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The Tilehurst End Advent Calendar: December 7

A Little bit of goal-scoring magic to warm up your cold December day.

Reading v Everton Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

Glen Little

  • Position: Right winger
  • Nationality: English
  • Total Reading FC appearances: 115
  • Total Reading FC goals: 6

Memorable Moment

What other memory could we pick to go behind door number seven? Glen Little’s goal against Plymouth all the way back in November 2005 surely goes down as one of the best in Reading’s history.

Initially arriving at the Madejski Stadium in 2003 from Burnley on loan, Little went on to sign for the Royals permanently a year later. He would prove to be a key part of the famous 106 points side under Steve Coppell, lining up in a midfield four that typically also contained Steve Sidwell and James Harper in the middle, with Bobby Convey on the opposite flank.

It was in the middle of that campaign that Reading travelled to Tony Pulis’ Plymouth Argyle (times have changed, haven’t they?) looking to add to a run of four straight wins.

With the scores level at 0-0, the Royals hit the Pilgrims on the counter attack. It started with clever hold-up play down the left from Kevin Doyle, who fed the onrushing Bobby Convey. Although the American’s pass to Leroy Lita was cut out, Little was on hand to snatch the loose ball and reignite the move. What he did next was nothing short of magical.

We were lucky enough to talk to the man himself about the goal, which he described as a “f****n worldie”.

“It was something I always used to do in training so it's nice when it happens in a game.

“Marcus had just made a good save and Shorey cleared it down the line and I think Bobby Convey actually played a poor pass to Leroy and the defender intercepted it, but unfortunately for him he had a bad touch and it went straight to me and the rest is history.

“One of my favourite goals.”

Kevin Doyle would another goal on the day, as Reading cruised to a 2-0 away win at Home Park. What’s more, Steve Coppell’s side would triumph in their next five matches in an incredible ten match winning run.

As for Glen? He stayed at the club until the end of their first Premier League adventure, joining Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth and featuring against AC Milan in the UEFA Cup. Later in his career, he appeared for Sheffield United, Aldershot Town, Wrexham and Grays Athletic amongst others.

However, it was at Wealdstone where he really made the headlines with (probably) the best goal in the history of non-league football.