By Mark Sugar
March 12 2004

Reading welcome promotion rivals Stoke City for this clash at the Madejski Stadium. The Royals go into the match on a decent run,and will be boosted by the return of Greame Murty. City are on a brilliant run and will once again provide very tough opposition for Steve Coppell and his players.

Reading Vs Stoke City
Saturday,13th March 2004
Nationwide League Division 1
Madejski Stadium
Kick Off 15:00pm

Team News
The Royals will be boosted by the return of full back Greame Murty who has recovered from a twisted knee. The Scot picked up the injury in the 2-1 win over Sheffield United back on the 28th February and will give Steve Coppell a major boost. Murty is expected to take the place of Scott Murray, with Andy Hughes moving back into midfield.
Steve Brown still is struggling with a jarred knee injury suffered against Rotherham. Brown isn't expected to be fit for Saturday's game, but might be fit for the trip to Cardiff City.
Kevin Watson is on the verge of a comeback. He suffered a calf strain in training and like Brown hasn't played since the Rotherham match.
Lloyd Owusu will play his last game before serving a 3 match suspension for getting sent off against Preston North End. The on-loan Sheffield Wednesday striker will miss the games against Cardiff City, FA Cup Semi Finalists Sunderland and Coventry City before being back in contention for the match against West Ham United on the 3rd April.
Nicky Forster won't play any part after recent surgery on an ongoing stomach injury.
Ricky Newman returns after missing the Crystal Palace clash due to suspension.
John Salako should get the nod over on-loan Leicester City winger Paul Brooker, despite having a dispute over his contract with the club.
Nathan Tyson hasn't sealed a permanent move to Wycombe Wanderers yet but is still on-loan at the club, while Jamie Ashdown and forgotten man Joe Gamble continue at their respective clubs.
Dave Kitson and Dean Morgan are pushing for a start in the team. Kitson scored 5 goals in the Rserves 10-1 victory over Aldershot with Morgan also getting a hat-trick.

Stoke City have major goalkeeping trouble. Former Chelsea and Holland star Ed de Goey is doubtful with a knee injury. Reserve goalkeeper Neil Cutler is definitely out with a gashed ankle so Ben Foster could be handed his 1st team debut, although Tony Pulis may get in a loan goalkeeper. Apart from the goalkeeping situation, John Eustace and Lewis Neal are the other players doubtful with a back and thigh injury respectively.

KEY PLAYER FOR STOKE CITY: Peter Hoekstra

Referee: Grant Hegley (Hertfordshire)

Form Guide
The Royals picked up a 2-2 draw at Steve Coppell's former club Crystal Palace. Lloyd Owusu got both goals.
While Stoke City increased their Playoff chances with a 3-1 win over struggling Watford. Ade Akinbiyi scored 2 of the goals.

Previous Meetings
13/12/2003 Stoke City 3-0 Reading
04/05/2003 Stoke City 1-0 Reading
28/09/2002 Reading 1-1 Stoke City
23/02/2002 Reading 1-0 Stoke City
15/09/2001 Stoke City 2-0 Reading
13/01/2001 Stoke City 0-0 Reading
29/08/2000 Reading 3-3 Stoke City
06/05/2000 Reading 1-0 Stoke City
09/10/1999 Stoke City 2-1 Reading
10/03/1999 Stoke City 0-4 Reading
03/10/1998 Reading 2-1 Stoke City
04/04/1998 Reading 2-0 Stoke City
29/11/1997 Stoke City 1-2 Reading
05/04/1997 Stoke City 1-1 Reading
31/08/1996 Reading 2-2 Stoke City
20/01/1996 Reading 1-0 Stoke City
12/08/1995 Stoke City 1-0 Reading
18/03/1995 Stoke City 0-1 Reading
30/08/1994 Reading 4-0 Stoke City
10/04/1993 Stoke City 2-0 Reading
26/12/1992 Reading 0-1 Stoke City

Thanks to www.soccer-stats.com for the above information

Ticket News

Click here for the Ticket News for tomorrow's game

Division 1 Fixtures
Saturday 13th March 2004

Coventry City Vs Burnley 15:00
Derby County Vs Rotherham Utd 15:00
Ipswich Town Vs Millwall 15:00
Nottm Forest Vs Crystal Palace 15:00
Preston Vs Gillingham 15:00
Reading Vs Stoke City 15:00
Sunderland Vs West Ham Utd 15:00
Walsall Vs Wimbledon 15:00
Watford Vs Sheff Utd 15:00
Bradford City Vs Wigan Athletic 15:00
Cardiff City Vs Norwich 15:00
Crewe Vs West Brom 17:35

Thanks to www.bbc.co.uk/football for the fixture list

Anything Else
Tickets go on sale for the Away Match at Coventry City after tomorrow's game. This is for Season Ticket Holders only.

BACK THE BOYS AND MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!