Steve Coppell was forced into one change from the team that played so well in the win over West Ham last Saturday. Captain, Adrian Williams came back into the team after injury to partner Ingimarsson at the back. Andy Hughes continued at left back with Ricky Newman this week playing in centre midfield. Dave Kitson and Dean Morgan continued upfront. 

Bradford started much the brighter. Nicky Summerbee in particular was causing Andy Hughes and Reading problems down the left wing. Reading had to soak up plenty of early pressure from the Bantams who were looking to keep their slim chances of surviving the drop alive. They were certainly not playing like a team near the bottom of the table.

It was not long before the Bradford fans had a goal to celebrate. It came from a corner but the goal did surround some controversy. The corner was whipped into the box and managed to find the head of Captain, David Wetherall whose header was too powerful for Jamie Ashdown. The Reading players were furious after apparently Dean Windass bit Ivar Ingimarsson on the arm as the ball was going into the box. Now we all know Windass is not the slimiest of footballers we have ever seen but surely he could have waited till at least half time before having a snack.

The goal stood and it was a set back for the Royals. Reading didn't improve much after the goal and Bradford could have easily had doubled their lead if it was not for some good goalkeeping by Ashdown. Reading's best outlet was Dean Morgan who was causing a few problems with his pace but on a number of times his final ball was not good enough. Though unexpectedly Reading got an equaliser and it was worth waiting for. John Salako's ball into the box was looking like drifting over Kitson but he produced a stunning over head kick and the ball flew in to the top corner of the goal. It was Kitson's third goal in two games and he was quickly repaying the fee the Royals paid for him.

After the goal neither team really created much and went in at half time honours even.

Half Time: Bradford City 1:1 Reading

Bradford City made one change at half time bring on Lewis Emmanuel in place of Danny Cademateri who looked like he picked up and injury towards the end of the first half. Again Bradford started the better in the second half and it was not long before they were back in the lead. Paul Brooker's sloppy pass let in Michael Branch whose pin point cross found the head of the substitute and put the relegation candidates back in the lead.

It gave Reading a major task in getting the three points that they needed from a game which on paper was the easiest out of all the fixtures remaining. Though the Royals were given a lifeline when only five minutes later, ex Royal, Branch was shown a second yellow for diving in the area. The home fans were up in arms over the decisions but were much happier when Ivar Ingimarsson was shown a red only minutes later.

It was just after the first red when an off the ball incident occurred between the Icelandic and Windass. Windass went down and after consulting the linesman the referee gave Ingimarsson a straight red. Reading players were furious and the Icelandic's face when working into the tunnel said it all. Tensions were running high and Steve Coppell made some changes to try and drag Reading back into the game. Dean Gordon made his first appearance in a Reading shirt, replacing Ricky Newman and Nicky Forster made a welcomed return in place of John Salako. Not long after Shaun Goater was also bought on. Forster played down the left hand side of midfield and looked very dangerous as he cut inside a number of times.

Reading though could just not get a goal as the ball was cleared off the line and a number chances missed. So it finished with Royals slipping up and missing the chance of going into the Play Offs. There were also an incident that occurred in the tunnel at full time with Kevin Dillon involved. It was reported by a number of people that Dillon actually punched a steward. If true then there is sure to be some punishment involved. Though the stewarding was dreadful throughout the game towards both sets of fans!

Full Time: Bradford City 2:1 Reading

Man Of The Match: Dave Kitson -  Was again Reading's best player on the pitch. The former Cambridge man is looking a bargain buy and scored a terrific goal and worked hard for the team. 

Ref Watch: Neither team were happy with his performance. Sent off two players, Michael Branch for diving and Ingimarsson for violent conduct. Though it turned out he got the wrong man. Says it all really.

Click Here to view our pictures from the Bradford & Bingley Stadium

Next League Match

Reading vs Norwich City

Madejski Stadium, 12th April, 5:35 PM Kick Off.
For ticket information regarding this game - Click Here