Reading once again continued with the 4-5-1 formation which worked so successfully at Wigan a week ago. The only change in personal was James Harper who was replacing the injured Andy Hughes. Graeme Murty continued as stand in Skipper although he was doubtful after picking up an injury in the Scotland match in midweek.

Both teams started fairly well with chances falling to either team. Though it was quickly apparent that Reading were in for a difficult afternoon with Ade Akinbye and Gifton Noel Williams causing the Royals defence a number of problems. As the first half went on a Stoke goal looked more and more likely and on 18 minutes the breakthrough finally came. Ed de Goey's long kick managed to find its way past Ingimarsson it left Shorey as the last man, he was unable to get the ball away from the feet of Hoekstra who took it round Hahnemann and finished calmly into the open net. The Reading defence was all over the place with Skipper Graeme Murty having a particularly bad game, whether it had to do anything with the knock he picked up in midweek is unclear but we are sure we will find out soon. Reading were now under heavy amounts of pressure and were unable to create chances for themselves. Hahnemann made a number of good saves but could be said the be partially at fault for the second Stoke goal. It looked like Reading should have been given a free kick not far outside our own box but the ref waved play on, the ball was then switched to the other side where Hoekstra was in plenty of room and his shot beat Hahnemann at his near post. Not the first time this season that the American has been beaten at his near post. Mackie and Murty could also be blamed for the goal for not closing down Hoekstra when the ball came to his feet.
Reading were just not creating any chances, not helped by poor passing and control from a number of players.

Half Time: Stoke City 2:0 Reading

No changes at half time but Royals looked much more dangerous at the beginning of the second half. With Kevin Watson not coming to far from getting Reading back in the game. Again Royals looked light up front and needed a striker to come on and cause the City defence some new problems. Unfortunately Reading don't have such luxuries at the moment and ended up bringing on Bas Savage and Nathan Tyson with Coppel; hoping both could impress him. To be fair Tyson had a really good go but was not dangerous infront of goal.

With not long left Stoke killed the game with a third. Nicky Shorey brought down Hoekstra in the box. Hoekstra stepped up himself to complete his hatrick with a Paolo Di Canio style penalty. It added more misery to the Reading fans who had travelled so far to watch this dismal performance which was completely unrecognisable from the one last week against Wigan. Maybe it is time to give young Dean Morgan a go.

Full Time: Stoke City 3:0 Reading

Man Of The Match: There were none! Though for a Stoke fan it had to be Hoekstra.

Ref Watch: What do Reading have to do to get a official that actually watches the match and knows the rules?

Attendance:11,200

Remember to have a look at the photos taken at Stoke City's, Britannia Stadium on saturday. CLICK HERE TO HAVE A LOOK

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