The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 2-0 Plymouth Argyle: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2016-08-10T23:03:00+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/121735812016-08-10T23:03:00+01:002016-08-10T23:03:00+01:00Preston & Plymouth: The Alternative View
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>New season, new manager, new style, new optimism?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Proper football is back! To start this season we have a double helping of the Alternative View with views and reports from both the Preston and Plymouth games. Reading came into this season with eight new signings and a legendary centre back in Jaap Stam. Pre-season we have looked to play a passing game, and that’s continued into the League and EFL Cup with somewhat disciplined play.</p>
<h3><span>Preston - Championship</span></h3>
<p>It’s fair to say that the Lillywhites fans aren’t over enamoured with their team's performance at Reading, with questions being asked over tactics and signings. Reading were dominant in a first half display, which you could argue was one of the best we have seen in a long while. The only thing missing from it was a few more goals. The main focus of the fans' views were the tactics, with many fans saying that #PNEFC were far too negative in their approach to the game. Whilst others were far from impressed with a couple of mindless idiots who seemed intent on going base jumping half way up the stand!</p>
<p>And as usual on to the social and media scene.</p>
<h3><span>Social</span></h3>
<p>There is only one place to start and that’s #PNEFC support of the emotional display to Eamon Dolan</p>
<h4>#Respect</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nice touch from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pnefc?src=hash">#pnefc</a> fans <a href="https://t.co/AmLrkJFMeK">pic.twitter.com/AmLrkJFMeK</a> <a href="https://t.co/vgHuv10nil">https://t.co/vgHuv10nil</a></p>
— TFS Preston NE (@TFS_PNE) <a href="https://twitter.com/TFS_PNE/status/762134954264305664">August 7, 2016</a>
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<h4>Day tripping</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a> player tripping two Preston players, was that part of the planned corner? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/genius?src=hash">#genius</a> <a href="https://t.co/GZ13X5wG5x">pic.twitter.com/GZ13X5wG5x</a></p>
— NCS (@ethernat) <a href="https://twitter.com/ethernat/status/762095669821726720">August 7, 2016</a>
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<h4>Guy's it's the first game!</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bloody hell.lose 1st game of the season<br>Everyone having a meltdown <br>Only at North End <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pnefc?src=hash">#pnefc</a></p>
— Paul Hoy (@hoytheboy) <a href="https://twitter.com/hoytheboy/status/762028870627360769">August 6, 2016</a>
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<h4>I know this feeling!</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just because fans didn't turn up till half time does not mean the players can only turn up then as well <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pnefc?src=hash">#pnefc</a></p>
— Joe P (@JoeA_P20) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeA_P20/status/761959812087291904">August 6, 2016</a>
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<h4>Move over Barca, new passing team in town!</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Outstanding first half from Reading. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/URZ?src=hash">#URZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pnefc?src=hash">#pnefc</a> <a href="https://t.co/AXoi9m1ru2">pic.twitter.com/AXoi9m1ru2</a></p>
— Harvey McMillan (@Harveymac11) <a href="https://twitter.com/Harveymac11/status/762079810285953025">August 7, 2016</a>
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<h4>Well suppose it's optimistic!</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Only 3 points of the top of the table. Behind Newcastle and Aston vanilla only due to the alphabet. Decent start to the season. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pnefc?src=hash">#pnefc</a></p>
— Alan Marquis (@big_al769) <a href="https://twitter.com/big_al769/status/762346598504472576">August 7, 2016</a>
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<h3>Media</h3>
<h4>Nationals</h4>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3726949/Reading-1-0-Preston-Jon-Swift-scores-debut-goal-Royals-begin-Jaap-Stam-era-win.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a> are equal with gushing praise for us as well as hammering Preston. 'Unambitious', 'poor', and coming to the Madjeski to frustrate and failing in that are some of the comments they make about #PNEFC. However, saying that, there are a few comments about our 'inept' finishing (Mr Rakels) and a slight lack of an end product are their comments. However the one that made me chuckle was the comment about our display being straight out of Sir Alex Ferguson’s playbook. If we have half the success that Stam did in his time at Old Trafford then think most fans will be happy!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over at the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/06/reading-preston-championship-match-report?" target="_blank">Guardian </a>and they are equally full of praise for Stam’s tactics, and heavily comment on an outstanding performance from John Swift. Again interesting comments on Stam, this time comparing him to a US Secret Service Agent. I will leave you with that one...</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now then the <a href="http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/697442/Championship-Round-Up-Jon-Dadi-Bodvarsson-Wolves-Rotherham-Burton-News" target="_blank">Daily Express</a> have really let themselves down. One paragraph for Reading and precious little for everthing else? Really guys c'mon the Premiership hasn’t started yet. However they did <a href="http://www.express.co.uk/pictures/sport/7244/Championship-2016-17-home-kits-ranked-rated-sportgalleries/Reading-FC-155738" target="_blank">rate </a>our kit 5/10 which gets a pull page spread. Hmm...</p>
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<h4>Online</h4>
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<p class="MsoNormal">A similar approach to the Express is on <a href="http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/story/2924069/championship-norwich-thrash-blackburn-as-jaap-stams-reading-beat-preston" target="_blank">ESPN FC</a>. Being honest I wouldn’t waste much time with these as generally it’s a copy of Sky’s report.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Speaking of <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/10526189/reading-1-0-preston-jaap-stam-hails-new-signing-after-win?" target="_blank">SkySports</a>, they understandably concentrate on Swift, and say we dominated the game, also you get (once past the adverts) 2.17 of coverage, but I do get where they're coming from with inept finishing. Also worth watching for Deniss taking two defenders out for Swift's goal.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36929898" target="_blank">BBC </a>is its usual factual self, concentrating on Swift and also in the roundup make a poignant reflection on our <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37000550" target="_blank">tribute </a>to <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-36989992" target="_blank">Dolan</a>.</p>
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<h4>Locals</h4>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Lastly we look at the local thoughts, and starting with <a href="http://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/match-report-reading-1-pne-0-1-8054755" target="_blank">The Lancashire Evening Post</a>, they say it was a deserved victory for Reading and that Grayson effectively got the tactics wrong. However they also say that after the six minutes of sustained pressure at the end, they could have got a point...</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/reading-fc-1-preston-0-11714361" target="_blank">GetReading's</a> Charles Watts is a much happier bunny at the start of this season and gives GMac our 'main man' tag, however he does make a valid point that we have some difficult games coming up which should prove a sterner test.</p>
<h3>Plymouth - EFL Cup</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">As you can imagine an EFL Cup game between #ReadingFC and #PAFC doesn’t get much coverage, and the Twittersphere and news media pretty much point to it not being high on anyone’s agenda.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Still here’s the best of the tweets and the 'coverage' from the media scene.</p>
<h3>Social</h3>
<h4>Always said fans love effort</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">completely disappointed with last nights match. Didn't expect to win but expected a bit more of a performance <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pafc?src=hash">#pafc</a></p>
— Kathryn Bate (@Katacus1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Katacus1/status/763292424911347712">August 10, 2016</a>
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<h4>Come on it can't be, can it?</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Last time Argyle had a run in the League Cup I was watching my black and white tv <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pafc?src=hash">#pafc</a></p>
— Roger J Carter (@rjafd) <a href="https://twitter.com/rjafd/status/763304827111768064">August 10, 2016</a>
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<h4>Quote of the night</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><span>Chris Gunter</span> has just sent a wildly sliding <span>Jake Jervis</span> for hot dogs with extra chilli sauce. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pafc?src=hash">#pafc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ouch?src=hash">#ouch</a></p>
— David Munday (@DavidMunday815) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidMunday815/status/763103350774697984">August 9, 2016</a>
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<h4>To quote a Aerosmith song - Dream on</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Connor Smith better than Pogba <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pafc?src=hash">#pafc</a></p>
— eas (@Pafceas) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pafceas/status/763109771784425472">August 9, 2016</a>
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<h4>Mightily impressive</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Official away attendance tonight: 741. Take a bow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pafc?src=hash">#pafc</a> fans, that's a great turnout for a Tuesday night cup match.</p>
— David Munday (@DavidMunday815) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidMunday815/status/763107980179013632">August 9, 2016</a>
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<h3>Media</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">I'm expecting the tumbleweeds to come blowing down Hurst Way given the media coverage...</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anyway <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/reading-vs-plymouth/report/360031?" target="_blank">SkySports </a>nail it, - it was easy, plus we get a huge, whopping 1 minute 7 seconds of coverage.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36949777" target="_blank">BBC </a>ain't much better, I mean come on less than 100 words, that's taking it to a whole new level! Basically, Joey scored, Beerens scored and Plymouth missed. Yep that's it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/reading-fc-2-plymouth-0-11727837" target="_blank">GetReading</a> give the main man to Swift, however from my angle would have given it to Beerens. Charles is still smiling and reckons it was another fantastic first half and the rest of it a training exercise, probably not far from the truth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Finally down at the <a href="http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/reading-were-just-too-good-for-plymouth-argyle-admits-derek-adams/story-29604078-detail/story.html?" target="_blank">Plymouth Herald </a>the verdict is that Reading were just too good for Argyle, and that we passed the ball exceptionally.</p>
<h3>The Last Word</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Well two games in quick succession and a couple of tricky away games on the horizon. Both games had exceptional first halves and effective second periods, however I still think that we need to put away the attempts we get, as against Wolves and Newcastle we won't get as many chances as we have had in the first two games. Still it's two wins from two games and a passing game that would rival Barca (well almost). As I've said, it's a good start and one we need to build on. One game at a time guys, May's a long way off. I'm back next week with another double header until then - C'mon Urzzzz.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/10/12426942/preston-league-plymouth-efl-the-alternative-viewdavemc_exile2016-08-10T11:59:09+01:002016-08-10T11:59:09+01:00Reading 2-0 Plymouth: Player Ratings
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<p>Swift shines, Watson impresses but another full debutant doesn't make the most of his opportunity. Here's our player ratings from Reading's 2-0 win over Plymouth.</p> <h4>Anssi Jaakkola: 6</h4>
<p>The Finnish keeper had no real opportunities to show what he could do given such weak opposition but his distribution was largely fine and he collected a couple of balls well.</p>
<h4>Tennai Watson: 7</h4>
<p>An impressive night from the youngster who showed why he's been trusted with a start at just 19 years old. He played primarily down the right and after some early instructions from Jaap Stam on the touchline he really grew into the game with some good tackles and accurate passes. Not an outstanding night going forward but with plenty of players in front of him, he didn't need to be.</p>
<h4>Joey van den Berg: 7</h4>
<p>This was a rating that caused me a fair bit of strife because while defensively he was far closer to a 6, he did get a goal and you can't under estimate the importance of getting yourselves in front early on in a cup tie. It's already clear from two games that the man isn't a centre-back but like Michael Carrick at Manchester United, he can do a job there. His somewhat causal approach to passing will probably get him into trouble at some stage this season but once in midfield that risk should be more limited.</p>
<h4>Jake Cooper: 6</h4>
<p>Steady but unspectacular from Cooper who did all of the dirty stuff well but failed to show he's comfortable playing the 'Stam way' Still has plenty of time to improve his game and at times we'll need a strong defender like Cooper to hold off more physical sides but he's got work to do on the technical side of his game if he wants to be a regular in this system.</p>
<h4>Chris Gunter: 7</h4>
<p>Mr Reliable again as the Captain on the night put in a good showing down the left-hand side. Played a big part in the second goal and rode some nasty looking challenges early in the second-half without letting it impact his game. I hope we can keep him at the club but the chance to cash in and Gunter's own ambitions might just lead him to move on.</p>
<h4>George Evans: 7</h4>
<p>Not given too many problems by Plymouth's attacking lineup but he kept the play ticking over very well and looks a much more assured presence than the one we saw fleetingly last season. A player with plenty of potential, long may his progress continue.</p>
<h4>Danny Williams: 6</h4>
<p>Williams couldn't emulate the high standard he showed against Preston and sadly there was a glimpse of the 'bad' Danny when he greedily shot on goal when he had better options around him in the second-half. One of the players who really took their foot off the gas after going 2-0 up but given his efforts on Saturday and the challenges to come, that was understandable.</p>
<h4>John Swift: 7</h4>
<p>An excellent display from Swift and if his first-half creativity and drive had continued for 90 minutes this would have been an 8/10. Alongside Roy Beerens, he looks like the player most likely to make something happen and his delivery for the opening goal was excellent. Like Williams, I could understand the easing off in the second-half but his challenge now is to show he can deliver against stronger sides.</p>
<h4>Roy Beerens: 7</h4>
<p>As mentioned, Beerens looks a man that can make something happen out of nowhere. My TTE Podcast co-host Jonny remarked how he seems like Glen Little at times, happy to take his man on, beat him, then do him again. That mentality cost Beerens a goal after he overcooked a 1-on-1 but he made up for it minutes later with a tidy finish for his first Reading goal. Keeping him fit and motivated will be a challenge for Stam but if he can, we could have a real matchwinner on our hands.</p>
<h4>Yann Kermorgant: 6</h4>
<p>Quiet night for the former Charlton man who struggled to get himself in the game. Made some tidy passes and put himself about the pitch but he'll need to do better than that if he's going to be our main striker this season.</p>
<h4>Callum Harriott: 5</h4>
<p>A sadly underwhelming full debut from Harriott who unlike Beerens, struggled to impose himself on a weak Plymouth side. Flair players like Harriott are always going to have off days and given he's only been training for a week here, you could understand some nerves but Callum will be annoyed he didn't make more of an impact given the lively cameo of his replacement...</p>
<h3><u>Substitutes</u></h3>
<h4>Yakou Méïte: 6</h4>
<p>As above, Meitie had a lively 30 minutes on the pitch, showing his pace and power, allbeit with little to show from it. He's exactly the type of player you want around the squad because he's got something different and against a tiring opposition or away from home on the break, he could be a good weapon for Stam to use.</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>Average Rating: 6.3</u></h4>
<p>Three best and worst performances from 2015/2016</p>
<p>7.5 - Ipswich Town H (W 5-1)</p>
<p>6.9 - Brentford A (W 3-1)</p>
<p>6.9 - Bristol City A (W 2-0)</p>
<p>6.0 - AVERAGE</p>
<p>5.2 - Huddersfield Town H (D 2-2)</p>
<p>5.1 - Nottingham Forest (L 1-3)</p>
<p>4.6 - Birmingham City H (L 0-2)</p>
<h4><u>Season's Ratings:</u></h4>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/10/12417042/reading-fc-2-0-plymouth-argyle-player-ratingsWimb2016-08-10T11:36:51+01:002016-08-10T11:36:51+01:00Reading 2-0 Plymouth: Professional Performance
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<p>A great Reading performance or weak opposition? Wimb figures it was a little bit of both as Jaap Stam’s side breezed into round two of the EFL Cup by beating Plymouth 2-0.</p> <p>Two goals, a clean sheet, into the hat for the next round, job done. That's the bottom line after Reading comfortably saw off League Two Plymouth with a 2-0 win at Madejski Stadium.</p>
<p>If you were expecting wholesale changes and a big chance for Academy players to get the chance to shine you would have been left disappointed as Jaap Stam kept the majority of the team who'd beaten Preston in place, opting for minor tweaks instead. Those changes saw Anssi Jaakkola, Jake Cooper, Tennai Watson and Yann Kermorgant come into the side, with Callum Harriott also given a full debut. Even among the substitutes it was pretty much business as usual with no sign of Tariqe Fosu, Aaron Kuhl & Jack Stacey.</p>
<h3>First-Half</h3>
<p>From a possession standpoint this was once again a totally dominant Reading performance, with 71% of the ball in total and closer to 80% in the first 45. The midfield trio of George Evans, John Swift and Danny Williams was once again running the show and the<a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/2/12362442/what-formation-will-reading-fc-play-under-jaap-stam"> high pressing highlighted by Will in pre-season</a> was again evident as Reading kept Plymouth pinned inside their own half for most of the first period.</p>
<p>That pressure ultimately yielded a couple of well taken goals. The first saw Joey van den Berg nod home his first in a Reading shirt from a lovely Swift set piece from the left, before another Dutchman in Roy Beerens made it two after following in Chris Gunter's initially saved effort. Those were the least Reading deserved against an Argyle side who looked every bit a League Two outfit who'd been humped 3-0 at home on the opening day of the season.</p>
<p>At times Reading just seemed to be toying with their opposition, with Beerens in particular doing some lovely pieces of skill down the right hand side while the confidence was flowing to the extent that at times you had centre-back van den Berg operating wide down the right-hand side inside the Plymouth half. Tennai Watson was also producing a very solid performance at right-back and looks like a decent deputy for Gunter. If you did have a concern it was that Plymouth keeper Vincent Dorel didn't have that many saves to make as Reading struggled to turn territory into clear cut chances.</p>
<p>In saying that, if there had been an option to call off the game I'm pretty sure the visitors would have taken it as they gave the 500 or so travelling fans precious little to get excited about.</p>
<h3>Second-Half</h3>
<p>The downside of Stam's decision to play first team regulars showed itself in the second period as Reading slowly eased off the throttle and the game broke down into more of a pre-season outing than a cup tie. We were still very much the dominant side, with Plymouth's first meaningful shot on 50-odd minutes being greeted by ‘how s**t must you be, we've just had a shot' from the travelling fans but Reading's easing off saw precious few chances created at the other end either.</p>
<p>Harriott was subbed off around the hour mark after an underwhelming performance, with fellow new signing Yakou Meite given the chance to show the 6,979 fans inside the Mad Stad what he could do. Almost immediately we were given a glimpse into just why Meite was on the books of one of the World's biggest clubs in PSG, as he charged into a tackle and spent the next half an hour using his pace and power to try and get a sight of goal. I'll delve into his performance more in our Player Ratings but needless to say I was impressed.</p>
<p>Not that I was overly impressed with the rest of Reading's side over the following 30 minutes as the aforementioned ‘pre-season' vibe continued to play itself out. The fact I had around 10 minutes to ponder just how good Plymouth's David Fox used to be on Championship Manager 03/04 and whether he was a better signing than David Bellion in that game shows just how gripping things were getting in front of me. On that note, Stam's decision not to turn to his bench again was a bit puzzling but I suppose he's trying to give his team as much of a chance to gel as possible and you can't blame him for that.</p>
<h3>Closing Thoughts</h3>
<p>2-0 was the least Reading deserved and with no injuries picked up, a clean sheet and a couple of first goals for the club, Stam must have been happy with his first taste of EFL Cup action as a manager. Far, far tougher tests are ahead for Reading, starting with Wolves on Saturday but never underestimate just how important it is for clubs to get the job done against weaker sides. We've seen far too many games where Reading have struggled against inferior teams and to get the job done early and comprehensively was refreshing to see.</p>
<p><i><b>Reading</b>: Jaakola, Gunter, van den Berg, Cooper, Watson, Evans, Swift, Williams, Harriott (Meite), Beerens, Kermorgant</i></p>
<p><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" height="644" width="560" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheTilehurstEnd%2Fvideos%2F1196044197096950%2F&show_text=1&width=560"></iframe></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/10/12421308/reading-fc-2-0-plymouth-argyle-efl-cup-madejski-stadium-professional-performanceWimb2016-08-09T21:49:17+01:002016-08-09T21:49:17+01:00Instant Reaction: Reading 2-0 Plymouth
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<p>The Royals easily defeated their League Two opponents in the First Round of the EFL Cup at the Madejski Stadium.</p> <p>Jaap Stam's bright start as Reading manager continued, as his team comfortably made it through to the next round of the tournament previously known as the League Cup, before it was decided that name didn't make a good hashtag.</p>
<p>Just like on Saturday, Reading dominated first half possession and went into the break in the lead.</p>
<p>It took the home side just over quarter of an hour to take the lead. Joey van den Berg scored his first goal at the club from a John Swift free kick. Two games, two goals from set pieces. Unbelievable!</p>
<p>Midway through the first half Reading doubled their lead following a good move which saw Chris Gunter go close, before Roy Beerens tapped in the rebound.</p>
<p>The game was effectively won and the second half was not surprisingly a much quieter affair. Reading were able to hand another debut to Yakou Meite who impressed fans with his pace and skill.</p>
<p>So an enjoyable evening as the early season optimism in Berkshire continued. Of course more cautious fans will note that Plymouth lost 3-0 at home at the weekend and remember how promising Reading looked as recent ago as September last year.</p>
<p>Fans with longer memories may recall the last time a much changed Reading team easily beat League Two opposition: Burton Albion in 2009. Whatever happened to Nicholas Bicknell and Brendan Rodgers!?</p>
<p><b>Reading: </b>Jaakkola; Gunter, Cooper, van den Berg, Watson; Williams, Evans, Swift; Beerens, Kermorgant, Harriott (Meite 57)</p>
<p><b>Plymouth: </b>Dorel; Miller, Songo'o, Bradley, Sawyer; Threlkeld, Carey, Fox (Donaldson 80); Jervis, Slaw (Smith 72), Goodwillie (Spencer 72)</p>
<p><span><b>Attendance:</b> 6,979 (741 Plymouth)</span></p>
<p><b>Keep an eye out for our full match report, player ratings and more in the coming days.</b></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/9/12416542/instant-reaction-reading-fc-2-0-plymouth-argyleWilliamOwain2016-08-09T09:29:18+01:002016-08-09T09:29:18+01:00Bookie Watch: Plymouth (H, EFL Cup)
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<p>For the 1st round of the EFL Cup, Reading are favourites to move into the second round, as they host the Pilgrims.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>With the bookies calling it almost spot on for Reading v Preston, with the highest % chance of a 1-0 home win coming in, we will hope for a more unlikely scoreline against Plymouth in the hope of taking one from them on Tuesday night.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
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<b>Reading V Plymouth</b> <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="https://postimg.org/image/muxvnbfmj/"><img alt="Reading V Plymouth" border="0" src="https://s9.postimg.org/ty5r2xl27/Reading_V_Plymouth.png"></a>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span>As we can see in the guide above, the bookies have priced up the game very fairly, as you would expect, perhaps with a slight push towards the Reading price. Unfortunately the result for Plymouth has swung the odds slightly towards Reading - taking away our potential value. The fair price is a 1.75 chance, and we are being offered 1.76, so not a big edge. Plymouth are the outsiders at 5.00, but this doesn't reflect their fair price, which should be closer to 6.00. The draw has slight value at 4.00, with the calculated odds being slight below this at 3.87.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Looking at the goals table in the lower table, the bookies are expecting a higher goal scoring game than our match up vs Preston, with the over 2.5 goals being taken in from 2.50 down to 1.91 for the game on Tuesday night. This has left us with some nice value looking at the goals market for the lower scoreline markets - and the market on the BTTS (Both Teams to score (Goals Goals Goals as some of you may know it also, Goals Galore ETC)) NO has also given us a nice edge with available odds at 2.05, but calculated odds being at 1.91. <b>BTTS NO</b> <b>is going to be my main recommended bet of the day with a 3.6% edge over the available odds for the bookies.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A 1-0 home victory has a nice edge with the price being available at 7.60, but the calculated at 6.3. With Reading still really to pack a punch going forward, this seems like a nice edge for us, and<b> 1-0 Reading is going to be my main recommended scoreline bet.</b> The other scoreline we have a small edge on is 2-0 Plymouth - this seems unlikely, hence the offered odds of 29.0, and our calculated sitting at 26.3. A small stake only on this is required if you are to follow the value.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span>Overall calculated odds suggest the following for Reading v Plymouth:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Reading Win</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>1-0 Scoreline</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>BTTS NO</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>U2.5 Goals</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Let us know what you are backing for the EFL Cup game this Tuesday in the comments below, and as always, good luck!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gambleaware.co.uk" target="_blank">Please gamble responsibly.</a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/9/12401216/bookie-watch-reading-fc-plymouth-argly-efl-cup-july-2016-17Readingfanman2016-08-09T07:00:05+01:002016-08-09T07:00:05+01:00Key Battles: Reading v Plymouth
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<p>Reading play Plymouth for the first time since December 2009 when Reading lost 4-1 at Home Park in one of Brian McDermott's first games in charge as caretaker manager. So where will the key battles be played out on Tuesday night </p> <h3>Jake Cooper vs David Goodwillie</h3>
<p>The Scottish striker, who had a spell at Blackburn when they were in the Premier League, is likely to start on Tuesday night against Jake Cooper. Cooper is likely to be given the nod having been unused substitute in the 1-0 win over Preston on Saturday.</p>
<p>Goodwillie is looking to rebuild his career in English football, having signed from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen in the summer.</p>
<p>With his height and strength, Goodwillie will be the striker up top that Plymouth will look for in order to win headers and hold the ball up, allowing his teammates to join the attack.</p>
<p>This is likely to be fascinating battle between the two players, with Cooper being 6 ft 4 in and Goodwillie being 5 ft 9 in.</p>
<p>Whoever wins this battle will go a long way as to which team comes out on top.</p>
<h3>George Evans vs Graham Carey</h3>
<p>The former Republic of Ireland under 21 international is likely to start on Tuesday night and is arguably one of Plymouth's best players. Last season he got 12 goals and 16 assists in 46 games for the Pilgrims.</p>
<p>He will be up against George Evans, who is likely to keep his place following his impressive performance on Saturday.</p>
<p>Evans who played in the holding role against Preston, will be looking to stop Carey making any impact on the game and from linking up with the two strikers that Plymouth play in Goodwillie and Jimmy Spencer.</p>
<p>If Evans can do this then this will be a huge gain for Reading, as they'll be stopping Plymouth's main man in midfield from replicating his form from last season.</p>
<h3>Yakou Meite vs Sonny Bradley</h3>
<p>Having been an unused substitute in the win over Preston, Yakou Meite will be looking to make his first ever start in English football and his debut for Reading. Meite, (from videos on YouTube) looks a very exciting player, with pace, trickery and the ability to pull something from out of the bag. This could therefore be a very good opportunity for Meite to get experience of playing in English football for the first time and show what he can do.</p>
<p>Looking to stop him from making an instant impact, will be Plymouth centre back Sonny Bradley. Bradley is a new signing at Home Park, having signed on a free transfer from Crawley Town in the summer.</p>
<p>Bradley kept 11 clean sheets for Crawley last season and will be hoping he can keep another one on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>This will be a fascinating battle between Meite and Bradley, mainly due to their height. Meite is 6 ft and 1/2 in tall, while Bradley is 6 ft and 4 in tall. So it will be interesting, as to who wins the headers from the long balls and crosses.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/9/12401836/key-battles-reading-v-plymouth-argylejacks19962016-08-09T05:34:26+01:002016-08-09T05:34:26+01:00The Oppo: Plymouth
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<figcaption>Michael Springer/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Handbags Harris returns to give us a history lesson on Reading's past tussles with tonight's EFL Cup opponents, Plymouth Argyle.</p> <p>Opening the season's cup campaign, Reading welcome Plymouth Argyle in what will be the first ever meeting between the sides in the League Cup.</p>
<h3>Head-to-Head</h3>
<p>Overall, Argyle have the better of the record between the two sides having claimed 28 wins overall compared to the Royals 19, with 15 matches drawn. Some readers will remember one of those draws, which occurred in the FA Cup third round, played unusually early in the season in December 1999, the ties moved closer to attempt to accommodate Manchester United who had withdrawn from the competition due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Championship in Brazil.</p>
<p>In cup competitions, Argyle again hold the edge over Reading with two wins compared to one defeat. Reading's only win against Plymouth in cup competitions came on 16 November 1968 with a 1-0 win at Elm Park to set up a second round tie against Argyle's near neighbours Torquay.</p>
<h3>Memorable Match</h3>
<p>The only two cup ties played between the sides in my lifetime was the aforementioned 1999/00 season FA Cup third round, Division Two Reading drawn at home to the then Division Three Argyle. The match at the Madejski Stadium saw 3,000 Pilgrims travel, who made up a significant proportion of 8536 in attendance. Plymouth's support that day was impressive and loud, and contributed to an excellent atmosphere.</p>
<p>The match was played at a frenetic pace, and Reading really should have won the match having created several excellent opportunities throughout. Plymouth had the first opportunity however, when a quick break saw a cross from the right from Paul McGregor volleyed towards goal only for an excellent save from Scott Howie to deny Sean McCarthy, tipping over a rocket of a shot. From then on, however, it was all Reading as Argyle rode their luck. Andy Gurney, playing in an advanced role with Graeme Murty just behind, was the main culprit for spurning chances as he failed to connect cleanly with a cut back and fired high and wide when left all alone on the penalty spot. However, the right sided combination combined well, and Murty was to give us a sneak preview of what was to become a regular feature once he had overcome his injury woes, as his overlapping run was found by Gurney and the pull back was turned home by Jim McIntyre. A deserved goal, and one Reading should have built on.</p>
<p>The second half was more of the same, Martin Williams replaced at half time by Keith Scott who saw two good headers saved. It is a cliché in football that one goal is never enough, and so it proved as Chris Hargreaves let a wonderful volley fly from his weaker left foot with eight minutes to go, which flew past Howie's left hand and into his top left corner. The strike remains one of the best goals ever seen at the Madejski in my opinion. The match petered out and finished 1-1, Argyle happy to take Reading back to a pre-redeveloped Home Park where they ran out 1-0 victors thanks to an 89th minute Mick Heathcote winner, while Neil Smith saw red for Reading in the first half.</p>
<h3>They Played For Both Teams</h3>
<p>Having had similar histories and played each other on many occasions, and there are a reasonable number of players who have played for both sides. Of these, one of the most influential in the recent history of Reading FC happened to be a fairly innocuous loan signing in December 1995 when resident keepers Bobby Mihailov and Simon Sheppard were sidelined through injury, and so the then joint player/managers Jimmy Quinn and Mick Gooding looked south and west to Plymouth for cover, and so commenced a 20 year association between Reading FC and Nick Hammond.</p>
<p>Hammond, as mentioned, initially signed on a one-month loan and made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Sunderland. Hammond impressed enough to be signed for £40k a month later, during a turbulent time for Reading goalkeepers (having had Shaka Hislop ever-present in league and cup from August 93 to May 95, Reading went on to field 10 players in goal including Quinn twice, and Andy Bernal).</p>
<p>Having commenced his career at Arsenal in 1985, Hammond never made an appearance for the Gunners and found himself loaned out to Bristol Rovers, Peterborough Utd and Aberdeen during his time at Highbury. Hammond made a combined three appearances during his three loans, and eventually found himself heading west to north Wiltshire and a period with Swindon Town where he was mainly understudy to Fraser Digby. However, he still made 94 appearances and 7 years later found himself the subject of a £40k bid from Plymouth which was accepted, and Hammond made the move to Home Park. However, 4 months and 4 appearances later, Hammond was moving back east to Elm Park to cover a goalkeeping crisis on loan, and then a month later permanently.</p>
<p>In his four years as a player for Reading, Hammond only made 32 appearances although he spent the majority of 1997/98 as first choice before a broken hand sustained in the FA Cup replay with Cardiff effectively called time on his Reading career as he made just two further appearances, including his only appearance at the Madejski Stadium against Colchester in September 1998.</p>
<p>When his playing contract expired, Hammond took up the position of Academy Director where he would remain until stepping up to the position of Director of Football to provide a footballing link between the playing side and the board. Hammond excelled in the position which he held until May this year, negotiating some notable big money transfers for the likes of Kevin Doyle, Dave Kitson, Shane Long and Gylfi Sigurdsson amongst many others. Hammond resigned in May to take up the position of Technical Director at West Bromwich Albion.</p>
<h3>Grudge Moment</h3>
<p>There can only be one grudge moment, a moment that Argyle fans I know personally remind me of on frequent occasions. Reading 1-2 Plymouth Argyle, August 2005. Our only defeat at home all season, Micky Evans and Nick Chadwick doing the damage spoiling Leroy Lita's debut. A match Reading should have won, but didn't. And to think there were people calling for Steve Coppell's head post match...!!</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zPZV02scEwg" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h3>Fact, Interesting or Otherwise</h3>
<p>The city of Plymouth, down on the English Channel, has a rich seafaring history, both civilian and military, and Home Park bears a couple of obvious references to the history built up over the centuries. The Devonport End refers to the area of the city that boasts one of the three Royal Navy dockyards, and the largest Naval base in the UK. The other stand bearing a direct link to seafaring is, of course, the Mayflower Stand, so called after the vessel that carried the 100+ pilgrims to the New World in 1620, and if you visit Plymouth today it is well worth taking a stroll down to the Mayflower dock near the Hoe to see and hear about the inspiring story of the people that made the perilous voyage.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/9/12409022/the-oppo-plymouth-argylehandbags_harris2016-08-08T19:33:12+01:002016-08-08T19:33:12+01:00My Team For Plymouth: Chance For Youth To Step Up?
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<figcaption>Academy graduate, Aaron Kuhl in action | Richard Heathcote/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With an EFL Cup first round encounter with Plymouth Argyle on the horizon, James Cragg shares his thoughts on who he thinks should make the starting 11. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Tomorrow evening the Royals host Plymouth Argyle at the Madejski Stadium in the newly named EFL Cup, and with Saturday's impressive win against Preston, many fans, including myself, are eager for more. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>It is no secret that the League Cup has never been a priority for Reading, with focus usually firmly set on the league and FA Cup. This allows an excellent platform for the youngsters to showcase their talent and challenge for that prized first team spot. </span></p>
<p>So why not give the youth a chance? It would be great to see and boast our squad depth. I, myself would like to see a few youngsters get a run out along with a few other summer signings yet to prove themselves; an equal blend of youth and (moderate) experience. So, with that being said, here are some of my thoughts on how the Royals should line up tomorrow night.</p>
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<h3><b><span>Goalkeeper</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Ali Al-Habsi, our player of the year last term, had a relatively quiet game against Preston on Saturday, enjoying a comfortable game in-between the sticks, albeit a dropped cross that may have turned the outcome of the match against Reading's favour. We can expect to see the Oman international hold down that number one spot for the majority of the campaign, which is why I would like to see summer signing, Anssi Jaakkola, start tomorrow night.</span></p>
<p style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none" class="MsoNormal"><span>The Finnish stopped joined the Royals from Ajax Cape Town, and admitted "</span>I know he [Al-Habsi] is a great goalkeeper. I’m looking forward to pushing him and pushing myself to fight for the number one jersey". Hopefully, this competition for places at the keeper position can really spur on both parties.</p>
<h3>Defence</h3>
<p style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none" class="MsoNormal">As for the defence, I expect to see a heavy rotation, with Jordan Obita’s injury he will likely be rested which will pave the way, hopefully, for Tennai Watson’s full debut. Chris Gunter will then be pushed across to the left side, where he played with comfort for a large chunk of Saturday's game.</p>
<p style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none" class="MsoNormal">For the centre-back pairing, it may be an ambitious claim but I would like to see Zak Jules and Jake Cooper partnered together, as to give Joey van den Berg and Paul McShane a breather. It will be interesting to see whether Cooper’s inconsistency is a trait of the past or is still an aspect of his game to worry about. Danzell Gravenberch and Niall Keown are also in with a shout to start or at least play a portion of the game.</p>
<h3><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span>Midfield</span></b></h3>
<p>The midfield three played a pivotal role in the opening win against Preston, with John Swift scoring the only goal of the game with a superbly worked corner routine, while George Evans and Danny Williams played solid roles in the middle.</p>
<p>Many wanted to see Liam Kelly play a part in the game considering his involvement in pre-season, I feel he deserves a run-out against Argyle where he could really influence the game with his marvellous passing abilities and tricky set-pieces.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Aaron Kuhl and Evans both offer something different, the team could really use Evans presence in front of the defence and Kuhl’s busy nature and excellent work rate can allow Kelly to stride forward into opposition territory and really do some damage. This, essentially, meaning that they should all compliment each others playing style, but whether Stam see’s Kuhl being in his plans, is too early too tell.</p>
<h3><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span>Attack</span></b></h3>
<p>Deniss Rakels seemed to really struggle up front on his own against Preston, however, his work-rate and energy levels cannot be questioned. I think a more physical presence will be needed against Plymouth, as when it comes to playing lower league opposition, more often than not we usually get mixed up in their style of play and route one football ensues.</p>
<p>This being said Yann Kermorgant would be a perfect fit to lead the line with experience and he possesses the ability to pitch in with a goal or two. His physical presence would benefit the team as a whole and offer a different dynamic.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On the wings, It is likely we will see Callum Harriott make his full debut after his lively 20-minute stint gave us all a small impression of what he’s capable of. Yakou Meite is a player I’m unsure about, I would love to be proved wrong and I think tomorrow's game is a perfect opportunity to do just that.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Personally, I would like to see Tarique Fosu and Jack Stacey feature, but with neither of the two being assigned squad numbers, it seems they are destined to be sent out on loan once again.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/8/12402116/reading-fc-team-plymouth-argyle-efl-cup-round-1JamesCragg