Reading started brightly and looked to take control of the game as The Potters were happy to absorb the pressure Reading put upon them. Reading's best opportunity came early on as Owusu who had the goal had his peril but managed to miss to the laughter of the travelling fans but to the despair of the Royals fans.

There was some bad news though as Marcus Hahnemann picked up an injury which stopped him from kicking the ball which meant Graeme Murty was goal kick taker. Hahnemann did continue though.

Royals continued to press but were just unable to put the ball past Ed de Goey's goal. Owusu had another chance but yet again was unable to test Stoke's number one. Stoke did look to counter attack when they could but were unable to really test Hahnemann who was carrying an injury. Both teams went in at the half time break honours even.

Half Time: Reading 0:0 Stoke City

Reading made no changes at the start of the second half. Though it was not long before Steve Coppell was forced in to a change as Hahnemann was unable to continue after picking up that knock in the first half. It meant that 18 year old rookie, Jamie Young made his first team debut for the Royals just as City were starting to cause Reading some problems.

When it looked like the moment when Reading would take the lead, the ball fell to Owusu but he blasted his shot over the bar to miss a hat-trick of great chances. his signalled the end of his game as he was replaced by Dave Kitson. Kitson had scored five midweek for the reserves against Aldershot reserves in there thrashing of our near neighbours. Reading did have a number of chances after this falling to Sidwell, Harper and Goater but none were unable to stick the ball in.

Jamie Young was then forced in to the best save of the game as he tipped over from ex Royal, Carl Asaba's header. The ball looked to be goal bound before Young managed to tip it over.

Steve Brooker was also bought on to replace Salako and he looked dangerous down the left wing beating his marker a number of times but was unable to pick a man out in the box. Reading ended up taking the point and keeping with the chasing pack. A couple of good points to take out of the game was a clean sheet and an excellent debut for Jamie Young who may start at Cardiff on Tuesday although Jamie Ashdown maybe recalled from his loan spell at Rushden and Diamonds.

Full Time: Reading 0:0 Stoke City

Man Of The Match: James Harper. Seems to be recapturing his best form at the most critical part of the season. Was superb again today.

Ref Watch: Surprisingly a ref which was not too bad! Made the odd decision but apart from that was good.

Next League Match

Cardiff City vs Reading

Ninian Park, Tuesday 16th March, 7:45 Kick Off - For Ticket information regarding this game please Click Here