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2001/02 Reports

Match facts:

Reading goal: James Harper
Assist:
Opposition goals:
Half-time: Rushden & Diamonds 1 Reading 1
Gamebreaker:
Attendance: Officially behind closed doors, unofficially 150
Weather:
Referee:
Linesmen:

Reading line-up: Simon Cox senior, Ricky Allaway, Alex Smith, Chris Casper (Andre Boucaud), AdieWilliams (Adam Campion), Phil Parkinson (Matt Birnie), James Harper, Joe Gamble, Paul Mortimer, Joey Alcott (Scott Williams), Nathan Tyson
Subs not used: None
Reading yellow cards: None?
Reading red cards: None

Match report:

By our reserve correspondent:

Reading fielded a very strong side for this hastily arranged fixture including Adie Williams, Phil Parkinson, Chris Casper, James Harper, Alex Smith, Joe Gamble, and Paul Mortimer.

Reading started as if they would demolish Rushden and had four clear opportunities in the first 15 minutes, in fact one defender clearing off the line three times with his keeper stranded. It was no surprise that after a further attack Reading scored, Joey Alcott forcing the keeper to parry and Harper slamming home the rebound.

Reading continued to create chances and Nathan Tyson should have scored twice in as many minutes. Then Rushden changed their tactics and Simon Cox, who had an armchair first twenty, earned his corn with top quality saves.

Rushden were fielding a huge Jamaican trialist and they started playing him the ball early. In the first of his efforts he played a one-two and sent a screamer heading to the top corner - everybody acclaimed a goal except Cox who flew and strongly turned the ball over for a corner. Then the tall Jamaican bullied his way past Casper and Williams to confront Cox who spread himself and blocked. This should have been a warning to Reading but they paid no heed. Chance after chance went begging, and then Rushden scored. Bailey the Jamaican trialist took the ball off Williams as he tried to chest the ball clear and fired past Cox.

Even after this Reading spurned chances, and Rushden went close again, Cox dashing from his line to head outside the area off the toe of Limes the Rushden wing-back

Half-time: 1-1

The second half began as the first ended with Reading wasting chance after chance with Tyson the main culprit. Then Brian McDermott took off Parkinson and Williams and this opened the way for numerous Rushden attacks. A cross into the box was laid back by Butler for Jones to smash in a volley that Cox did well to block with his legs, and then a free header from 15 yards had the Reading keeper again at full stretch to hold. This game was turning into end-to-end football but unfortunately it was Rushden who capitalised, Berry being set free down Reading's right to square and Limes fired home.

Tyson then wasted another glorious chance before the hard worked Cox was forced into another belter of a save, clawing out a top corner bound effort. Rushden scored their third after a corner which the keeper, who had an excellent game, should have done better with, reacting late to the second ball.

Final score: Rushden & Diamonds 3 Reading 1

Reading, with so many first teamers on show, should have walked this game with so many chances. Gamble had a good game as did Harper. Cox, trying to impress with a bench place up for grabs, was outstanding but will not have been happy about the third goal.

Match notes:

Trialist Paul Mortimer played in this game. Andre Boucaud's appearance as a substitute was his first at this level for Reading.

Match preview:

Reading announced the following line-up before the game:
Simon Cox senior, Ricky Allaway, Alex Smith, Chris Casper, AdieWilliams, Phil Parkinson, James Harper, Joe Gamble, Paul Mortimer, Joey Alcott, Nathan Tyson
Substitutes: Adam Campion, Scott Williams, Matt Birnie, Andre Boucaud

Ticket information:

This match is being played behind closed doors.

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