was a direct free-kick on 30/3/2002 away to Bristol City).

Reading's clean sheet was the fourth on the trot and the ninth in the League this season from 17 games. We have conceded 14 League goals, which is the lowest in the division.

Including last season's loan spell, Marcus Hahnemann has now played 19 League games for Reading, conceding just nine goals (and those nine include one wicked deflection plus two mishit shots). He also has 12 clean sheets in those 19 games.

Match preview:

None

Ticket information:

Prices and details are the same as for standard home games, and are available here. Note that it is unreserved seating in the North Stand.

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