The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 0-0 Burnley: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2016-02-15T21:09:17+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/107422132016-02-15T21:09:17+00:002016-02-15T21:09:17+00:00Reading FC 0-0 Burnley FC: The Alternative View
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Well that got a little tasty! A second 0-0 on the bounce saw a saved penalty, fiery comments from managers, and players digging up the pitch - it pretty much had it all!</p> <p>A second successive 0-0 draw - on the face of it, it was another disappointing result for <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Reading FC</a>. However there are lots of positives to be taken from this game over the Wolves one. Primarily it seems that the team worked hard for this result against a high-flying Burnley side.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were a few 'sharp' challenges and niggles all game, so when a manager comes out and complains about gamesmanship for roughing up the pitch, whilst its OK for his own players to allegedly dive, it's a little hypocritical.</p>
<p>There is definite mileage in the theory that this result and performance was exactly what Reading FC need. @BucksRoyal <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/15/10989866/further-reading-reading-0-0-burnley-royals">makes this point excellently in his Further Reading article</a> and it's well worth the read purely for this point! This should mean that in our coming FA Cup game that the team will have an "us against the world" mind-set.</p>
<p>Back to Saturday’s slugfest and a number of contentious comments, decisions and actions pretty much dominate all things social and media wise. With comments about gamesmanship, opinions on players' actions and people using photos to prove things, there’s a fair bit of debate to be had.</p>
<p>What is noticeable are the Reading FC players surrounding Andre Gray when he misses the penalty, however there are fewer tweets around Joey Barton appearing to push Quinn down the steps at half time. This may be a trick of the lens, but if it did happen it needs looking at.</p>
<p>I wish I could post a lot more of the tweets and videos but unfortunately the language on a number of them that I wanted to use is somewhat "choice".</p>
<h3>Social</h3>
<h4>Well as you can imagine, Twitter was dominated by the furore surrounding the penalty call...</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Keeper of his line, re-take it please <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cheats?src=hash">#cheats</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twitterclarets?src=hash">#twitterclarets</a> <a href="https://t.co/jbxccYi4CG">pic.twitter.com/jbxccYi4CG</a></p>
— Jon Hewson (@JonHewson) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHewson/status/698906137366818816">February 14, 2016</a>
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<h4>Glass houses and all that</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/RobsonKanu">@RobsonKanu</a> cheat! Simple as that <a href="https://twitter.com/BurnleyOfficial">@BurnleyOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twitterclarets?src=hash">#twitterclarets</a></p>
— Smeg (@smitters1981) <a href="https://twitter.com/smitters1981/status/698799756865368065">February 14, 2016</a>
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<h4>You might want to look at the videos of Barton seemingly pushing Quinn</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Violent conduct from al habsi, raised his arms <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twitterclarets?src=hash">#twitterclarets</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/AHTmvVfmjh">pic.twitter.com/AHTmvVfmjh</a></p>
— Rob (@Rob44665392) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rob44665392/status/698587603109613568">February 13, 2016</a>
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<h4>And comments from managers…</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'd be embarrassed if I was Brian McDermott for his sides petulance and shocking conduct today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Embarrassing?src=hash">#Embarrassing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TwitterClarets?src=hash">#TwitterClarets</a></p>
— Jordan Webb (@JordanWebbx) <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanWebbx/status/698556065626120193">February 13, 2016</a>
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<h4>Sure Hal was just being nice and flattening it out…</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shows how much teams are desperate to stop us, when their idea of digging in is to dig up the penalty spot ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twitterclarets?src=hash">#twitterclarets</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/poortactics?src=hash">#poortactics</a></p>
— Colin Meredith (@ClaretColin) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClaretColin/status/698580750396997634">February 13, 2016</a>
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<h4>Might be an idea….</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Burnley:why r we concentrating on what reading did & not what we didn't do enough of t beat an av midtable side <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weRnoangels?src=hash">#weRnoangels</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twitterclarets?src=hash">#twitterclarets</a></p>
— RichardC (@1882RC) <a href="https://twitter.com/1882RC/status/698795701262815232">February 14, 2016</a>
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<h4>£9m and predictable?</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very predictable from Gray, he usually goes that way from the spot with that casual run up. Nevertheless a good away point <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twitterclarets?src=hash">#twitterclarets</a></p>
— George Poole (@GeorgePuddle) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgePuddle/status/698568618532065280">February 13, 2016</a>
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<h4>And back on planet earth..</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A point against one of our bogey teams is a good result. Missed penalty or not, we should be pleased to have got something <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twitterclarets?src=hash">#twitterclarets</a></p>
— Andrew Tipler (@andrewtipler) <a href="https://twitter.com/andrewtipler/status/698567767738466308">February 13, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Would have taken that before the start & our defence looks rock solid (taking the positives)...!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twitterclarets?src=hash">#twitterclarets</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/burnleyfc?src=hash">#burnleyfc</a></p>
— Rupert Booth (@MrLongsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrLongsider/status/698552718747680769">February 13, 2016</a>
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<h4>Nearly but not quite</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Setting off to watch the mighty clarets in what should hopefully be a routine win!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twitterclarets?src=hash">#twitterclarets</a></p>
— Derm Martin (@Slurpyyyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Slurpyyyy/status/698463285860028416">February 13, 2016</a>
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<h4>Film link – "<i>There's something about Derby</i>"</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">could be worse, could be derby <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twitterclarets?src=hash">#twitterclarets</a></p>
— sarah (@swhittz) <a href="https://twitter.com/swhittz/status/698552254794747904">February 13, 2016</a>
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<h3>Media</h3>
<p>Well there is only one place to start, we have to go to <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/reading-vs-burnley/339899" target="_blank">Sky Sports</a> and check out the video highlights. In a seemingly standard two minutes twenty seconds, Sky manage to cram everything in, and have a good write-up of the action. There’s also the interview with Dyche which will be a dominating theme throughout this review of the media.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35509348" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">BBC</a> continue with 'brief' reports and reckon that Reading FC could have won the game and make the point that Reading created little, however the stats paint a fairly even story – oh apart from the fouls where Burnley have 15 to Reading’s 10, make of that what you will.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There’s a surprisingly fair report from Suzanne Geldard at the <a href="http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/burnley_fc/news/14276335.SUZANNE_GELDARD_VERDICT__Reading_0_Burnley_0/?ref=mac" target="_blank">Lancashire Telegraph</a> who makes a telling point that the penalty was probably given for intent rather than any content. However over at the <a href="http://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/burnley-fc/latest-news/reading-0-burnley-0-1-7731144" target="_blank">Burnley Express</a> their reporter calls it an afternoon to forget for Andre Gray. They also have a <a href="http://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/keane-slams-petulance-of-royals-at-madejski-1-7732387?" target="_blank">report</a> with Burnley Defender Michael Keane saying that Hal Robson Kanu should have had a red card for stamping on the penalty spot. Really, honestly, let’s just think about that for one second. (There are hashtags I could use…)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/match/423136/reading-burnley/report" target="_blank">ESPN FC</a> carry Sky’s report whereas <a href="https://www.clubcall.com/championship/dyche---reading-lacked-sportsmanship-1799954.html?" target="_blank">Clubcall</a> have their own this week but still centres around, yep you guessed it, Hal’s improvised gardening skills.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/reading-fc-0-burnley-0-10887680" target="_blank">Get Reading</a> have numerous reports as always and Charles is bang on the money saying that it was a good point against a good Burnley side. There's also a good number of thoughts about the game, including a <a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-star-jordan-obita-10892600" target="_blank">report</a> in which Obita is particularly direct labelling Gray as embarrassing. In that report he also mentions that he went up to Gray and said "you shouldn’t be doing that." Yep Jordan, I’m sure those were the words you used...</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was a 0-0 draw and given some of the other results around, it's not really that shocking that there's little coverage of us. We do have the FA Cup this weekend, so after we knock out a Premiership side (you heard it here first 2-1!) hopefully there will be a bit more for us to digest.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Onto the cup, keep the support, keep the faith and keep believing!</p>
<p>C'mon urzzzz</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/15/11003896/reading-fc-0-0-burnley-the-alternative-view-royals-claretsdavemc_exile2016-02-15T12:00:02+00:002016-02-15T12:00:02+00:00Further Reading: Why Reading Earned A Point
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Saturday's game saw Reading pick up a hard-earned point at home to Burnley. Find out why with Bucks' in-depth analysis on the match. </p> <h3>You can't always get what you want...</h3>
<p>...but if you try sometime, you just might find you get what you need. I found it fitting - very fitting - on Saturday afternoon that those were the lyrics that blared out over the tannoy at full time. Another 0-0 draw in which Reading failed to create many chances was far from what the home team wanted, but the performance and lasting impact of the game is exactly what they need. Playing a high-flying Burnley was never going to be easy, so the choice of a conservative 4-1-4-1 formation was a good one in my opinion. From start to finish, the Royals showed guts and determination to prevent the away side from getting going, and thoroughly deserved both the point and the clean sheet.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">What did you take from the game? Tell us in the comments section below.</div>
<p>But, as we all know, that's not what the game will be remembered for - that would be Saturday's pantomime villain Andre Gray. There were so many elements in that storyline - Gray misses several sitters, dives to win the penalty, looks smug when berated by the home players, and <span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span> does a spot of landscape gardening to, well... level the playing field, as it were. If the penalty had gone in, Reading's anger would have been immense, and morale would have imploded. Ali Al-Habsi not only won Reading a point, but perhaps pulled off one of the most important saves of our season.</p>
<p>As supporters, being able to focus our emotions on a single outlet - in this Gray - means that we can come together in a single cause. As a little indication of that - fans' tweets after the Wolves game were divided between 'McDermott in' and 'McDermott out'. After the Burnley game, almost all of them were 'Andre Gray is a cheat'. The quality in this team, and indeed this club, is undeniable - the important thing now is to build cohesion and momentum. Did Reading want a scrappy point with Al-Habsi justly saving a penalty? No, but it's exactly what they needed.</p>
<h3>A Tale of Two Midfielders</h3>
<p>In Danny Williams' absence, Stephen Quinn came into the side in pretty much a straight swap - Reading effectively playing with three central midfielders (Hector deep, with Norwood and Quinn ahead of him). However, as I'll show, Quinn offers the side something very different to his American counterpart. Here are the duo's heat maps from their last two games (Williams vs Wolves, Quinn vs Burnley) - Reading are shooting from left to right in both cases.</p>
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<p>As you can see, Williams and Quinn spend their time in very different parts of the pitch, even when apparently both being picked as central midfielders. Williams has a more central role, and gets into the final third far more often than Quinn - who typically moved deeper and out wide. Really, this is a question of who each player is supporting. When Williams bursts forward, he acts as a link between midfield and attack, helping to create chances. In contrast, Stephen Quinn's energy and work rate allowed him to help out a busy <span>Michael Hector</span> in central midfield and a lazy Lucas Piazon on the wing (who, let's be honest, isn't suited to a high-energy defensive game).</p>
<p>Reading's biggest problem on Saturday was that they didn't create enough chances. Replacing Williams with Quinn because of injury certainly isn't the only reason that happened, but to my mind it was definitely a contributing factor.</p>
<h3>Player in focus: Michael Hector</h3>
<p>Having lost the solid form of earlier in the season, 'Big Hec' has found game time pretty hard to come by recently. However, he seems to have found his feet again - this time in a different position. In the absence of Aaron Tshibola and Danny Williams, Hector started in the holding role just in front of the back four, and had a good game against Burnley. Here's where he played the game, with Reading again shooting from left to right.</p>
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<p>Evidently, Hector's role was a very basic 'sit in front of the defence and protect it' one, and he performed it excellently. Out of Reading's team on Saturday, he made the most tackles (three), didn't lose possession at all, and was even the joint-top shot taker with a trio of efforts on goal. Indeed, Hector's efforts helped limit Burnley to just four shots on target - only one when you exclude those from outside the box and the penalty.</p>
<p>At the moment it's hard to tell how long Danny Williams will be out for, but with Aaron Tshibola ruled out for the season, we could see Michael Hector line up in central midfield again before he returns to Chelsea. Judging by his game on Saturday, that's not something I'd be upset by.</p>
<p><i>All stats are taken from WhoScored. </i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/15/10989866/further-reading-reading-0-0-burnley-royalsBucksRoyal2016-02-14T17:15:08+00:002016-02-14T17:15:08+00:00McDermott Praises Burnley Penalty Hero
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Saving the spot-kick that was controversially earned, and taken, by Burnley's Andre Gray earned Reading goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi the acclaim of Brian McDermott.</p> <p>Another weekend at the Madejski Stadium and our second consecutive 0-0 draw, but this time against the in form Burnley.</p>
<p>In an afternoon full of controversy, it was a positive afternoon and a consecutive clean sheet. Even though we haven't scored, the positives are there for people to see defensively.</p>
<p>Brian McDermott was a reasonably happy man as he spoke to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">official club website</a>.</p>
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<p>"It's another clean sheet against a team who will probably be playing in the Premier League next season."</p>
<p>"They've got a good chance - they know what they're doing, they turned us round early on and there's a certain formula you need to get out of this league and they might have it.</p>
<p>"They've got players who can score, they put five past MK Dons on the road, three past Brentford away - but I thought we might nick that game. To get a 0-0 here though, we'll take that today.</p>
<p>"When you're playing a top team like Burnley, it's got to be a point gained. The players showed real resilience, fighting for everything, going into every tackle - there were some great battles going on all over the pitch.</p>
<p>"No-one was giving an inch, it's a real tough Championship game. Once again our players stood up to them and it could have gone either way."</p>
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<p>It was a game full of controversy and none more so than in the second half when <span>Ali Al Habsi</span> saved a penalty from Andre Gray after what seemed to be a harsh penalty. Before the penalty was taken, <span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span> appeared to scuff the penalty spot, but either way, Al-Habsi was the hero keeping us in the game.</p>
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<p>"Ali said to me he didn't touch him (Gray), so we don't think it was a penalty. And the goalkeeper has had to make a fabulous save from penalty and there was a great reaction from the fans when he made it - and Ali's done really well for us again today, so I'm delighted for him."</p>
<p>"I'm proud of all our efforts today. We're inching towards where we want to get to, we showed the reliance I wanted to see, kept a clean sheet, and now we just need to add the goals to those clean sheets.</p>
<p>"You have to match teams, especially teams like Burnley. They are the top scorers in the Championships and we're just trying to build going forward. Now, we can look forward to a good week's training and then meeting West Brom in the FA Cup here."</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/14/10988578/reading-fc-manager-mcdermott-burnley-penalty-hero-al-habsi-february-2016sophierfc102016-02-13T18:56:18+00:002016-02-13T18:56:18+00:00Player Ratings: Hector Impresses, Piazon Doesn't
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Check out Hoops' ratings from the Madejski and have your say on Man of the Match in the poll.</p> <h4>Ali Al-Habsi: 7</h4>
<p>Didn't have too many saves to make thanks to Gray's dreadful finishing, but the most important moment of the match came when — from my point of view — he made a good challenge on Gray and ended up conceding a penalty. Fortunately, he made a fantastic save to keep Gray at bay and preserve a second clean sheet in a row.</p>
<h4>Chris Gunter: 6</h4>
<p>His energy down the right hand side was important in allowing Robson-Kanu room to move inside at will, but his end product was lacking. Defensively, he didn't do anything superb nor make any glaring errors. Typical Gunter.</p>
<h4>Paul McShane: 7</h4>
<p>If you could personify the idea of a 'calm defender', you'd likely end up with something similar to Paul McShane. Another good performance from the Irish international, organising his defence and reading the danger well.</p>
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<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/13/10985264/skybet-championship-reading-fc-0-0-burnley-fc-match-report?_ga=1.58307241.2097071462.1437228877">
<h2>Reading FC Improve But Are Fortunate To Get A Draw From Bruising Burnley</h2>
<img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mTrKI34Zl024cWcK5-8-HZksb78=/52x0:2947x1930/709x473/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48803897/GettyImages-507557036.0.jpg"> </a> <span>Read the match report from the draw with Burnley.</span>
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<h4>Jake Cooper: 6</h4>
<p>An eclectic mix of great and awful, as he played a few good balls forwards and won a fair amount in the air but also gave away possession cheaply when trying to overcomplicate things by striding into midfield. You'd hope with more game time he'd be able to iron out these wrinkles, but he's getting a 6 instead of a 5 because those errors went unpunished.</p>
<h4>Jordan Obita: 6</h4>
<p>He looked close to his best in this game, keeping Boyd at bay and reading play well whilst also getting forward on the overlap as often as possible. His delivery was poor but he did what was needed to preserve the clean sheet today.</p>
<h4>Michael Hector: 7</h4>
<p>Back in the side playing in front of the defence, Hector was imperious. He dominated the midfield, looked confident on the ball and was at his confident best. This role looks perfect for him.</p>
<h4>Hal Robson-Kanu: 6</h4>
<p>I was tempted to give him a 5 but gave in to peer pressure from my fellow The Tilehurst End editors. He looked good and had his moments but didn't really offer much in the 'creating chances' stakes, but did work hard and tried to do something, even when he was double teamed.</p>
<h4>Oliver Norwood: 4</h4>
<p>This must be one of Norwood's worst performances in a Reading shirt. Constantly giving the ball away, wanting too much time and trying to do overcomplicated passes where a simple one would do. Can we have the early-season Norwood back, please?</p>
<h4>Stephen Quinn: 6</h4>
<p>Had his hands full in his duel with Barton but did well to play the Williams role and burst forward where possible. He's like Jay Tabb, but much, much better. Tireless.</p>
<h4>Lucas Piazon: 4</h4>
<p>The less said the better. Not good. At all.</p>
<h4>Yann Kermorgant: 6</h4>
<p>Tried his best and won his fair share of headers, but there just wasn't enough support around him for the headers he did win. You can see why he was brought into the club and you'd hope he strike up a good partnership with Vydra once the Czech is back from injury — but there's not much of the season left to click.</p>
<h3><u>Substitutes</u></h3>
<h4>Garath McCleary: 6</h4>
<p>Didn't really do too much, but did play his part in setting up Robson-Kanu for that glorious counter attacking opportunity. Played on the left so naturally wanted to cut in on his right, maybe needs to vary it up a bit if he's to keep playing in that position.</p>
<h4>Deniss Rakels: N/A</h4>
<p>Looked bright, but no real time to judge the newcomer.</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 target="_blank" href="http://i.imgur.com/N8E1sYB.png"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/N8E1sYB.png"></a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/13/10985438/skybet-championship-reading-fc-0-0-burnley-fc-player-ratingsRoyal Hoops2016-02-13T18:34:05+00:002016-02-13T18:34:05+00:00Reading Improve But Fortunate To Get Draw
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<p>Brian McDermott's men keep another clean sheet but look toothless up front.</p> <p>It's often said that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Reading boss Brian McDermott did his best to dispel murmurs that he was insane by fielding a different team in a fresh formation.</p>
<p>The Royals lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation with Michael Hector making his first start in six games in the anchor man role, sitting in front of the defence and breaking up play. Quinn also returned to the side in a central role, bursting forwards when given the opportunity.</p>
<h3>Nearly</h3>
<p>That move may have been for nothing had Burnley striker Andre Gray not blazed a beautiful chance over the bar in the opening few minutes. That shot was followed by a strong spell from Reading as they passed it around and tried to carve an opening in the Burnley defence. That was the theme of the first half, with Reading taking possession of the ball but struggling — yet again — to make much of a clear cut chance.</p>
<p>The game was very much a game of 'nearly's, with a number of half-chances for both sides without any glaring misses. Cooper and McShane looked solid, Hector was dominant in midfield but the dreadful Norwood continually gave the ball away without need and Piazon slowed the play down at seemingly every opportunity.</p>
<p>Quinn and Barton in midfield had a fascinating duel, Barton doing what he does best and winding up the Reading players at every opportunity but Quinn did his to snap back at him. That wasn't the only duel to be had, with personal battles all across the pitch and a number of thunderous challenges throughout this contest.</p>
<p><span>Michael Hector's</span> return to the side coincided with a look of solidity throughout the side, though that didn't mean there weren't to be further chances for the Championship's 3rd placed side to win this game.</p>
<h3>Misfiring Gray</h3>
<p>Andre Gray had two further chances to score in the second half, one of which came as a result of a contentious penalty decision. Ali Al-Habsi was indignant, claiming he had got the ball, and while he was arguing with the referee, naughty Robson-Kanu slipped off to the penalty spot to — supposedly — have a little bit of a tamper and receive a yellow card.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/13/10985438/skybet-championship-reading-fc-0-0-burnley-fc-player-ratings">
<h2>Ratings: Hector Impresses, Piazon Doesn't</h2>
<img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t4__CK1q1WMw2Su_yNkoVN50S8g=/0x119:2309x1658/709x473/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48803927/GettyImages-463139382.0.jpg"> </a> <span>See how Hoops rated the players and have your say on the Man of the Match.</span>
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<p>It didn't matter though as Gray's eventual penalty looked destined for the back of the net, only for the experienced Omani goalkeeper to fling himself to his left and keep the kick out. Justice, he and many fans would argue.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/12/10981220/football-leagues-youngest-refs-in-the-middle-for-reading-fc-burnley-madjeski-stadium-james-adcock?_ga=1.99850909.2097071462.1437228877" target="_blank">This referee</a> wasn't much of a fan of justice on this evidence, with the opportunity to dish out yellow cards ignored numerous times. Gray kicked out at Hector, Barton went in for some crunching challenges and even a few Royals could have got some yellow cards had the young man in the middle had it in him to dish it out.</p>
<p>Shortly after, Robson-Kanu summed up his afternoon when a good counter attack involving Kermorgant and McCleary ended with the Welshman clean through on goal, only to see an effort go over the bar. It's a shame we didn't see more of this combination play, as that seemed to be the intention with the line ups. In theory, Kermorgant was in the side to win the ball and play in the two wingers cutting in tighter side of him. Alas, it wasn't to be and this was one of the few times this occurred during the game.</p>
<p>Gray then completed his hat trick of poor finishes right at the death, with Jake Cooper ceding possession and seeing the striker scamper clear through on goal, only to see his effort well saved.</p>
<h3>An improvement</h3>
<p>Three wins in 12 doesn't make for pleasant reading, but this game was one of clear improvement. Hector in midfield looked back to his best, McShane was a calming presence at the back and Kermorgant up front put in a good shift without being given the chance to score his first Reading goal.</p>
<p>So 0-0, a second clean sheet in a row, but The Royals continue to not look like scoring and rode their luck in this boisterous affair with Sean Dyche's high-flying Clarets, but most fans would have taken a point at the start of the game and you can't scoff at a point against a team that looks destined for a return to the Premier League.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">-</p>
<p><i><span>Reading: Al Habsi, Gunter, Obita, McShane (c), Cooper, Hector, Norwood (Rakels 81), Quinn, Piazon (McCleary 64), Robson-Kanu, Kermorgant. </span><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span>Subs: Bond, Ferdinand, Evans, Barrett, John. </span><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span>Yellow: Robson-Kanu, Obita. </span><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span>Burnley: Heaton, Lowton, Ward, Keane, Mee, Barton, Jones, Boyd, Arfield, Vokes, Gray (Hennings 86). </span><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span>Subs: Robinson, Taylor, Tarkowski, Kightly, Ulvestad, Darikwa. </span><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span>Yellow: Barton </span><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span>Referee: Mr J Adcock </span><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span>Att: 16,773 (1,428 away) </span></i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/13/10985264/skybet-championship-reading-fc-0-0-burnley-fc-match-reportRoyal Hoops2016-02-12T20:44:07+00:002016-02-12T20:44:07+00:00Young Ref In The Middle For Reading FC v Burnley
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<p>Despite his age, JAMES ADCOCK is relatively experienced in the Football League. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">James Adcock might be the closest thing the Football League has to Howard Webb, as he has refereed an international final. Whilst the now retired Webb took charge of the 2010 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/fifa-womens-world-cup">World Cup</a> Final, Adcock was the man in the middle for the showpiece event at the 2014 Nordic Under-17 Tournament. No, I’ve never heard of it either, but it is an international competition none the less – and one that, despite its name, England compete in and are the most successful team in its 41 year history.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Nottinghamshire whistle-blower is also one of the youngest on the Football League’s list aged 32 years old, but has been refereeing at this level since 2011-12. Since then, he has been the man in the middle in four previous Reading fixtures (W2 D1 L1). The most recent of those matches was the 3-0 defeat at Huddersfield almost a year ago.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So far this campaign, Adcock has taken charge of 20 games in all competitions, handing out 52 yellow cards. However he has awarded just one penalty, and that was way back in August, and no red cards. The last time he gave a player an early bath was in January last year, when he produced his red card three games in a row.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But it has stayed firmly in his pocket ever since, but wouldn’t it just be a Reading thing to do to end that run? My money is on Deniss Rakels to get sent off on his first start…</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>The assistant referees in Berkshire will be Ashvin Degnarain and Matt Corlett, whilst on fourth official duty is Craig Hicks. </i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/12/10981220/football-leagues-youngest-refs-in-the-middle-for-reading-fc-burnley-madjeski-stadium-james-adcockOlly_Allen2016-02-12T20:17:01+00:002016-02-12T20:17:01+00:00Reading v Burnley: Match Preview
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<figcaption>Richard Heathcote/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading continue their run of home matches with the visit of Burnley to Madejski Stadium; Phil Owtram previews the contest.</p> <h4>Reading</h4>
<p><span><b>Form (all comps): DLWDW </b></span></p>
<p>Reading striker Matej Vydra's hamstring injury makes him a doubt and the same applies to midfielder Danny Williams. Latvia forward Deniss Rakels could start in place of Vydra. Aaron Tshibola is out, having had hamstring surgery.</p>
<p>Reading’s inconsistency continued last weekend as they drew 0-0 with Wolves at Madejski Stadium as neither side could find the cutting edge to take the three points. The Royals return to action again at home as they face Burnley on Saturday.</p>
<p>The Clarets sit in third position coming into this one and only two points off top spot. Reading will take motivation from the fact that they have been victorious in six of their last eight meetings with Burnley and won the reverse fixture 2-1 at Turf Moor in September.</p>
<div class="pullquote">Reading vs. Burnley:<span>13 February 2016</span> <span>15:00 KO</span> <span>Madejski Stadium, Reading</span><span>Referee: James Adcock</span>
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<h4>Burnley</h4>
<p><span><b>Form (all comps): WDLWW</b></span></p>
<p>Burnley are again without midfielder Dean Marney. His calf problem is a new worry on his return from knee surgery.</p>
<p>New signing James Tarkowski is ready to take his place in the team but Michael Keane and Ben Mee have been solid in the center of defence this season.</p>
<p>Burnley come into this one unbeaten away from home against sides outside of the top 3 since August. Sean Dyche’s men have picked up 22 points away from home this season which is almost as many as Reading have managed at home (24). Burnley also come into the game in good form with four wins from their last five league matches and unbeaten in their last eight league matches.</p>
<p><b> Reading (v Wolves): </b>Ali Al Habsi, P. McShane, C. Gunter, J. Cooper, H. Robson-Kanu, G. McCleary (O. John 59), D. Williams, O. Norwood, J. Obita, Y. Kermorgant, M. Vydra (D. Rakels 79)</p>
<p><b>Burnley (v Hull):</b> T. Heaton, S. Ward, M. Lowton, B. Mee, M. Keane, J. Barton, D. Jones, S. Arfield, S. Vokes, G. Boyd, A. Gray (R. Hennings 90+2)</p>
<h4><a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/12/10978108/reading-fc-royals-burnley-town-end-clarets-confident-of-a-win">What The Opposition Think</a></h4>
<blockquote>
<p>We started slowly but since we got hammered 3-0 at Hull on Boxing Day we've shifted up a gear or two and we have excellent momentum. Some of the away performances - thrashings of MK Dons and Brentford - have been sublime and we're looking tight at the back and incisive up front.</p>
<p>Dyche switched the defence around (to the back line some of us have wanted since the start of the season, ahem) and we've been unbeaten since. And when you have a striker like Andre Gray, you're always going to get goals. We're serious contenders.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4><b>Last Five Meetings</b></h4>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>26 Sep 2015: Burnley 1-2 Reading (Championship)</p>
<p>03 May 2014: Reading 2-2 Burnley (Championship)</p>
<p>05 Oct 2013: Burnley 2-1 Reading (Championship)</p>
<p>17 Feb 2012: Reading 1-0 Burnley (Championship)</p>
<p>15 Oct 2011: Burnley 0-1 Reading (Championship)</p>
<h4>Head To Head</h4>
<p>Reading v Burnley: W:20 D:11 L:11</p>
<h4>YouTube History</h4>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F59wfR8FAfA" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h4>Prediction</h4>
<p>Reading 1-1 Burnley</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/12/10979846/reading-fc-v-burnley-fc-match-preview-championship-2015-2016Phil902016-02-12T14:17:27+00:002016-02-12T14:17:27+00:00Town End: Clarets Confident Of A Win
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Ahead of Saturday's match against Burnley, Jamie Smith, host of Clarets' podcast No Nay Never, kindly answered a few of our questions previewing the game. </p> <h4>How would you sum up Burnley's season so far?</h4>
<p>We started slowly but since we got hammered 3-0 at Hull on Boxing Day we've shifted up a gear or two and we have excellent momentum. Some of the away performances - thrashings of MK Dons and Brentford - have been sublime and we're looking tight at the back and incisive up front. Dyche switched the defence around (to the back line some of us have wanted since the start of the season, ahem) and we've been unbeaten since. And when you have a striker like Andre Gray, you're always going to get goals. We're serious contenders.</p>
<h4>Is the club in a better position to compete in the Premier League next season if you do make it back up?</h4>
<p>Good question. I think our recruitment this season - bringing in proven performers like Gray and Barton - shows some lessons have been learned from the awful transfer business we did after our last promotion - buying Lukas Jutkiewicz and Marvin Sordell as a Premier League strikeforce was beyond a joke. Dyche's tactics are still quite rigid and predictable and he needs to develop a plan b and a plan c for when teams work out our plan a.</p>
<p>But if we do go up, it'll be three seasons in the PL in about ten years, so we need to start acting like we belong at that level, rather than play-acting at it. I would hope that if we go up we have a much better go at it than last time, put it that way, especially with the truly ridiculous TV money we'd get.</p>
<h4>Reading's win at Turf Moor back in September was about as good as it got for us this season. We've not away since but what did you make of us that day and from what you've seen and read since.</h4>
<p>I wasn't at that game but by all accounts we were under par and Gray was injured, so we weren't at our best, but you certainly did a job on us and we had no complaints about the result. It's been a surprise to see you struggle since because any team capable of beating us, I'd expect to be in the mix not floating around the bottom half. I like Steve Clarke and felt you sacked him a bit early, although I don't know what impact the <a href="https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Fulham</a> business had on his position. Brian McDermott is a good manager but you generally need stability to do well in the Championship and Reading haven't had that for a while. You're obviously struggling for goals and we've kept a few clean sheets recently, so our defenders should be quite comfortable.</p>
<h4>Who should Reading be wary of on Saturday?</h4>
<p>Gray is the obvious threat we have and when he's on top of his game I don't think many Championship defenders can handle his combination of pace and power - he's too good. Both full-backs are comfortable on the ball and Joey Barton is the driving force in midfield. Lots of us were a bit wary when we signed Barton but he hasn't put a foot wrong for us, he's been a brilliant free signing. Gray's partner Sam Vokes is in good form too, he's scored four goals in six games. We don't really have a weak link to be honest. It says a lot that we could spend a few million on James Tarkowski in January and give him a couple of weeks to get up to full speed without even having him in the squad. If there's one slight issue we have, I'd say we lack a gamechanger off the bench, but Michael Kightly and Matt Taylor are decent options.</p>
<h4>Any Reading player you're not looking forward to facing?</h4>
<p>I've always liked McCleary's directness and eye for goal, but to be perfectly honest and with no disrespect meant, a team as strong as ours, in good form, shouldn't have too many problems with Reading. Kermorgant is a threat if he gets the right service, but <span>Michael Keane</span> and Ben Mee are both good enough in the air to keep him quiet.</p>
<h4>Score prediction?</h4>
<p>I'm usually pretty pessimistic but we've been winning games against bottom half sides very comfortably of late and the chance to go into the top two with Boro not playing until Monday is a big opportunity for us. I reckon about 3-1 to us sounds about right. We put our loss at Hull right by beating them last weekend and we should be out for revenge again.</p>
<h4>Finally who's your three to go up and three to go down?</h4>
<p>If we maintain our current excellent levels, we go up regardless of the games in hand others have. I'll go for Hull to join us in the top two because Bruce has been there and done it, and maybe Brighton through the play-offs since they're coming back into form at a good time - but there's always one who comes from nowhere. Ipswich or Forest?</p>
<p>Hard to call the bottom - it looks pretty tight. Bolton and Charlton will find it hard with their off-the-field issues, Rotherham couldn't have made a better appointment than Warnock, MK Dons have looked terrible whenever I've seen them this season. I'll take Bolton, Charlton and Rovers - just because it would be very funny for us to watch them drop to League One while we go up to the Premier League.</p>
<p><i>Thanks to Jamie Smith for his thoughts ahead of the game - you can find their <a href="http://www.nonaynever.net/">excellent podcast here</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nonaynevernet/?fref=ts" style="background-color: #ffffff;">like them on Facebook here</a>, and follow them on Twitter with the handle @NoNayNeverNet. </i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/12/10978108/reading-fc-royals-burnley-town-end-clarets-confident-of-a-winThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer