Reading suffer setback with defeat at Deepdale


By Matthew Grant
December 29 2004

Reading suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Preston and dropped back down to fourth in the league in the process. Poor defending was The Royals downfall.

 
 

DEEPDALE STADIUM

28TH DECEMBER 2004

15:00 PM KICK OFF

ATTENDANCE: 12,795

 

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

 
PRESTON 3

Agyemang, Hughes (O.g), Lewis  
READING 0
 

MATCH REPORT

Reading's run of three straight wins came to an abrupt end at Deepdale as Preston claimed a comfortable victory over The Royals. It was a particularly poor showing by Reading especially in defence as Steve Coppell's team fell back down to fourth in the league.

Steve Coppell named an unchanged side from the team that beat Watford two days earlier. Reading started quite well having large amounts of possession without really threatening Preston's goal.

Though it would be set pieces with would be Reading's downfall. The first goal came from a free kick given away by Glen Little on the edge of the box. And from Eddie Lewis's free kick Patrick Agyemang headed in unmarked to give Preston the lead.

Reading were just unable to respond with long balls up to Owusu and Forster proving ineffective. Not long after Preston doubled their advantage. Again from a free kick which was debatable. The ball up field was not dealt with by Ibrahima Sonko leaving Andy Hughes to head through his own net. Hughes had little choice as if he didn't make contact with the ball then Eddie Lewis behind him would of.

Reading's only real opportunity came from a Lloyd Owusu header which went wide of Andrew Lonergan's left hand post

Half Time: Preston 2:0 Reading

Bobby Convey was introduced to take the place of Paul Brooker as Steve Coppell looked for that spark to get Reading back in the game.

The second half would not get any better for The Royals as they looked to get back in the game. It was from a Reading corner that Preston counter attacked and scored their third. Agyemang again causing problems and it after his shot was saved by Hahnemann, Eddie Lewis was on hand for a simple finish to seal all three points for the Lancashire club.

Shaun Goater was bought on along with Ricky Newman as Reading looked to selvage something and they should have pulled at least one back but Nicky Forster somehow missed with an open goal from 12 yards out. Forster was later unlucky with a shot that was saved well by Lonergan. Bobby Convey also had an effort saved.

To see a round-up of all the Championship results please Click Here

Full Time: Preston 3:0 Reading

Man Of The Match: Marcus Hahnemann

Had no chance with any of Preston's goals and did make a couple of good saves.

Why not have your say on the game, visit the 1871Royals Message Board

 

NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

Gillingham Vs Reading

1st January 2005, Priestfield Stadium. 3:00 PM Kick Off

Please Click Here for ticket information regarding this game

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