Reading 0:1 Norwich City
Madejski Stadium
12th April 04
Attendance: 18,000

Match Report

Steve Coppell yet again changed the Royals team after the awful performance at Bradford City on Saturday. Nicky Forster started a Royals game for the first time since January, replacing Dean Morgan. Steve Sidwell made a welcome return to the heart of the midfield in place of Ricky Newman who picked up an injury and did not feature at all in the Royals squad. Andy Hughes continued to occupy the left back position where he had been playing well. 

This game would prove to be crucial in Reading's hunt for a Play Off spot and Norwich nearly scored after just five minutes when Darren Huckerby's shot whistled just past the post. A stark warning to the Royals back line as to what the former Manchester City forward is capable of. The 18,000 crowd which would have probably been a lot more if it was not for it being live on SKY and the strict regulations on selling tickets for the game made plenty of noise in the first half. As they were competing to out sing Norwich fans who completely sold out the whole of the South Stand which was kitted out in yellow.

Reading though gave as good as they got as they made Robert Green make some good saves to stop the Royals from opening the scoring. Steve Sidwell so nearly scored as he went through but another good save by Green meant Reading had to settle for a corner. It was easy to see why Green was given a call up to the full England squad.

Norwich's movement and passing was very impressive but they were unable to really create any more chances in the first half with Mattias Svenson being kept quiet. Reading had several other chances to score but were unlucky in front of goal. At half time they went in all square.

Half Time: Reading 0:0 Norwich City

Coppell made one change at half time with top goalscorer, Shaun Goater replacing the injured Paul Brooker. Nicky Forster moved out to the left wing where he was so effective when coming on at Bradford on Saturday. The second half was similar to the first. Norwich were playing nice football without testing goalkeeper, Jamie Ashdown. It was Reading looking the more dangerous going forward. 

As the half went on The Canaries were coming more and more into the game and looking more dangerous going forward. After a nice little move down Reading's right hand side Francis was left with a great chance but Ashdown saved well to deny the player. Norwich were taking control now and were putting in enough crosses but Ashdown was claiming with confidence and keeping the Division One leaders at bay.

The game was heading for a draw, which on reflection would have been a fair result. Though what followed I have certainly never seen before. As a Reading player was heading the ball out of the box it hit the ref which gave a chance to Phil Mulryne which he took well and handed Norwich all three points. All game the referee's positioning was poor. The point that Reading would have surely got from the game if the event had not happened could prove very important come the end of the season especially with it being so tight for those Play Off places.

Reading were unable to muster up anything with the seven odd remaining minutes and Steve Coppell was clearly gutted at the end of the game. After a Easter weekend to forget it looks as if Reading's chances of a Play Off place may well be over, although you never know with Football. 

At least West Ham lost again!

Full Time: Reading 0:1 Norwich City

Man Of The Match: Most of the Reading players did well. John Salako did well playing on both sides of the flanks and Murty had a decent game. Wile Kitson yet again got stuck in and caused problems. 

Ref Watch: His positioning all game was poor as he was in the way a number of times. Though assisted with Norwich's late winner and will never be liked with Reading fans again. Came out and publicly apologised after the game but that's no consolation for Reading as their Play Off chances now look dead and buried.

Next League Match

Reading vs Crewe Alexandra

Madejski Stadium, 17th April, 3:00 PM Kick Off.
For ticket information regarding this game - Click Here