It's Round and It's White
Reading came into the game in great form, winning the last six and only conceding one goal in those matches. This time they entertained a Portsmouth side on not so good form. Currently struggling at the bottom of the table, they had lost six of their last nine games. There was one change to the Royals side that beat Millwall on Saturday, as Shaun Cummings came into the side, replacing the injured Matthew Connolly.
Reading started the game brightly and Kaspar Gorkss had a diving header sent just wide but the usual banter with Portsmouth was out between the fans, as the club being in administration was played on. However Reading then scored after some good pressure and it was Noel Hunt that got the goal.
The goal came after some wonderful work on the right by Jason Roberts as he made space for himself on the wing and put in a great cross to which was met by the head of Noel Hunt and the header flew past the Portsmouth ‘keeper.
It was then pretty easy for Reading for the remainder of the half as they played the ball about without really having many chances. The only real chance was Jason Roberts nearly getting through on goal but an offside flag denied him the chance to go and have a shot. There was then a period of keep ball from Reading as Portsmouth themselves offered very little going forward, with Greg Halford’s throw being their only real danger.
The second half was a much scrappier affair than the first half as both Reading and Portsmouth switched off and neither team really took control of the game. Reading fans got a little restless at times with their sides inability to hold onto the ball for prolonged periods of time and there were occasions where Portsmouth looked dangerous going forwards.
The game got so boring at times that the Portsmouth fans celebrated fake goals and pretending that they were winning away from home. Nice to see them optimistic, even when they are in such a horrible situation.
However the most Federici had to do all game was just simply catching the ball for certain crosses. Reading on the other hand also had some chances with substitute Le Fondre coming into the game straight away as he nearly hit the back of the net with his first touch. Alex Pearce also went close with a header but in the end it was just the one goal Reading needed to defeat Portsmouth.
Reading are now in a great vain of form, getting their 7th straight win and looking solid, without being at our best. Tough game against Leicester awaits which will be a completely different opposition. However confidence is high in the Reading camp and all we can do is keep believing in the players. Which we certainly do.
