COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Les Ferdinand made a welcome return to the starting line up after injury with Ricky Newman maintaining his place in the centre of midfield and Bobby Convey yet again having to settle for a place on the bench as Andy Hughes occupied the left wing.

Reading started the brighter side with Craig Levein's Leicester side slow to get going. And with Readings first real shot at goal Nicky Forster gave the home side the lead. Good link up play between Ferdinand and Forster created the opening and Reading's number ten fired low into the corner of the net leaving Ian Walker with no chance.

Reading failed to extend their lead and paid the price when just after half an hour of the game Gareth Williams equalised for the visitors. Good work by David Connolly created the opening and after Williams initial shot was saved the ex Nottingham Forest midfielder finished off with the rebound.

Half Time: Reading 1:1 Leicester City

Reading were forced back for large periods of the second half as Leicester went looking for a goal. Connolly was causing the Reading defence all sorts of problems and the former Reading target was unlucky when his shot from 12 yards out was well blocked by Hahnemann.

As well as being made to soak up plenty of pressure Reading were made to play the last quarter of the game with ten men when Ricky Newman was sent off for his second booking.

Craig Levein changed things around with the introduction of Mark De Vries and the former Hearts striker's pace and trickery nearly was close to giving the Foxes a late winner but Hahnemann did well to block the striker when attempting to take the ball round him.

Although Leicester did return home in the draw for the fifth round when in injury time Jamie Scowcroft popped up to give Leicester a late winner.

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Full Time: Reading 1:2 Leicester City

Man Of The Match: Marcus Hahnemann

Made a few smart saves but was powerless to stop Leicester's winner at the end.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

5th February 2005, Madejski Stadium, 3:00 PM Kick Off

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