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Wow. Just, wow. What a day Saturday was. It was by no means our best performance of the season, but it’s certainly the biggest result of the season - and probably the biggest in our recent history.
The scenes at Ipswich Town last weekend were something special, but the Wigan Athletic game probably topped it. Jose Gomes is giving us our club back, and once again it’s exciting being a Reading fan.
The job is by no means done, and we’re still a long way from where we need to get to to survive, but we made a huge step forwards on Saturday and in incredible fashion.
If you’re thinking of great memories in recent Madejski Stadium history, the late win against West Brom and the play off semi final against Fulham both spring to mind - and now Saturday afternoon will, too.
Understandably so, there was plenty of positivity radiating through through the fanbase after such a massive win...
The fans
For a long time, the atmosphere on match days has become pretty miserable at the Mad Stad, but that seems to be changing - mainly down to Jose Gomes.
The stadium was rocking on Saturday, and the scenes when Yakou Meite planted that header in the bottom corner was full of passion, emotion and joy that we haven’t had the pleasure to experience for a long, long time.
Whether you were in Eamonn Dolan stand, the West Stand, the East Stand or Club 1871 - you contributed to a fantastic atmosphere and one that hopefully continues.
Social media was full of praise for the atmosphere after the game, and rightly so...
Best atmosphere around the ground at full time in I don’t know how long. The Royals are staying up! #readingfc
— Hann (@hannlouisexox) March 9, 2019
Never experienced an atmosphere at Reading in the concorse as we have today in @Club1871 immense #Readingfc
— Ian Beakhouse (@IBeakhouse) March 9, 2019
@Club1871 loved the atmosphere all game! #urzzz #readingfc
— Simon Primmer (@pringle82) March 9, 2019
I shed tears at the end...what a game - amazing atmosphere - what football is all about #ReadingFC
— Dadros (@dadros70) March 9, 2019
That’s the best atmosphere at the mad stad in a very very long time.. all around the stadium #readingfc
— Gavin Smith (@gavpsmith) March 9, 2019
Liam Moore
A special mention, yet again, goes to this man. Honestly, where would we be without him? After all of the drama surrounding his future last summer, to come back into the team and perform the way he has is a testament to the player he is.
To top it all off, midway through the second half on Saturday, Moore dislocated his shoulder - which for most players would be straight off down the tunnel and game over - not our captain.
Moore played on, in the most important half an hour of our season, with a dislocated shoulder.
He loves the club, the club loves him and he is an absolute warrior. Quite rightly so, the love was pouring in for Moore after the game from all angles...
Wow! How did you play for all that time with a dislocated shoulder. What determination
— Dan Cowley (@cowley_dan_04) March 9, 2019
El Capitano
— Jacob South Klein (@JacobSouthKlein) March 9, 2019
Liam Moore my Lord Liam Moore #readingfc
— Joseph luckett (@Josephluckett6) March 9, 2019
Captain leader Moore #readingfc https://t.co/Osmj3Fo4f1
— cameron macken (@ronniemac93) March 9, 2019
So many mental moments today, reflecting. Liam Moore, dislocates shoulder, stays on, unbelievable block at 2-2?, hero! Also Martinez distribution was fantastic but also leading to heart attacks at times! Harriot great cameo today! #readingfc
— Jimmy Coulson (@Jimmy_Coulson) March 9, 2019
Yet another last-minute winner
This is the kind of spirit that keeps you in the league. Last weekend at Ipswich, and now a last minute winner against Wigan; two moments that will live long in the memory of every Reading fan.
Earlier in the season, we go 2-1 down and we lose. Our heads would’ve dropped and we would’ve lost the game. But this team are made of sterner stuff now. First back-to-back wins since December 2017, and what a way to do it!
Scenes like that are what connects fans with their club again, and that’s all we’ve ever wanted - to fall back in love with our team, and it’s happening.
Fans on Twitter showed their delight with yet another last minute winner from Reading, this time from the man we signed on a free from PSG...
Scenes. Utter scenes. Utterly undeserved gorgeous scenes. #readingfc
— MGreg Double (@Dubstep1988) March 9, 2019
The passion at the final whistle and our third goal was out if the world, if this game had happened 6months ago and clement was in charge he probably would’ve stood up and clapped #ReadingFC
— Will RFC ⚪️ (@willsumner09) March 9, 2019
Scenes. Absolute scenes. #readingfc https://t.co/ojoGTvxDzY
— AnthonyNoone (@anthonyjnoone) March 10, 2019
Just about calmed down after the absolute scenes yesterday. I can now take a step back from that emotional finish and really analyse the performance and the position we’re in. I don’t wanna get too carried away or anything, but...
— Rob (@Rollerb0b) March 10, 2019
I think we’re getting promoted #readingfc
Unreal scenes yesterday. Haven’t seen the stadium bounce like that in a very long time. #ReadingFC pic.twitter.com/9RQzRWbTAy
— Charlie Jackson (@JacksonsCorner_) March 10, 2019
Conclusion
A long way to go, but a massive step in the right direction. Whether we stay up or not, us fans know now that this team will put their bodies on the line to make sure we do stay up - and that is all we can ask for.
Onto Leeds on Tuesday. Let’s pack out the Mad Stad, get behind the lads and who knows what could happen.
URZ