COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Reading started brightly and were on the attack in the first ten seconds when Marcus Hall slipped and handed the ball to Dave Kitson but he was unable to find anyone in the box.

Stoke were clearly missing influential defender Gerry Taggart as they looked suspect in defence on a number of occasions. Wayne Thomas's short back pass nearly let Kitson in again but De Goey did well to clear the danger.

Reading continued to create chances with Stoke being limited to long balls over the top for striker Ade Akinbiyi to chase. Shaun Goater was the next to have a chance but his shot from outside the box was weak and was a routine save for Ed De Goey.

Paul Brooker was looking Reading's most dangerous player as he cut inside but was unable to slot the ball home.

The Royals then saw an effort by one of Stoke's defenders, Clint Hill come back off the bar and away. It was looking like it may be one of those days when it wont go in especially when not long after Gifton Noel Williams header came back off the crossbar at the other end.

As half time approached Reading struck. After being awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, referee Andy D'Urso let the free kick be taken early and Shorey's shot hit the post before beating De Goey and give Reading a deserved first half lead.

Half Time: Stoke City 0:1 Reading

Stoke controlled large spells of the second half with Reading limited to a few counter attacks. Akinbiyi wasted Stoke's best opportunities and it ended up costing them.

Sonko was winning most things in the air and did well to block an effort from Karl Henry. Stoke manager, Tony Pulis was clearly frustrated and made an early change in the second half bringing on ex Reading striker Carl Asaba.

And it was Asaba who created Akinbiyi with a great opportunity to put Stoke back on a level pegging but his tame header was straight at Hahnemann.

Another substitute, Steve Guppy then set up Akinbiyi but again his header was saved by Hahnemann. It was not going to be the stand in skippers day.

Steve Coppell made two substitutions late on with Bobby Convey replacing Glen Little and Lloyd Owusu coming on for Kitson

Reading could have sealed the points after a mistake by De Goey set Dave Kitson up but he was only able to fire over the bar. With only a few minutes remaining Stoke were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box but the strike went straight into the wall and was cleared.

Reading hung on and took all three points home with them and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Unfortunately events after the game did put a dampener on the result, once we receive a response by Stoke City directly we will post a message regarding the matter on the site.

Click here to see our pictures from the game

Full Time: Stoke City 0:1 Reading

Man Of The Match: Ibrahima Sonko

He may not be the best passer in the world but he gets his head in everywhere and was fantastic at the back.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

19th October 2004, Madejski Stadium, 20:00 PM Kick Off

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