From the first minute Reading dominated the game. Demonstrated with Kitson's determination to close down Tomas Repka and earn a throw-in to the Royals straight from kick off. Repka was in for another dreadful afternoon after a shocking performance at Millwall a couple of weeks back. John Salako was looking bright down the left hand side with a couple of crosses.

West Ham's best chance of the first half though came through Marlon Harewood. A clever free kick forced Jamie Ashdown into a good save. They also had a good opportunity which fell to David Connolly, he sprung the offside trap, beat Ashdown to the ball but his header went just past the post.

Alan Pardew then made a early sub bringing off Harewood who was replaced by the young Adam Nowland. Pardew stated after the match the decision was purely tactical, saying that Reading were getting too much joy down the left hand side. Harewood though was less then pleased with the decision. Reading were having enough possession without really making too many chances and as it looked like it would be goalless at half time but a mix up in the Hammers back line presented Kitson with a simple finish to put the Royals into the lead. It sent the majority of the 24,000 crowd into jubilation leaving Pardew with a lot to think about.

West Ham did look to hit back quickly but were unfortunate not to get a free kick on the edge of the box after Ricky Newman brought down Carrick just outside the box and had a penalty claim turned down.

Half Time: Reading 1:0 West Ham United

West Ham came out in the second half continuing how the finished the first. They were having plenty of possession without causing Reading any real problems. Then came another key moment in the game. it happened on one side of the pitch half way in West Ham's half. Repka reacted to a challenge by Morgan with him pushing the Royals forward away. Repka got a booking but from the resulting free kick Reading doubled the lead. Harper whipped his free kick into the box where the ball fell to Kitson who volleyed home leaving Bywater with no chance as the ball rocketed into the top corner of the goal. 

It was an important goal as Reading gave themselves a bit of breathing space in the game. By now West Ham's defence had crumbled to pieces with the whole back four having poor games. However Christian Dailly, Andy Melville and Repka played in the Premiership I will never know!

After the second goal West Ham did everything they could to force there way back into the game but in the final third they were simply not good enough. Pardew then made another substitution by bringing on Brian Deane who replaced David Connolly which again did not go down well especially with the Hammers supporters. Don Hutchinson also came on for his first game in 15 matches to replace Melville. Hutchinson was close to getting one goal back but his shot from point blank range was well blocked from a Royals defender.. 

After the couple of minutes that were added on the ref blew up and Reading recorded a massive victory in their search for a Play Off spot. After all the hype of Pardew's return the team proved why his decision was the wrong one.

Full Time: Reading 2:0 West Ham United

Man Of The Match: Dave Kitson -  Was simply brilliant, scored twice won the ball in the air, passed well and got back and tackled. 

Ref Watch: Considering what was at stake and all the build up to the game, Mr Joslin did well

Next League Match

Bradford City vs Reading

Bradford And Bingley Stadium (Valley Parade), 10th April, 3:00 PM Kick Off.
For ticket information regarding this game - Click Here