The Tilehurst End - Ipswich Town 2-1 Reading FC: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2016-02-04T11:09:28+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/106579832016-02-04T11:09:28+00:002016-02-04T11:09:28+00:00Further Reading: Ipswich, Away Day Woes & The Tshibola Factor
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<figcaption>Tony Marshall/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Wimb takes a deeper look at issues coming out of the Ipswich defeat including narrow margins, late goals & the absence of Aaron Tshibola.</p> <h4>Fine Margins</h4>
<p>I found it somewhat unbelievable to take a look at social media after the game to find some fans already calling for the head of Brian McDermott and labelling him the 'wrong choice'. While Brian's not exactly had the rip roaring return we'd hoped for, it's certainly not been awful either in terms of performances or results.</p>
<p>Here's his record in the Championship since his return.</p>
<table style="text-align: center;" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Games</td>
<td>Won</td>
<td>Drawn</td>
<td>Lost</td>
<td>Scored</td>
<td>Conceded</td>
<td>GD</td>
<td>Points</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>-2</td>
<td>8/24</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Positive results in 50% of games is hardly shocking in it's own right but it's when you look at the goal difference column that you begin to see the story. We've conceded just eight goals in eight games and to that point, every one of those fixtures has been decided by a single goal or less. </p>
<div class="pullquote">Each of Brian's league games since his return have been settled by a single goal or less</div>
<p>Reading aren't on a steep slope sliding helplessly down the table, we're competing in a tough league and just not getting on the right end of the result. Still, that has to change because no matter how close you've been, once the confidence eats away it can quickly turn into a nosedive.</p>
<h4>Away Day Blues</h4>
<p>Ultimately no matter how well we've played it's points that win prizes and we just haven't been getting enough of them on the road. You have to go back to September 26th and the 2-1 win at Burnley for our last win on the road and since then we've picked up just two points from a possible 30, a record that's just not good enough.</p>
<p>Quite why the away form has been so shocking is hard to pinpoint but when you look back on games they've usually been decided in two key periods, the first 15 and last 15 minutes the second-half.</p>
<table border="0">
<caption>Reading Championship Away Goals Conceded Since Rotherham (A)</caption>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Minute</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0-15</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">16-30</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31-45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>46-60</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">61-75</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">76-90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Goals</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>8</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Just under 50% of all the goals we've shipped on the road since Rotherham have come in the first 15 minutes of the re-start including the opener from Ryan Fraser. That stat would be even higher if I included cup games as Jamie Paterson's opener at Huddersfield also came in the 57th minute. For whatever reason Reading just can't get themselves out of the blocks quick enough in the second half and it's a problem that's killing us right now.</p>
<p>There's also got to be a question around concentration at the death as well because to lose three games in the final 15 minutes is also painful. Hull (90), MK Dons (78) and Ipswich (89) are games that have seen three deserved away points thrown away that could be making Brian's record look a lot more appealing.</p>
<h4>The Need For Tshibola</h4>
<p>Part of the problem in trying to close down games has been the lack of an effective central midfield option to come into games late on, a problem that can be traced back to Aaron Tshibola's injury picked up around the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/">Fulham</a> game. Up to that point, Tshibola had come off the bench with Reading in front in the league on three occasions and we'd gone on to hold each of them. Likewise in games he'd started we'd won two and lost two, with one of those defeats coming via an Orlando Sa red card against Derby.</p>
<p>Here's how Tshibola ranks in some key defensive areas compared to his fellow central midfielders according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/94">WhoScored.com</a></p>
<table border="0">
<caption>Reading Central Midfielders (Stats average per 90 mins)</caption>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Games</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Tackles</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Interceptions</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Clearances</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Passes</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Acc Short Pass</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Acc Long Ball</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Aaron Tshibola</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">12</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2.6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>5.4</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0.6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">57.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>46.3</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Danny Williams</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">28</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>0.9</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">47.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">39.2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>7.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Oliver Norwood</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">29</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>3</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>63.9</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">44.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>7.4</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Tshibola's impact can be clearly seen on the defensive side of things, with the midfielder making nearly double the interceptions of any other player, reinforcing the idea that he could be the 'new Leigertwood'. Likewise he's well ahead of Danny Williams in tackles per 90 and what surprised me was to see that he's got the most efficient short passing game of the trio, even ahead of Olly Norwood. I'd love to be able to see how George Evans has compared with Walsall this season but sadly such detailed statistics aren't available for League One.</p>
<h4>Patience Is The Key</h4>
<p>There was another manager who took over around Christmas and struggled at Reading. He saw his team win one game in his first eight in all competitions before going on a run where they lost just five of the next 23 - That man's name was of course Brian McDermott back in 2009/10.</p>
<p>Change doesn't often happen overnight with a new manager, especially one that's taken over an injury hit and inconsistent squad that's been in a pretty steady state of decline since the end of October. It's OK to be angry, it's fine to be frustrated and if you don't think Brian's the right man for the job then more power to you. However what we all need to do is try and back the side from here on in. Let's try and make the Madejski a positive environment for the team and manager, make the players want to go out and put in that extra 10% to try and turn those one-goal defeats into gritty one-goal wins. From humble beginnings can great runs grow so keep the faith folks.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015-16-analysis-opinion/2016/2/4/10903470/skybet-championship-ipswich-town-2-1-reading-fc-further-readingWimb2016-02-03T22:51:39+00:002016-02-03T22:51:39+00:00Ipswich Town 2-1 Reading FC: The Alternative View
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<figcaption>Stephen Pond/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After the FA Cup stroll against Walsall, a trip to East Anglia on a Tuesday night and yep, a defeat.</p> <p>To paraphrase from the great U2 song, Tuesdays Bloody Tuesdays. That's about all you can say on midweek games and our results! Following on from a resounding win on Saturday, the Royals traveled to Portman Road in good spirits and after that confidence boosting win that may have heralded this season's most unlikely of happenings - a league double after our 5-1 win at the Mad Stad over the Tractor Boys earlier in the season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You have to give credit to the 205 Reading Fans who made the trip, it’s not the easiest of places to get to. However the Royals continued their dismal away form, and in some respects were unlucky not to get a point from this fixture.</p>
<p>The last few games have probably asked more questions about the squad than supplied answers, and judging from the Reading Twittersphere last night lots of unhappy fans are a little frustrated with the squad which on paper is immensely talented, but on the pitch sometimes looks abject.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So how did the media and the Ipswich fans view the game? Well in all honestly very similar to the Reading fans. Lots of grumbles over transfer policy, squad choice and as usual a whinge about our away kit. The media were probably a little more generous than Twitter.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, let's see what was said.</p>
<h3>Social</h3>
<p> </p>
<h5>205 away fans, but hey it’s a Tuesday, it's East Anglia and it's cold</h5>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lots of respect for the Reading fans who came tonight, but that will be one long boring taxi ride home for them <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/itfc?src=hash">#itfc</a></p>
— Rory King (@Roryking92) <a href="https://twitter.com/Roryking92/status/694659150463307776">February 2, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>But yet with 16,000 home fans………</h4>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mick McCarthy: 'I made more noise than the crowd tonight' <br>Full quotes here: <a href="https://t.co/0vdVnPBNpu">https://t.co/0vdVnPBNpu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/itfc?src=hash">#itfc</a></p>
— Stuart Watson (@Stuart_Watson) <a href="https://twitter.com/Stuart_Watson/status/694657227014152192">February 2, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>Lots of digs at #DCFC</h4>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
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</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank god we spent millions on those substitutes that changed and won the game for us. Oh wait they were free transfers <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ITFC?src=hash">#ITFC</a></p>
— George Goodrich (@GeorgeGoodrich) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeGoodrich/status/694643096299126787">February 2, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>Love footballers showing passion no matter who they play for</h4>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Get in!!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChambersFistPump?src=hash">#ChambersFistPump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/itfc?src=hash">#itfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/haQ86ABle1">pic.twitter.com/haQ86ABle1</a></p>
— IPSWICH TOWN FANS (@IpswichTownFans) <a href="https://twitter.com/IpswichTownFans/status/694638418609987585">February 2, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>There's always one that gets carried away</h4>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We're gonna win the league, I've always said it. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ITFC?src=hash">#ITFC</a></p>
— Oi, Mario, pipe down (@JohnSlaterITFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnSlaterITFC/status/694637009801998336">February 2, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>A wise man once said "when commenting on subs, wait till game ends"</h4>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pitman on to mark Norwood. What a joke <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/itfc?src=hash">#itfc</a></p>
— Tom Rees (@reesoid) <a href="https://twitter.com/reesoid/status/694633729671700481">February 2, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>If you're gonna make a Vine of your manager at least have him at your club</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spends no money in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors" class="sbn-auto-link">transfer window</a>, wins and gets back into the play-offs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ITFC?src=hash">#ITFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigMick?src=hash">#BigMick</a> <a href="https://t.co/z31CQdgESP">pic.twitter.com/z31CQdgESP</a></p>
— Mark Beck (@MB_Ktubes) <a href="https://twitter.com/MB_Ktubes/status/694671479909253120">February 2, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>And kit again</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">
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</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/IpswichTownFans">@IpswichTownFans</a> no team in the history of football has ever played sexy football in a mauve kit like Reading <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/itfc?src=hash">#itfc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a></p>
— phil hammond (@philhammond74) <a href="https://twitter.com/philhammond74/status/694668226727432192">February 2, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Media</h3>
<p>Kudos to <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3429147/Ipswich-2-1-Reading-Brett-Pitman-scores-dramatic-minute-winner-luckless-Reading-Portman-Road.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">The Daily Mail</a> this week in managing to make the game sound exciting, however they do reckon that it was largely forgettable apart from the late drama. In essence they say it was a game of half chances lit up by the goals in the second half.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over at <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/02/ipswich-town-reading-championship-match-report?" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> and they concur with the Mail that it was a torrid game, and run with interviews from the managers over the impact of the subs from McCarthy and McDermott commenting that the result was a sickener and he couldn’t complain about the effort. There is a "never" moment when he mentions that the problem is our away form!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Amazingly Sky have managed to cobble together 2 minutes 29 seconds of highlights which in itself is impressive, and you can watch it <a href="http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/10153705/ipswich-2-1-reading?" target="_blank">here</a>, however all that goes to prove is that we had some shocking full back play for the goals, and how did McCleary not find Vydra early in the second half?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/ipswich-vs-reading/report/339873?" target="_blank">Sky Sports </a>review follows the theme of everyone on this game and is also carried by <a href="http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/match/423168/ipswich-town-reading/report" target="_blank">ESPN FC, </a>whereas <a href="http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-reaction/339873/-?" target="_blank">Sporting Life</a> carry the Guardian's for a change.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our dear friends at the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35406517" target="_blank">BBC </a>have a 'factual and little else' report, however there is the full interview post-game with McDermott.</p>
<p>Looking at the local <a href="http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/sport/match_report_ipswich_town_2_reading_1_pitman_s_late_winner_makes_it_a_sweet_sixteen_straight_victories_on_tuesday_nights_at_portman_road_1_4403308?" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Ipswich Star</a> and they have a detailed report calling the game and the tactics "cat and mouse" and cagey. I am sure that some of the fans that were there watching it could think of alternative words that may not be as polite to describe it. However they also think that Ipswich rode their luck a little and the Royals could have had chances to score. Slightly concerning though when they comment on Varney – "providing a surprising turn of pace." I'm sure he will be happy with that one from his local paper!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over at <a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/ipswich-2-reading-fc-1-10828180" target="_blank">Get Reading</a>, and Charles' video report is positive and negative all rolled into one. He feels that we could and should have got something out the game, but also that our away form is relegation standard.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So we move on and Reading have a quick opportunity to get some points on the board with a home game against Wolves on Saturday. If ever a win is needed then it will be on Saturday to bring a little belief to the fans if not the players. With the playoffs looking out of reach, this season now is all about staying in mid-table, a good cup run and working out who will be here next season, to build a promotion hungry squad for next term.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">C'mon Urzzzzz</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/3/10906750/ipswich-town-2-1-reading-fc-the-alternative-view-royalsdavemc_exile2016-02-03T14:10:29+00:002016-02-03T14:10:29+00:00Ipswich 2-1 Reading: Player Ratings
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sza41p-g2sS3Vq0f-LxpvuCZ3y0=/0x141:1791x1335/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48718965/GettyImages-491676200.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>See how we rated the individual performances during Reading's late defeat a Ipswich in Tuesday night's Championship encounter.</p> <h4>Ali Al-Habsi: 7</h4>
<p>Another good display from Al-Habsi, who made several good saves and gave the Ipswich strikers a frustrating evening. Set up a very good chance with a long throw, but there was little he could do for either goal.</p>
<h4>Chris Gunter: 7</h4>
<p>Generally dealt well with his winger all evening, and linked up well with Robson-Kanu to create some of the side's opening chances. However, he should really have got back to help close down Luke Varney for their winner.</p>
<h4>Anton Ferdinand: 6</h4>
<p>A reasonably solid display, but didn't do anything that particularly stood out. Definitely doing a job for the side right now.</p>
<h4>Jake Cooper: 7</h4>
<p>An imperious display from the young centre-half who seems to be improving every week. Cleared pretty much everything that was thrown at him, and some decent distribution. Maybe could have done better for the winner.</p>
<h4>Jordan Obita: 6</h4>
<p>Defensively reasonable, but without a natural winger in front of him for the first hour he was left exposed at times. Struggled with some crossing, and generally didn't trouble Luke Chambers too much going forward.</p>
<h4>Danny Williams: 6</h4>
<p>Williams didn't have his greatest game to start with, but picked up a little after the goal. Ipswich did a good job on containing him.</p>
<h4>Oliver Norwood: 5</h4>
<p>Just one of those nights for Ollie. His distribution wasn't as good as usual, with a number of passes missing their man.</p>
<h4>Stephen Quinn: 6</h4>
<p>Generally unremarkable, struggling against a good Ipswich defence while playing out on the wing.</p>
<h4>Hal Robson-Kanu: 8</h4>
<p>A great game for Hal, who's improved massively in the last few months to become one of the club's main attacking threats. Made a number of good runs and could have created a goal if there were strikers in the box when he crossed the ball. Won the penalty which ultimately drew us level.</p>
<h4>Matej Vydra: 6</h4>
<p>Once again it just didn't quite work for the loan star. Made some good runs, but missed a couple of chances.</p>
<h4>Yann Kermorgant: 5</h4>
<p>To be honest, apart from when he went down in the opening 10 minutes I didn't realise he was playing.</p>
<h3><u>Substitutes</u></h3>
<h4>Garath McCleary: 7</h4>
<p>Looked lively and kept his composure to score the penalty, but showed poor decision making when through with Vydra in a 2-on-1.</p>
<p><b><i>Who was YOUR man of the match? Vote in our poll at the bottom of the page, and leave your thoughts in the comments section.</i></b></p>
<h4><u>Season's Ratings (click for a larger version):</u></h4>
<p><a href="http://i.imgur.com/pbS8r19.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/pbS8r19.png"></a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/3/10904162/ipswich-town-2-1-reading-fc-player-ratingsThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer2016-02-03T13:45:23+00:002016-02-03T13:45:23+00:00Ipswich 2-1 Reading: Match Report
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<figcaption>Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading went home empty-handed last night after a late winner from Brett Pitman. Here's Matt's take on the midweek trip to Portman Road. </p> <p>The Royals broadly kept the side who convincingly beat Walsall at the weekend, only slotting in the previously cup-tied Yann Kermorgant in place of the injured Aaron Tshibola, with the team taking on the more familiar 4-4-2 shape.</p>
<p>There was no recall for George Evans, who missed this one with a bout of flu, and with Simon Cox out of favour Lucas Piazon was the closest thing we had to a striker on the bench for the trip to Suffolk. Whilst that's a sign of the lack of balance in our squad, you'd hope that Rakels (when we finally get international clearance) will bring a little more depth in up front.</p>
<h3>The first half</h3>
<p>To tell the truth, the first half was hardly a classic. Both sides made some tentative moves forward, with Hal Robson-Kanu providing our main creative outlet and Jake Cooper clearing all threats in defence. Ipswich were generally restricted to long shots and lofted balls in, and whilst Hal looked dangerous on the right flank too often there was nobody in the box to capitalise on the chances he was creating.</p>
<p>Perhaps more worryingly, on the rare occasion that the Royals did manage to infiltrate the opposition's box, they tried to overplay it and ended up generally overhitting passes, giving the Ipswich defenders a pretty easy night.</p>
<p>As half-time grew nearer, Ipswich became more dominant and the final few minutes before the break were spent defending the home side's attacks. Ali Al-Habsi had already made a number of decent saves, but he was called into action again after Ryan Fraser had a good chance from a tough angle, before Ipswich once again struggled with the subsequent corner. On balance, Ipswich were marginally the better side before the break, but it was a poor display of football all round with neither side looking particularly likely to score.</p>
<h3>The second half</h3>
<p>With the game goalless at the interval, Mick McCarthy decided to shake things up and sent Kevin Bru on for the hosts in place of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who had struggled to make a mark in the first half. The decision looked wise, with Ipswich starting the second half with a higher tempo and causing problems for the Royals, as Cooper was forced to concede a corner within minutes of the restart. However, Reading were still able to exert some pressure, and soon after Kermorgant played in a neat cross which Matej Vydra just couldn't quite convert.</p>
<p>Just two minutes later Reading were made to pay for that miss, as some sloppy defending allowed Ryan Fraser space to receive the ball in the box, turn and slot home what was a simple finish to put the hosts ahead. It was the eighth time in the last 11 games that Reading have conceded the first goal, and with a lack of cutting edge up front it looked like that was going to be an eleventh consecutive away game without a win.</p>
<p>Brian McDermott responded by bringing on Garath McCleary for Stephen Quinn, reverting to having two traditional wingers on the pitch, and the Jamaica international nearly made an immediate impact when a great long throw by Al-Habsi put him and Vydra through on goal with just one Ipswich defender in the way. However, despite the defender going towards McCleary and Vydra having space, the winger decided to take the shot for himself, hitting the defender and going out for a corner.</p>
<p>Luckily, the poor decision making didn't cost us too badly, as just two minutes after that Robson-Kanu went down in the box and won a penalty, which McCleary duly converted to draw the two sides level.</p>
<p>With the Ipswich fans silenced, the home side tried to push forward to restore their lead, but found the Reading defence once again difficult to break down, and for a while it looked like the Royals would soak up the pressure and see the game out. Just like the first half, Ipswich were restricted to long range shots and crosses, neither of which seemed particularly effective, and Mick McCarthy ended up bringing Brett Pitman on to counter that problem.</p>
<p>With little attempt to relieve the pressure (Matej Vydra struggled to hold the ball up front) and another attacking Ipswich substitution with Varney replacing the ineffective Daryl Murphy, Reading started to flag a little. Ali Al-Habsi made some more solid saves, but ultimately it wouldn't be enough.</p>
<p>With just one minute remaining, the ball was pumped down Ipswich's left wing, and with it looking like it would run out every Reading player left it, leaving Varney a clear chance to cross the ball in for Pitman to fire home from close range and send Reading fans home disappointed.</p>
<h3>Closing thoughts</h3>
<p>It was a real killer to concede such a silly goal right at the end, especially as the game was generally a poor one with neither side looking good enough to deserve all three points. I certainly didn't think they looked much better than when they came down to the Madejski earlier in the season to suffer a 5-1 thrashing at any rate.</p>
<p>On the plus side, there were more good performances from Robson-Kanu, Cooper and Al-Habsi, who all seem to be growing to become key players in the side at the moment. However, that defeat continues a poor run of form away from home, and whilst it's clear that McDermott has sorted out our home performances, there is still a lot of work to do.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/3/10904080/ipswich-town-2-1-reading-fc-denied-at-the-death-royalsThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer2016-02-03T13:34:34+00:002016-02-03T13:34:34+00:00McDermott: "I Can't Complain About The Commitment"
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With some fans bizarrely calling for his sacking, what did Brian McDermott make of Reading's narrow defeat to Ipswich Town?</p> <p>Another Tuesday evening, and another defeat this time at the hands to Ipswich, a side that we demolished just five months ago.</p>
<p>In recent weeks it was us scoring late to grab a late winner or draw, but this week, it was Ipswich's turn with some poor defending from Reading. Brian McDermott was disappointed and admitted that the defeat would be "tough to take."</p>
<p>He told the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk" target="_blank">official club website</a>, "We didn't deserve to lose. It was a tough game, a pretty ugly game at times, but we played in the game and got back into it at 1-1... and I thought we were going to go on and win it.</p>
<p>"I think they've won every Tuesday night game they've had here for about 10 years or something! So to get a point here would have been a good point. So it's disappointing we haven't got a result.</p>
<p>"We had a draw in the 89th minute but we couldn't see the game out for the point. We talked about the details before and you have to get them right to win games in this division. We had a throw in, then one ball down the side of us and they score. We have to get those details right."</p>
<p>Ipswich went ahead through Ryan Fraser, before Garath McCleary levelled from the penalty spot, but Brett Pitman scored late on to leave the Royals leaving pointless from Portman Road, McDermott added: "I can't complain about the guts, the commitment, and the spirit the boys showed out there tonight. They've given us everything, but we've got a couple of details wrong. I'm just gutted we couldn't take at least a point home for the fans who came up here.</p>
<p>"But that's football. That's what the Championship is about. We've got to take it on the chin, get up off the floor and look forward to a run of home games.</p>
<p>"I'm sick for the players, I think they deserved at least a point out there today. But you get knocked down, you've just got to pick yourselves up again. Especially in this league.</p>
<p>"In the future we will win games like that. We've done it in the past and we'll do it again.</p>
<p>"Now we've got a run of home games which we're really looking forward to. And I can't wait. I can't wait to get back out there for a really big game at the Madejski against Wolves on Saturday."</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/3/10903632/brian-mcdermott-i-cant-complain-about-the-commitmentsophierfc102016-02-02T22:54:27+00:002016-02-02T22:54:27+00:00Ipswich 2-1 Reading: Instant Reaction
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<figcaption>Ian Walton/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A late win for the Tractor Boys saw them climb back into the Championship play-off places leaving them 13 points ahead of Reading.</p> <p>Another Tuesday night, another Ipswich victory. The Suffolk side have now won an incredible 16 games in a row on Tuesday nights. For the Royals it was another night of misery.</p>
<p>They last won away in September when they look destined for a promotion challenge. How different things are now.</p>
<p>Brian McDermott made one change to the starting line-up for the visitors. Yann Kermorgant came in for the injured Aaron Tshibola.</p>
<p>A dull first half saw little quality from either side but it was to be the home side who would break the deadlock just before the hour. Good play by Freddie Sears found Bournemouth loanee Ryan Fraser who scored his sixth goal of the season.</p>
<p>McDermott responded by bringing on Garath McCleary for Stephen Quinn. The Jamaican international made an instant impact when he fired home a penalty after a strong run by inform Hal Robson-Kanu was stupidly ended by Cole Skuse.</p>
<p>Just when it seemed Reading would get a credible away point they were let down by some poor defending. Anton Ferdinand was too worried about Sears easily beating him that he stood off and allowed an easy cross over.</p>
<p>Despite that Jake Cooper should have be in position to clear the ball but he was nowhere to be seen as Brett Pitman slid in at the far post for the winner.</p>
<p>Overall another disappointing away day and it was perhaps apt that it fell on Groundhog Day. Reading now face another final three months of a season with nothing to play for in the league with a squad full of players who know there is a good chance they will not be at the club next season.</p>
<p>Thank god for the FA Cup!</p>
<p><b>Keep an eye out for our full match report, player ratings and analysis in the coming days.</b></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/2/10900256/ipswich-town-2-1-reading-fc-championship-2015-2016-match-reportWilliamOwain2016-02-02T15:14:22+00:002016-02-02T15:14:22+00:00View From The Town End: Ipswich
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<figcaption>Ian Walton/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After the magic of the cup it's back to the Championship for Reading and a trip to Portman Road. Here's what we can expect from our hosts Ipswich tonight.</p> <p><i style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">Susan from <a style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #164890; font-weight: bold;" data-ref-index="4" target="new" href="http://www.turnstile-blues.co.uk/">Turnstile Blues</a> gives us the lowdown on what we can expect from Ipswich tonight.</i></p>
<h4>How would you sum up your season so far?</h4>
<p>Very disappointing. I think most Town fans expected us to build on last season, when we lost in the play offs. I was expecting a play off place at the very least at the start of the season, but something's not working for us. We had a run of bad luck when players like Bru and Fraser were injured, but now they're back we're still too inconsistent, especially at home. What puzzles me is that everyone knows what's wrong - lack of creativity in midfield, players like Sears and Chambers who would be better in a different position, big defensive problems - but they're never addressed. In fact we've just allowed a decent defender, Parr, and someone I'd hoped would become our playmaker, Tommy Oar, to leave.</p>
<h4>You seem to be one of the Championship's most inconsistent teams, what's stopping you from really cementing that play-off spot?</h4>
<p>If only I knew. I do think our manager is stubborn. That works for us a lot of the time, but it's clear he has a particular mindset and won't change things very much. Not that I want him to go. It's still more enjoyable watching his teams than it has been for several years. I think we need to fix the holes in our defence and build our team around Freddie Sears. We're wasting his talent at the moment.</p>
<h4>You were on the end of our best performance of the season back in September, what did you make of Reading that day and from what you've seen and read since?</h4>
<p>I'm afraid (not!) I couldn't get to that game. Friends who did go seem to have been a bit shellshocked by it. I saw a Reading fan say the score flattered you, but I think you exposed a lot of our weaknesses.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dbVSieHT3jM" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<h4>Who should Reading fans be worried about on Tuesday?</h4>
<p>If they're playing, and on form, Sears, Fraser, and there's still reason to fear Daryl Murphy's capacity to put the ball into the net. Oh, and Pitman's not bad either.</p>
<h4>Any Reading players that worry you?</h4>
<p>I said I feared Blackman last time and I wasn't wrong so hopefully the same doesn't happen this time with the player I pick! I know some Reading fans have problems with Hal Robson-Kanu, but he worries me.</p>
<h4>Score prediction?</h4>
<p>We're better under the lights, although I can't remember watching us beat Reading, so an over-optimistic 2-1 to the Tractor Boys.</p>
<h4>Finally, any advice for Reading fans making the trip?</h4>
<p>I've just finished a book about Ipswich pubs, so my advice is about them. We have a deserved reputation for great beer and good pubs. Try to get away from the places you're directed to (usually the worst pubs in town) and visit some of our lovely old inns, Isaac's on the quay side, the Lord Nelson, the Woolpack and the Greyhound are all brilliant for food and drink - and, by and large, the natives are friendly.</p>
<p><i>Thanks again to Susan and you can follow her on twitter </i><a href="https://twitter.com/susan1878" target="_blank">@susan1878</a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/2/10893902/view-from-the-town-end-ipswich-town-v-reading-fc-championship-february-2-2016The Tilehurst End Guest Writer2016-02-02T07:00:02+00:002016-02-02T07:00:02+00:00Ipswich v Reading: Match Preview
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<figcaption>Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading return to league action on Tuesday night with a trip to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town whom they recorded an emphatic 5-1 victory over in September; Phil Owtram provides a preview of this latest encounter.</p> <h4><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/ipswich-town" class="sbn-auto-link">Ipswich Town</a></h4>
<p><span><b>Form (all comps): LLDWD </b></span></p>
<p>Since their 5-1 thrashing at Madejski Stadium almost five months ago Mick McCarthy have faired rather better than The Royals and are ten points better off sitting in eighth place. Despite their healthy league position their home form for large parts hasn’t made as happy reading.</p>
<p>Ipswich managed only one home win in nine between the end of August and Boxing Day, however two wins and a draw in their last three home games have restored some confidence.</p>
<div class="pullquote">Ipswich Town vs. Reading:<span>2 February 2016</span> <span>19:45 KO</span> <span>Portman Road Stadium, Ipswich</span><span>Referee: Tim Robinson</span>
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<h4>Reading</h4>
<p><span><b>Form (all comps): WDWLD</b></span></p>
<p>Reading midfielder Aaron Tshibola (hamstring) is set to miss out after suffering another injury setback. Captain Paul McShane (calf) is available, while George Evans and Yann Kermorgant return after they were cup-tied at the weekend.</p>
<p>Reading cruised through to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a comfortbale 4-0 victory over Walsall on Saturday at Madejski Stadium. Brian McDermott’s men were too good for the League One side and Matej Vydra continued his impressive form in the competition notching a further two goals to take his tally to six. The Royals await the winners of a replay between West Brom and Peterborough.</p>
<p>Reading return to league action with a trip to Ipswich hoping to repeat the performance that saw them beat the Tractor Boys in the reverse fixture at Madejski Stadium in September. However, they are up against a poor away record which sees The Royals winless in their last eight league away games, of which they have tasted defeat in seven.</p>
<p><b>Ipswich (v Birmingham City): </b>D. Gerken, C. Berra, L. Chambers, T. Smith, J. Knudsen, J. Douglas, K. Bru (L. Hyam 46), C. Skuse, R. Fraser, D. Murphy (L. Varney 78), F. Sears (B. Pitman 78).</p>
<p><b>Reading (v Walsall):</b> <span>Ali Al Habsi</span>, A. Ferdinand, C. Gunter, J. Cooper, S. Quinn (O. John 79), H. Robson-Kanu, D. Williams, O. Norwood, J. Obita, A. Tshibola (M. Hector 10), M. Vydra.</p>
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<pwalsall> </pwalsall></p>
<h4><b>Last Five Meetings</b></h4>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>11 Sep 2015: Reading 5-1 Ipswich (Championship)</p>
<p>21 Feb 2015: Ipswich 0-1 Reading (Championship)</p>
<p>16 Aug 2014: Reading 1-0 Ipswich (Championship)</p>
<p>25 Jan 2014: Ipswich 2-0 Reading (Championship)</p>
<p>03 Aug 2013: Reading 2-1 Ipswich (Championship)</p>
<h4>Head To Head</h4>
<p>Reading v Ipswich: W:22 D:9 L:24</p>
<h4>YouTube History</h4>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HgIOCMTn17s" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h4>Prediction</h4>
<p>Ipswich 1-2 Reading</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/2/10886912/ipswich-town-fc-reading-fc-match-preview-championship-royalsPhil90