We Never Play Our Best At Reading


By Tranzic
August 29 2005

I was hoping for a match report that wouldn't follow any bad news, which is exactly what has happened with the news about Hyde and Thomas.

Before I get into the performance here's hoping Micah can make a quick recovery and wish Wayne all the best.
 
SO I have never missed a game at the "wow look at the legroom" stadium since we first played there and Andy Payton scored the first ever opposition goal. Therefore I feel I am qualified to point out that nothing ever seems to change for us there! Bar 1 game (3-0 shh) we have drawn the lot and each game has been somewhat boring at times. Reading never seem to play any decent football, although there fans always seem to think they are brilliant, and we never seem to play our best either.
 
The team was unchanged on the pitch and the bench signifying SC had decided to appeal against Thomas' red card on Saturday. Reading kicked off with us playing away towards the home end.
 
We seemed to start quite brightly and certainly Reading were not looking like the top of the table outfit they are meant to be. And then all of a sudden a ball over the top lands on Leroy Litas foot and lobs Coyne. I was sure it was blatant offside, but the video screen clearly showed Duff playing him on. Not for the first time this season, we are 1 down and the defence are shouting at each other. You hope now that this will wake us up and spur us on? Contrary to SC's press conference following the game, it didn't and to be honest I thought we lacked any pace or effort. Reading were much sharper, quicker to the ball, quicker off the ball and quicker on the ball. I was thinking toward doing this report but I honestly cannot think of anything worth noting, apart from I thought, as I have said, we were very lethargic. Then, all of a sudden, as we are used to by now, Ade gets the ball turns the man and buries it. 1-1. They kick off and we are now spurred on, we attack, we get to the ball first and look like we want to be here. Another ball gets put towards Ade, the defender gets a foot in, Ade would have put it in with the keeper if it had got through! Then seconds later, good build up, Ade gets the ball in the area, turns and shoots a rocket towards the goal. It just missed and goes over the top. A good end to a fairly dour half and 15 minutes to look forward to us taking the game on.
 
As per Derby, we came out, kicked off and immediately looked much more up for it. A lovely move down our left sees Graham Branch get the ball on the edge of there box and just as he's about to cross gets took out. Free kick, ball over, close. Looking good and even the much quieter than normal Burnley fans are now making a noise. Next thing Reading break and come close. End to end stuff. Unfortunately this is where the game seems to peter out again for me! Maybe it's the result and the drive home but I do not remember anything worth getting that excited about and started to notice our players as individuals more, with several important mistakes. Before I finish with this breakdown of our players I will mention the two main incidents towards the end. Firstly Wayne Thomas. Having been battered and bruised for most of the game including a head injury with a big white patch on it and the 4th official checking his shirt for signs of blood (!) he is involved in the only bad decision I think the ref made today! Little falls backwards on the ball, there is no doubt about it, in doing so Thomas takes a tumble and Little lands on him. Free Kick to Reading!!!!!!!!!! We know the result. And finally Gareth O'Connor and his red card. I hope we fine him! It is obvious the Reading player is going to let the ball go out, and in fact it was out, when Gareth decides to take a kick at him on the side of his right leg. I immediately turned to the guy beside me and said he's off! He was. It was silly and maybe showed his tender years? Whatever, he should be fined for putting us even more under pressure.
 
Well after my long rant let me give you some opinions on our players today.
 
Coyne - did what he had to when he could, some good and brave saves from crosses. 1st goal nothing he could do and 2nd I didn't see well enough to comment!
Duff - I was a fan of Duffs last season, so far this season he is definitely not fit. I hope so because at times today he was well behind the pace of the game and made several mistakes resulting in play breaking down or giving the ball to the opposition.
Thomas - Good solid game, but how unlucky has he been this season!
McGreal - Again solid, but you can his frustration with the rest.
Harley - First time I noticed him was having been completely stuffed by Little! He had a much better second half and started to link with Branch a bit.
Branch - Like Harley, didn't feel he had the best first half but he had a better second half. He seems more confident but I'd have McCann in his place.
Hyde - Very busy in the middle. Never seemed to stop running. But all alone most of the time.
J O'Connor - I was disappointed in him today. We definitely need a big midfield general!
G O'Connor - Did ok but not a winger in my opinion. Also the red card was stupid and hopefully he'll learn from it.
Noel-Williams - He seems to limp when he walks, he never bothers running and moans every time the big ball gets to him and he messes it up. Not impressed today at all.
Akinbiyi - This man never ceases to amaze me. Not since Andy Payton have I enjoyed watching a Burnley front man so much. His control is superb and his runs/turns are brilliant. Massively disappointed at the end and you felt sorry for him. If all the other 10 gave his energy and want for a win we'd never lose!
 
Subs
Spicer - Short appearance really but I'd have him in instead of J O'Connor at the moment. Looked up for it and made some nice moves, challenges and passes.
Lowe - Looked solid in the few minutes he had making some god tackles and blocks. Get him signed up for the season after Wayne's injury!
 
Reading 2 Burnley 1
 
 
Thank you Tranzic for that report, if you would like to write a match report, please get in touch.

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