COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

With Dave Kitson out injured Steve Coppell partnered Lloyd Owusu and Dean Morgan upfront for the first time this season with Glen Little returning on the right hand side of midfield. It was Wigan who started much the brighter and it was Alan Mahon who was not far away from giving the visitors the lead after coming close from a long range shot.

Wigan continued to be the more attacking with Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts both looking to recapture their goal scoring form which was the major factor in Wigan's good start to the season.

Although it was no surprise when Wigan did open the scoring the fashion in which the goal went in had a large chunk of luck. A free kick on the edge of the box after Sonko committed a foul was teed up for Mahon whose shot was being comfortably saved by Hahermann until it took a large deflection and creped inside the bottom corner.

The Royals slowly got more into the game but it was not until just before half time that they created a clear cut opportunity which found its way into the back of the net. Little did well down the wing after good vision from Harper and his perfectly hit cross was thumped home by the head of Lloyd Owusu to give Reading an underserved equaliser.

Half Time: Reading 1:1 Wigan

The goal just before half time obviously gave Reading a lift and Steve Coppell's men were looking to take the lead as they dominated large spells of the second half.

After a quiet first half Dean Morgan start to come to life and was causing the Wigan defence a number of problems. The former Colchester player was unlucky after beating three players, his shot was well saved by Filan. But it was Morgan's second effort which was Filan produce an even better save.

Though with Ellington's and Robert's pace Reading always had to be careful but the pair who are both currently suffering a dip in form were continuing their drought after missing a couple of opportunities. Ellington even nearly managing to hit the roof of the south stand with one effort!

As the home fans headed for the exits their was some late drama when the referee awarded Reading a free kick on the edge of the box. Up stepped Nicky Shorey but his effort hit the bar and went over although it did look as if Filan had the shot covered.

So it finished all square and Wigan dropped to second in the League after Ipswich won at home and Reading are fourth behind Sunderland.

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Full Time: Reading 1:1 Wigan

Man Of The Match: Glen Little

Looked the most likely to create an opening and supplied a superb cross for Owusu to head home the equaliser.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

4th November 2004, Molineux. 15:00 PM Kick Off

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