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After two international games with various members of the squad flying all over the place, we get back to league action with a home game against Cardiff and a dreaded Tuesday night fixture against the Tangerines. Both were winnable and would have secured our position for next season, but both ended up in bore draws and still leave us needing points.
Reading v Cardiff City
This week I will start with GetReading who report that the Royals failed to make the chances that that they created pay, an issue that has plagued us this season. Whilst WalesOnline say that the game had a real "end of season" feel to it and that the Bluebirds snatched a point at the end.
The Daily Mail say that whilst our FA Cup form has been impressive, our Championship form is patchy (that's being nice!) and we had full control of the game.
Following our recent globe trotting reports, Ghana Soccernet say that Kwesi Appiah missed the golden chance for a "dream" debut goal, and we threw away the win.
SkySports called Cardiff "a mediocre side" and that they snatched a draw in the dying minutes, whereas the BBC say Cardiff never offered a threat until the goal; again they mention our good cup form but woeful league form. Sportsmole say that Cardiff rescued a point and that we should have had a penalty!
Looking at the official club sites then Cardiff City say it was a "difficult match" and that they deserved a point (eh?!), and complementing that the Reading FC site say that we were "thwarted a much deserved win."
So, onto the dreaded Tuesday fixture...
Blackpool v Reading
I don't think there were many fans who would have expected us to get anything less than 3 points at a woeful Blackpool side devoid of any flair, passion and commitment, but in the end we departed Bloomfield with a point from a scrappy game.
The BBC in their match report hardly mention the game—instead focusing on the protests before the game and Blackpool's relegation!
SkySports have a similar theme although they do give us more than the two lines the Beeb did. However, they also point to two rather untroubled goalkeepers and say that apart from Pog's header at the end Blackpool had chances to grab all 3 points.
The Guardian goes one better—not even a match report, just a report on the protests prior to the game! ESPN FC carry SkySports' report, but also have some good stats.
GetReading are their usual warts and all selves, calling it a "dismal stalemate" and we got an "ugly" draw! They also call our performance "dreadful" which probably is the most correct report yet.
Looking lastly at the clubs, Reading FC say that it was a scrappy game and that the pitch didn't help, whereas Blackpool say that it was "uninspiring."
All in all, two rather disappointing displays and all eyes are on the FA Cup semi final. However, we do need to win on Saturday against Blackburn to make the last run of games a little more comfortable.