Palace looked much brighter out of the blocks then Reading and had a number of early opportunities to take the lead including a header which hit the foot of the post and rebounding out to the relief of the Royals goalkeeper. Royals lacked anything in the final third with Nicky Forster yet again being marked out of the game by three Palace defenders at times and so did not have the support of his team mates.  Bas Savage was once again ineffective down the right side of midfield, why Coppell keeps deciding to play him in that position is beyond me when you have a natural right hand sided player in Murray warming the bench. Ok Murray may not be playing that well but he must be a better option down the right when we want some quality balls into the box compared with Savage. It looked like being a goalless at half time as the fans went down to the concourse to get there pie and a pint for only £4.00, yes ONLY £4.00! Though if you went down early then you were likely to miss Palace's two quick fire goals. On 40 minutes a ball over the Reading defence fell nicely to Andy Johnson who controlled and finished well passed the diving figure of Marcus Hahnermann. And before Reading could get thee breath back they fell further behind. 5 Minutes later and they were further behind good work down the wing this time and when the ball came across goal the unmarked figure of Routledge who tucked the ball passed Hahnemann.. Christmas had come early for Crystal Palace, a new manager and 2 goals up at Reading. Changes had to be made!

Half Time: Reading 0:2 Crystal Palace

Surprisingly Coppell decided to stick with the same team that played so poorly in the first half, and guess what no change. Whatever Coppell had said at half time made difference as the Royals continued to struggle against a side that could have been in the bottom three with a bad result from today's game. Though from a mutual view it could have been said that it was Palace who were seventh in the league and Reading who were fourth from bottom. Reading could just not find that cutting edge which had helped them to such a great start to the season under the guidance of Alan Pardew. Coppell finally decided to change it by bringing on Murray to replace John Mackie. New signing Dean Morgan also made a late appearance as a substitute replacing John Salako. Neither could really change Reading's dreadful performance buy Morgan gave some good signs and looked much more interest then half of the Reading team did.

Palace then added another killer punch to what was already a day to forget for all Reading fans. Another ball through the heart of the Royals defence made its way to hotshot Johnson who slotted the ball home sending the Palace fans home rather happy lifting them further away from the drop zone. The majority of Reading fans went home saving Coppell from a loud chant of booing the team firmly deserved.

Full Time: Reading 0:3 Crystal Palace

Man Of The Match: Just as bad as last week, could be seen as controversial but I am  giving it to Ingimarsson.

Ref Watch: Not too bad but his officials got it wrong a number of times.

Attendance: 12,300 - C'mon Reading fans we may be going through a rough patch but you have got to support your team!