1871 - the ultimate Reading FC website

2000/01 Reports

Reading goals: C Smith, Haddow
Attendance: 16 (but officially behind-closed-doors)

Reading line-up: Howie, Lockwood, Haddow, N Smith, Hunter, C Smith, Murty, Igoe, McIntyre (Tyson), Gray, Rougier (Campion)
Sub not used: Alcott

Report from The Scribe:

Due to the pitch condition at Farnborough, this match was switched to Sonning Lane and because there are no floodlights there, the kick-off was moved forward to 1:30pm. But that does not stop 1871 bringing you a report!

The main interest at the start of the game was that Neil Smith returned to the action, following his cheek-bone injury. Smith was wearing a clear plastic mask, wholly appropriate for Halloween so this game came just one day too late. The weather was bright and breezy with occasional squalls, which affected the quality of the game. In the first half Reading were playing against the wind, but essentially nothing happened. Neither team appeared to be making any effort to play football.

After half-time, things improved but only from Reading. With the advantage of the conditions, we created the best four or five chances of the match, and scored twice.

The first goal came from a Stuart Gray corner halfway through the half. His kick found the head of Chris Smith, who had arrived late and was able to direct his header over the keeper and high into the net. We clinched the result about ten minutes from time following a mazy run from Alex Haddow. He picked the ball up outside the penalty area and dribbled his way through the centre of the Luton defence, slotting the ball past the keeper. He rode his luck a little bit with the run but it was certainly a well-taken goal.

Overall it was a comfortable win - just to report that Tony Rougier was essentially just there for the run-out. He sensibly avoiding putting in any heavy tackles.

Home . Reserves Index

News . First Team . Opposition . Academy . Where Are They Now? . Columns . Kingsley . MadStad . Interactive . Links . Site Map