Reading FC 0-0 Leeds United: Instant Reaction

Reading: Bond, Obita, Ferdinand, McShane, Gunter; Quinn (Tshibola) Robson-Kanu, Norwood (Hector), Williams; Blackman (Cox) Sa

The first league game at the Madejski ended in stalemate as both Reading and Leeds struggled to find any real rythmn or quality in the final third.

Steve Clarke made two changes from the defeat at Birmingham, bringing in Anton Ferdinand for Michael Hector and replacing Aaron Tshibola with Hal Robson-Kanu. The Welsh winger made an immediate impact driving through the midfield only to be brought down right on the edge of the box with the goal beckoning. Only a yellow was given though, and Oliver Norwood saw his free-kick sail easily into the arms of Silvestri in the United goal.

The first half was otherwise a pretty lifeless affair, with Reading's only other serious chance seeing Danny Williams snatch the ball in midfield before a woeful touch denied him a 1-on-1 chance.

Into the second period and Reading looked the brighter side but again struggled to create clear cut chances. Orlando Sa had the best of them but his run from the left ended with a shot into the side netting.

Referee Chris Kavanaugh was far from a popular man in the Madejski after a series of odd 50/50 calls but really neither team did enough did say they deserved the win.

There were plenty of pre-match fun and games that I'm sure Will will delve into in his full report, including an interesting club anthem and appearance from the Thai owners but I couldn't sign off without a quick word for both Reading and Leeds fans for the excellent way they respected the minute's applause for Eamonn Dolan.

So a point it is and at the very least we're off the mark. As mentioned we'll have a full report and set of player ratings a little later on.