COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Shefki Kuqi had earlier given Ipswich the lead but good build up from Reading led to Kitson putting Reading back on level terms.

Steve Coppell's men started brightly having plenty of possession and corners early on in the game.

Reading though gifted Town the opener with a mix of poor defending and goalkeeping.

A long ball up field looked to be dealt with by Ingimarsson but when he missed his header and Hahnemann failed to claim, Shefki Kuqi collected the ball and finished well from a tight angle to put the home team in front after just ten minutes.

Ipswich grew in confidence after the goal and were controlling proceedings with Reading unable to get a foot hold in the game.

Slowly Reading did start to look more threatening but a number of dubious offside's from the flag happy, third official meant a number of chances were ender prematurely.

Reading did manage to finally make their possession count when a superb pass from Nicky Forster threaded Dave Kitson through on goal and he finished coolly sending Kelvin Davis the wrong way to silence the majority of the 23,000 crowd.

There was some bad news shortly after the goal when Adie Williams was forced off with a hamstring injury, the Reading captain is defiantly ruled out of Saturdays match against Burnley.

Ibrahima Sonko replaced Williams in centre defence to make his first appearance for The Royals at centre back. Sonko started well with a number of good headers and tackles to give the former Brentford defender plenty of encouragement.

Half Time: Ipswich Town 1:1 Reading

Half time saw Ipswich's turn to make a substitution when keeper Kelvin Davis was forced to be replaced with rookie Lewis Price.

The game saw plenty of opportunities in the second half for either team to win the game. Although it was Ipswich who enjoyed large spells of possession.

Shefki Kuqi was continuing to be a cause of concern for the Reading backline as the Finn won everything in the air. Ipswich were also very dangerous from corners as Reading failed to cope with Town's height and strength in the box.

Reading were more then happy to play the counter attack and it so nearly paid off with a good run from Steven Sidwell produced a shot that went agonisingly past the post.

The Royals then had another chance, this time from a corner which found the head of Sonko but his powerful header went straight at Price.

Ipswich though were still continuing to come forward and a number of chances fell to the Tractor Boys. In Particular to Ian Westlake and Drissa Diallo, who fired over after being set up accidentally by Nicky Shorey.

The Royals survived two late corners to claim a draw and remain top of the Championship thanks to Watford drawing with Wigan.

Make sure to check out our pictures from the game

Full Time: Ipswich Town 1:1 Reading

Man Of The Match: Andy Hughes

Never stopped working down the right hand side. Set up a couple of chances and was unlucky with an effort in the first half.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

2nd October 2004, Madejski Stadium, 15:00 PM Kick Off

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