Rotherham 1:0 Reading - 1871Royals Match Report


By Matthew Grant
March 17 2005

Reading went down by a last minute goal to bottom of the table Rotherham United by somehow remained in the Play-Off places.

 
 

MILLMOOR

15TH MARCH 2005

19:45 PM KICK OFF

ATTENDANCE: 3,804

 

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

 
ROTHERHAM 1

Warne  
READING 0
 

MATCH REPORT

Rotherham recorded only their fourth win of the season and only second at home as they scored a last gasp winner to keep alive there extremely slim chances of avoiding the drop. It was yet another match to forget for the travelling Reading fans especially after the fantastic win over West Ham at the weekend. Reading looked weak at the back and looked less then convincing upfront.

Steve Coppell kept with the same team that beat The Hammers on Saturday with Dean Morgan keeping his place upfront with Dave Kitson.

The Millers started the brighter and were awarded a controversial indirect free kick on the penalty spot after Marcus Hahnemann was adjudged to have picked up a Steven Sidwell back pass. Somehow Reading survived with the shot blocked and Rotherham earning a corner. 

Reading came closest to scoring through an Ingimarsson header which was superbly saved by Mike Pollitt in the Rotherham goal and a Steven Sidwell free kick which was tipped over by Rotherham's first choice keeper.

Half Time: Rotherham United 0:0 Reading

The second half proved to be hugely frustrating for Royals fans as Reading wasted a couple of golden opportunities to take the lead. Andy Hughes was guilty of failing to score when put through. The Former Notts County midfielder shot straight at Pollitt when the whole goal was at the players mercy.  

It was easy to see why Rotherham were bottom as they failed to create any real opening, however their most dangerous player Jamal Campbell-Ryce caused Murty and the back four problems all evening with the players pace and trickery.

As the game reached it finale Reading fans were looking at the thought of only taking a point home from Yorkshire but in the last minute of injury time a long ball upfield from a free kick found the foot of Paul Warne and the Rotherham forward stabbed the ball home to send the majority of the 3,000 crowd into jubilation. Reading fans on the other hand could not believe what they were witnessing. 

So after the impressive win over West Ham, its back to square one, the only positive that can be taken is that Reading are somehow still in the top six. 

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

Full Time: Rotherham United 1:0 Reading

Man Of The Match: Ricky Newman

Was unlucky with a shot that hit the post and worked tirelessly as usual.

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

 

NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Reading

21st March 2005, Withdean Stadium 7:45 PM Kick Off *Live on SKY)

Please Click Here for ticket information regarding this game

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