The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 1-0 Huddersfield Town AFC: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2016-09-25T12:16:32+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/128042412016-09-25T12:16:32+01:002016-09-25T12:16:32+01:00Stam: "Everyone Is Willing To Work Together"
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<img alt="Reading v AFC Bournemouth - Pre-Season Friendly" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/phiT9pvjwrEKFewUR5eU4Fcb1bo=/0x0:2976x1984/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51022601/584731968.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The boss was pleased with Reading's second half resilience against Huddersfield but admitted there was still plenty to work on.</p> <p id="m6Ub1L">Roy Beerens' second goal for the club gave <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/9/24/13042006/reading-fc-1-0-huddersfield-town-afc-dissent-display">Reading a 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town</a> yesterday, a result helped by a red card for the Terriers' Rajiv van La Parra midway through the first half. Manager Jaap Stam spoke about the difficulty of playing against 10 men to <a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jaap-stam-reading-fcs-1-11934066">GetReading</a>:</p>
<blockquote id="pbbTYd">
<p>"You know playing against 10 men it will be difficult - we’ve shown that in the last two games. They made it tough for us in the second half and we weren’t sharp enough to defend their midfield players. We should have pressed them high up the pitch, but we didn’t and that’s why they got time on the ball.</p>
<p>"The right full-back put a couple of crosses in and created some difficult situations for us, they could have scored - but so could we. We also had a couple of chances."</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="MzVnTn">But eventually an impressive team spirit that has emerged this season meant the Royals saw out the victory. Stam said:</p>
<blockquote id="LHv4aO">
<p>"They felt they could score - they got the feeling it could happen. They were putting balls in the box. They put an extra man up front who was tall and made it very hard.</p>
<p>"But we worked very hard to get the three points. Everyone is willing to work together, we’ve seen that in the previous games."</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="MkOESQ">However, the Dutchman was also keen to assert that his team were far from the finished article, <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/jaap-stam-post-match-reaction-to-1-0-huddersfield-town-h-3326368.aspx">telling the official website</a>:</p>
<blockquote id="TAc3lI">
<p>"This game was tight, but we won it. So I'm very happy with the three points of course. But from this game, there are a lot of points we can improve on. </p>
<p>"We needed to have better quality on the ball, we needed more movement, more runs in behind to create space for others, we needed to play at a higher pace. </p>
<p>"We gave them too much time to get the ball to their full backs and for them to put crosses in and create chances of their own. So we can do a lot better..but, as I say, we were up against a very good team. </p>
<p>"And it's good if you play against sides with a lot of quality, because then you need to improve yourself." </p>
</blockquote>
<p id="5dkayE">The result means that Reading are now on a run of eight matches. unbeaten in all competitions, and the games just keep on coming.</p>
<blockquote id="SxMNyP">
<p>"We're not thinking about any unbeaten run, we're looking from game to game - and it's not going to be easy. We have a difficult game at Brentford for example on Tuesday. </p>
<p>"The players have been working very hard, playing two games this week with ten men - so it's not easy to keep on playing how you want to in every single game. We are not working from Saturday to Saturday - it's Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday for weeks now. </p>
<p>"It would be nice to have a week between two games, to work on things with the squad. But it's also always nice to play games, everybody is very eager to play. The subs - they're not happy when they're on the bench. And that's what you want to create in a squad. </p>
<p>"We're still getting the results though, which is good. But there's a long way to go. Everything is going okay, but in this division you know it can change in a second, playing against good sides every game. And you know that, during the course of the season, we will have difficult spells as well. </p>
<p>"When that happens, you need to know how to get back up again and win your games again. That will be a learning curve for us as well because we have a lot of new players, many who haven't been playing in this league before now. So it's new for everybody. But up til now we've kept it up and it's going well." </p>
</blockquote>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/9/25/13047122/jaap-stam-everyone-is-willing-to-work-together-reading-fc-1-0-huddersfield-town-efl-championshipOlly_Allen2016-09-25T09:57:42+01:002016-09-25T09:57:42+01:00Reading v Huddersfield: Player Ratings
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Job done for Reading FC at the Madejski Stadium against Huddersfield but which players stood out?</p> <h4>Ali Al-Habsi: 6</h4>
<p>Reliable performance from the Reading keeper who had a couple of saves to make, albeit nothing hugely threatening. Kept the game flowing with some good distribution and some nice throws.</p>
<h4>Chris Gunter: 6</h4>
<p>Good display from the Wales full-back who had to spend 45 minutes on his less-favoured left-hand side. Possibly would have ventured into 7/10 territory were it not for the heart-stopping moment just after the break when he could he seen red for hauling down Nakhi Wells as the last man.</p>
<h4>Paul McShane: 7</h4>
<p>Excellent performance from McShane that showed just why he's the club Captain. In the air and on the ground he was superb, keeping Huddersfield well away from the Reading goal while not being afraid to try and drive the play on from the back. Several times we saw him almost in a right-wing position, with his little nutmeg towards the end one of the best moments in the game.</p>
<h4>Liam Moore: 7</h4>
<p>Could Moore be the signing of the season for Stam? He's transformed the way I look at this defence in much the same way that the addition of Kaspars Gorkss really solidified Brian McDermott's 2011/12 title winning team. He just looks absolutely composed at all times, he's got everything you want in a defender and if he can stay fit and hungry he's one of the very best defenders in this league.</p>
<h4>Joey van den Berg: 6</h4>
<p>It was great to see Joey back as you know you're going to be entertained, even if it also leads to you feeling moments of sheer panic. Once again we saw the Dutchman make some big tackles, ping some wonder balls and charge around the field. Yet at the same time we had awkward 40-yard back passes, being disposed and passes going astray. Clearly wasn't 100% fit which didn't help and Stam made the right call to sub him early in the second-half.</p>
<h4>Jordan Obita: 5</h4>
<p>A slightly harsh mark perhaps, but Obita was looking at being Huddersfield's best way back into the game and Jaap's decision to take him off at half-time was a smart bit of business. For someone that wants to be a winger or a number 10, he just doesn't seem to threaten, even when given license to go forward due to a back three being in place. This wasn't a horrible performance but it just didn't sparkle.</p>
<p> </p>
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<a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/9/24/13042006/reading-fc-1-0-huddersfield-town-afc-dissent-display">
<h2>Reading 1-0 Huddersfield: Match Report</h2>
<img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7t16N_N2-Bckj25-IohZN5CAzoA=/0x137:2271x1651/920x613/filters:focal(0x137:2271x1651)/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51014607/GettyImages-601174530.0.jpg"> </a> <span>Wimb breaks down Reading's win over the league leaders.</span>
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<h4>Danny Williams: 6</h4>
<p>Quiet shift from the American who looked to pick up a knock 15 minutes from time that hampered him in the closing stages. Danny was composed on the ball and kept things ticking over without really showing any creativity.</p>
<h4>John Swift: 6</h4>
<p>He's helped win us the last two games so a quiet afternoon possibly should have been expected from Swifty. He had a couple of nice touches, a fine effort that slammed the post and some decent deliveries but he just couldn't find that moment of magic that he did at Barnsley and Brighton. Possibly a bit tired from those long 10-man exploits and he got taken off before the end.</p>
<h4>Callum Harriott: 6</h4>
<p>When he got on the ball, Harriott did look like making things happen, sadly he just didn't get on the ball enough. I'm not sure he touched the ball in the first 20 minutes but as soon as he did, he beat a couple of men and won a free-kick in a dangerous position. A solid full league debut but hasn't shown yet why he should start ahead of McCleary when his ban ends.</p>
<h4>Yann Kermorgant: 6</h4>
<p>This performance is a really tough one to grade and I guess it's all about what you see Yann's role as being in this Stam team. If it's to lead the line and be a genuine goal threat then Kermorgant just isn't good enough and once again he barely troubled the Terriers' defence other than one lashed effort on goal late in the second-half. However, if he's there simply to hold up the ball and be a 'defensive forward' than you can't fault Yann, who gave everything he had to help protect our lead. Personally, I think you've got to do a bit of both, especially against ten-men and so I can't overlook his offensive deficiencies even if I thought he put in a great shift helping the team.</p>
<h4>Roy Beerens: 6</h4>
<p>Again, maybe this could be a 7 for the goal but we managed just three shots on target against 10-men at home and Beerens should have been creating, or getting on the end of more. His goal was slightly fortuitous but he still put the ball on its way and did most of the work so credit to him. Possibly should have done better with a one-on-one but went too wide of Danny Ward in the Huddersfield goal.</p>
<h3><u>Substitutes</u></h3>
<h4>Tennai Watson: 7</h4>
<p>Every time I watch Watson I'm really impressed with what I see and once again I thought he had a very good performance down the right-hand side. He wasn't afraid to get forward, his passing was crisp and defensively he did all that was asked of him.</p>
<h4>George Evans: 6</h4>
<p>Kept things ticking over nicely after he came on for Joey.</p>
<h4>Stephen Quinn: 6</h4>
<p>Charged around and gave it his usual 110% to help close out the game when he replaced Swift.</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>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/player-ratings/2016/9/25/13046850/reading-fc-1-0-huddersfield-town-afc-player-ratings-madejski-stadium-efl-championshipWimb2016-09-24T18:38:40+01:002016-09-24T18:38:40+01:00Reading 1-0 Huddersfield: Dissent Display
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A clinic in how to defend a lead, an example of where Reading's problems are, an off day for Huddersfield, or a gritty win? Wimb sifts through a 1-0 win for Jaap Stam's side. </p> <p>The sun was shining, Reading earned three points and the crowd could go home happy in the knowledge that we're up to fourth in the Championship. It was very much a case of job done for Jaap Stam's side but while the defence stood out, the forward line again generated a few points of concern.</p>
<p>Coming into the game Stam replaced the suspended Garath McCleary with Callum Harriott, while Jordan Obita replaced the similarly banned Tyler Blackett. There was also a welcome return for the maverick Joey van den Berg, who returned from injury to replace George Evans, who dropped to a bench that also included the welcome sight of Dominic Samuel.</p>
<p>Huddersfield meanwhile arrived with a fierce reputation and a travelling band of around 1,500 happy to crow about being top of the league, and that they're from Yorkshire.</p>
<h3>First-Half</h3>
<p>A couple of games ago, I introduced the 'Bond-o-meter' where I compared a Reading performance to a Bond film. If you're not a fan of the super spy than this whole paragraph will be lost on you but for 25 minutes, this was about as Quantum of Solace as you're going to get. Reading were doing things absolutely by the numbers, with precious little excitement but also few spectacular errors that had you worried about the way the game was heading.</p>
<p>As always, Stam's side dominated the possession but frustratingly the vast majority of that possession was taking place just in front of the Reading goal as the back three of Paul McShane, Van den Berg and Liam Moore exchanged passes with each other and goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi.</p>
<p>Reading were the definition of discipline during this first period, never straying from the game plan but likewise, lacking any sort of spark that had you believing they were on the verge of taking the lead. On the one hand, it's to be admired that they're so comfortable on the ball and able to be so patient but on the other, it makes for some pretty dull football and I can empathise with those who boo, even if I don't see the merit in it.</p>
<p>At this level, games are more often turned by a moment of stupidty rather than a moment of sublime skill and sure enough we got another one those today. Fortunately, this one came from Huddersfield's Rajiv van la Parra who minutes after being booked for a late tackle, decided to argue with referee James Linington despite winning a free-kick of his own in front of the East Stand. Mr Linington duly produced a second yellow, much to the clear anger and frustrations of la Parra's team mates, with one of them visibly pointing to his head as if to say 'what the f**k were you thinking?!'</p>
<p>That made it advantage Reading but other than a couple of smart long-rangers from John Swift and McShane, Huddersfield keeper Danny Ward was pretty comfortable. Yet Reading plugged away and sure enough after Harriott's ball from the right failed to be cleared beyond the opposite edge of the penalty area, Roy Beerens' half volley went in via a deflection. It was far from a beautiful effort but they all count the same and ultimately it's all we needed.</p>
<h4>Second-Half</h4>
<p>If there's one thing to love about Jaap Stam (among many things..) it's that he's got a terrific amount of common sense. With Jordan Obita already on a booking and looking a likely candidate for a second yellow, Stam took him off for Tennai Watson who had a lovely game as the right wing-back with Chris Gunter switching to the left.</p>
<p>It was Gunter that gave Reading their biggest scare, when he got dispossessed by Nakhi Wells on the half-way line, with the Welshman deciding to haul him down. Arguably Gunter was the last man but fortunately only a yellow was produced and our plucky full-back lived on to take part in a gritty defensive display.</p>
<p>Reading could and should have killed the game off but they showed once again why goals have been so hard to come by, with Ward's only real work being to direct Beerens far enough away from the goal in a one-on-one that the Dutchman could only hit the side netting. Otherwise, Reading's front-line was painfully lacking in quality or imagination around the Huddersfield area and for every bit as good as the team performance was, the overall effectiveness of Harriott, Yann Kermorgant and Beerens as a front three, just wasn't top six quality.</p>
<p>But if you do get yourselves a goal, no matter how it comes, then you give yourself a chance to win and the efforts of McShane and Moore in particular helped Reading to keep Huddersfield at arms-length even if the closing few minutes were far more nervy than you'd have wanted.</p>
<h4>Closing Thoughts</h4>
<p>It's hard to really grade a performance like this because the game was changed massively by a Huddersfield red card that could and should have easily been avoided. Up until that point, Reading looked like a team struggling to find an answer in the final third and taking on a team that looked to have far more ammunition to use as the game wore on. Yet you can only really judge them based on what they had to do and what they accomplished and so to keep a clean sheet and beat the current leaders is a feat that you just can't sniff at.</p>
<p>Moore and McShane were immense in the back-line today and even those who maybe had slightly off days further forward like Danny Williams, Kermorgant and even Swift, put in such a hardworking shift defensively to ensure we took all three points. If you arrived at the Madejski looking to be entertained then you're probably going to be heading home underwhelmed but if you came looking to see Reading get all three points, then you can't fault the game plan and the way Stam's side executed that strategy.</p>
<p>As for Huddersfield, the quality is clearly there but like Reading they rely heavily on team work and well worked game plan rather than having quality individuals who can turn a game on their own. Today that plan was destroyed by la Parra who won't be a popular person on the team bus back home.</p>
<p>With the limited finances and years of confidence destroying poor performances at this football club, you've got to take advantage of any small opportunity and scrap hard for every point, and that's the most satisfying thing about Reading right now. Yes they may not be the most attractive side to watch but there's clearly a long-term plan in mind, one the squad is absolutely buying into. You can't expect change overnight and the chances are that some of these players just won't ever be good enough to really thrive in this system but they're all giving it 100% and we're getting enough moments of quality, coupled with dogged, passionate defending to ensure that we're a match for anyone.</p>
<p>Long may it continue because if this is the start of the project... you can only salivate at what could be to come.</p>
<p><i><b>Reading</b>: Al-Habsi, Obita (Watson), McShane, van den Berg (Evans), Moore, Gunter, Williams, Swift (Quinn), Beerens, Harriott, Kermorgant</i></p>
<p>*****</p>
<p id="paragraph27">Points change on this stage in 2015/16 (52): <b>+2</b></p>
<p id="paragraph28">Points change on this stage in 2005/06 (106): <b>-3</b></p>
<p id="paragraph29">Points change on this stage in 1997/98 (42): <b>+10</b></p>
<p id="8vlXLo"><b>Projected Points Total: 87</b></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/9/24/13042006/reading-fc-1-0-huddersfield-town-afc-dissent-displayWimb2016-09-24T16:55:02+01:002016-09-24T16:55:02+01:00Reading FC 1-0 Huddersfield Town: 60 Second Report
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<p>Roy Beerens was the man of the moment as Reading launched into the top four with a win over the league leaders.</p> <p id="MuKKqj">As expected, Garath McCleary and Tyler Blackett were out with bans allowing Jordan Obita and Callum Harriott to slot into the starting XI that also featured Joey Van Den Berg.</p>
<p id="Q4tNJn">Dominating possession, the Royals had a good grip on the game early on but it took 21 minutes for either side to get a shot off, although it was almost worth the wait as John Swift smashed the post from distance.</p>
<p id="SSWpq4">Given a cracking boost midway through the half, Reading capitalised on Rajiv Van La Parra's dismissal, the second yellow card coming for dissent, when Beerens finished off Harriott's cross, ably assisted by a deflection.</p>
<p id="nc6k9p">Mark Hudson missed a great chance to level matters but the hosts had the lead going into the second period, bringing on Tennai Watson for the booked Jordan Obita during the break.</p>
<p id="FRSInT">Huddersfield got back into proceedings with a bout of pressure after the hour mark and a couple of close calls in stoppage time, but Reading held on to rise to fourth in the Championship table, curiously on zero goal difference.</p>
<p id="XhZlLY">Brentford's up next on Tuesday night, and we'll have full report and ratings from that, and of course today's game, in due course.</p>
<p id="KgYJKX"></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/9/24/13041366/reading-fc-1-0-huddersfield-town-september-2016-reportThe Tilehurst End News Desk2016-09-24T09:06:51+01:002016-09-24T09:06:51+01:00The Oppo: Huddersfield Town
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<figcaption>Getty Images/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Handbags returns to run down the history behind Reading against Huddersfield.</p> <p>After League Cup action in the week the Royals get back to the routine of the league and a what will be a real test of the Royal's mettle against table toppers Huddersfield Town.</p>
<h4>Head-To-Head</h4>
<p>The Biscuitmen and Terriers first met in competitive action in 1975 and have since met on 42 occasions in the league, Reading holding the upper hand with 19 victories to 14. The Royals had a particularly good record at Elm Park, winning 10 of 17 matches, losing on just the three occasions.</p>
<p>Both sides moved from their crumbling old stadia in the 90's, Huddersfield leading the way in 1994, and the Terrier's form against Reading since then has improved dramatically. Prior to the move Reading had lost just five matches in 14 visits to Huddersfield, but since the move to what was originally named the Alfred McAlpine Stadium the Terriers have doubled that number of victories in just a further seven meetings.</p>
<p>Likewise, since the Royal's move to the Madejski Stadium, Huddersfield have lost just once in the league in four visits. However, they have still only won on four occasions in Reading in the league, a record we'll undoubtedly be looking to maintain.</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8" bordercolor="#00000a" border="1" width="712">
<colgroup>
<col width="90"> <col width="85"> <col width="85"> <col width="85"> <col width="85"> <col width="85"> <col width="84"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="90">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER">Played</p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER">RFC Wins</p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER">Draws</p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER">HTAFC Wins</p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER">RFC Goals Scored</p>
</td>
<td width="84">
<p align="CENTER">HTAFC Goals Scored</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="90">
<p align="CENTER"><i>Leeds Road</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>14</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>6</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>3</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>5</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>18</i></p>
</td>
<td width="84">
<p align="CENTER"><i>22</i></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="90">
<p align="CENTER"><i>John Smith's Stadium</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>7</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>2</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>0</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>5</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>4</i></p>
</td>
<td width="84">
<p align="CENTER"><i>11</i></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="90">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Huddersfield Overall</b></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><b>21</b></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><b>8</b></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><b>3</b></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><b>10</b></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><b>22</b></p>
</td>
<td width="84">
<p align="CENTER"><b>33</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="90">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="84">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="90">
<p align="CENTER"><i>Elm Park</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>17</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>10</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>4</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>3</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>27</i></p>
</td>
<td width="84">
<p align="CENTER"><i>17</i></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="90">
<p align="CENTER"><i>Madejski Stadium</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>4</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>1</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>2</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>1</i></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><i>5</i></p>
</td>
<td width="84">
<p align="CENTER"><i>5</i></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="90">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Reading Overall</b></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><b>21</b></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><b>11</b></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><b>6</b></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><b>4</b></p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"><b>32</b></p>
</td>
<td width="84">
<p align="CENTER"><b>22</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="90">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="84">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="90">
<p align="CENTER">Overall</p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER">42</p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER">19</p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER">9</p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER">14</p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER">54</p>
</td>
<td width="84">
<p align="CENTER">55</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="90">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="85">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
<td width="84">
<p align="CENTER"> </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<h4><u><b>Memorable Match</b></u></h4>
<p>Both Reading and Huddersfield were struggling at the wrong end of the Nationwide League Division One table when Huddersfield visited Elm Park on Tuesday 28 January 1997. Reading went into the match in horrible form having endured a miserable January. Jimmy Quinn and Mick Gooding had utilised a 3-5-2 formation that worked wonderfully well in the FA Cup win over Southampton, but from then on the formation and personnel were horribly exposed during a disappointing 2-2 draw with Charlton, and heavy defeats at Birmingham and Portsmouth. Supporters obviously felt in pessimistic mood as just 5.7k attended, the season's second lowest gate.</p>
<p>As a result of those defeats Quinn and Gooding saw sense and reverted to basics, installing a standard 4-4-2 against Huddersfield, but after a very bright opening in which the Royals hit the bar through Mick Gooding , it was Huddersfield that drew first blood in the ninth minute when, having cleared a Reading corner, a lightning quick break down the left culminated in a Simon Baldry cross and an Andy Payton header past Sal Bibbo.</p>
<p>The goal could have completely knocked the stuffing out of Reading, but instead captain Barry Hunter audibly rallied his players and within just three minutes Reading were level. Stuart Lovell was cleverly played in on goal by Darren Caskey and former Reading ‘keeper Steve Francis brought the striker down. The referee pointed to the spot with little hesitation, and up stepped Trevor Morley to see his penalty saved to Francis's left. Fortunately the rebound fell back to Morley who nodded into the opposite corner. 1-1.</p>
<p>From that moment on Reading went on to completely dominate the game and the only surprise was that Reading didn't score more. As it was, despite being excellent in open play, set pieces brought rich rewards in the first half as firstly Mick Gooding's right wing corner was met by the meat of a Keith McPherson forehead for 2-1, then another Gooding corner found Lovell whose effort was blocked. Luckily the ball flew to Barry Hunter six yards out who slammed home a crisp volley for 3-1. The Royals were so dominant in the first half that it was disappointing they had to rely on a penalty and two set pieces to score, a fact which does a huge injustice to Michael Gilkes who had a wonderful game. His pace and accurate crossing ensured the Huddersfield defence suffered a miserable night, and from one delicious centre Morley should have made it four when he placed a free header from six yards wide.</p>
<p>The second half saw Reading continue to dominate as the expected Yorkshire resurgence failed to materialise. Paul Bodin had a one-on-one saved, while Andy Bernal (who excelled in midfield) had a wonderful effort blocked on the line. In the end the Royals made it four as Francis charged from his area only to poorly head clear, and the clearance fell to the feet of Lovell who seized upon the chance to lob his former teammate first time from 30 yards and score the goal of the night.</p>
<p>The comprehensive victory was the catalyst to a run of just one defeat in nine for Reading, gaining 20 points in the process and effectively sealing their Division One status, a run that included a victory over Bolton Wanderers that season, one of only four clubs to do so. Reading ended the season in 18<sup>th</sup>. Huddersfield meanwhile, slumped, and secured three points on just three occasions after this match, ending the season in 20<sup>th</sup>, three points behind the Royals and six points ahead of the drop zone.</p>
<h4><u><b>They Played For Both Teams</b></u></h4>
<p>Born in Billericay, Essex, Steve Francis was just 17 years old when he made his debut for Chelsea after signing as an apprentice in 1980, and in somewhat controversial circumstances too. Manager John Neal had a major bust up with Peter Borota prior to a match at Southampton, and Borota was dropped, leaving Francis to be called in at short notice. Francis left an indelible mark on the Chelsea faithful that night, and many supporters still speak highly of the boy. Borota was re-installed for the next match but less than a month later Francis was given his first extended run in the first team and embarked on a 73 match consecutive run, including during the 1982 FA Cup run when the Chelsea team coach was ambushed at Hull. Francis suffered numerous deep cuts to his face in the attack, but just 48 hours later he was playing in Chelsea's 0-0 draw against Wrexham in the next round. The cuts, I am told, were evident. Sadly for Francis though, Chelsea's form dipped and with it went his confidence, and he was eventually replaced between the posts by Eddie Niedzwiecki after making a series of costly mistakes. Francis played little over the next three seasons and was eventually sold to Reading for £20k in February 1987. He played 88 times for Chelsea.</p>
<p>Over the next six years Francis made 259 appearances for Reading and became a firm favourite with the South Bank after immediately usurping Gary Westwood in goal, and he was awarded the club's Player of the Season in 1988 despite relegation. Ian Branfoot, Ian Porterfield and Mark McGhee would always call upon Francis as first choice (when not injured), and he would keep goal competently for a thoroughly mediocre Reading side until 1993, playing his part in the initial upturn in fortunes of the club in the Mark McGhee side that started to click in the later stages of 1992/93, however a £150k bid from Huddersfield that summer, managed by Neil Warnock, turned the head of the player and Francis had made his 259<sup>th</sup> and final Reading appearance at Home Park, Plymouth in May 1993.</p>
<p>Six further years at Huddersfield, playing as incumbent number one during the Yorkshire side's relocation a few hundred yards away, his debut ironically being a 3-0 home reverse against Reading, but Francis won player of the season in 1994 as the Terriers struggled. However, there was an instant upturn in fortunes the next season as Huddersfield beat Bristol Rovers 2-1 in the Division 2 Playoff Final at Wembley. Francis remained number one as they battled at the wrong end of the Division 1 table for two years before being ousted by Nico Vaesen in 1997/98. Francis made 227 appearances overall for Huddersfield, before his final transfer to Northampton where he would make just three appearances.</p>
<p>In total, Francis made 577 first team appearances for his four clubs, and he now resides in the West Midlands. He was last reported as working for the Royal Mail.</p>
<h4><u><b>Grudge Moment</b></u></h4>
<p>Nothing much doing in terms of grudges between Huddersfield and Reading, although the smouldering resentment from Neil Warnock towards Reading can perhaps be traced back to the opening day of 1993/94. With Reading leading at Leeds Road by 2-0, Mark McGhee was allegedly overheard by Warnock whistling his way down the Leeds Road tunnel in relaxed mood. Reading ran out 3-0 winners, Warnock made reference to it after his Huddersfield side parked the bus at Elm Park in December, and it seems a seed was sown that continues to bear particularly sour fruit to this day!</p>
<h4><u><b>Fact, Interesting or Otherwise</b></u></h4>
<p><a name="_GoBack"></a>Huddersfield Town are the first team to win the First Division for three successive seasons in 1924, 1925 and 1926. Only three further clubs have managed the same feat -€” Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United. Incidentally, the Terriers also finished runners up in 1927 and 1928.</p>
<p>The Terriers also appear to be pioneers in terms of kit sponsors, becoming the first team in England to bear different sponsors on their home and away shirts in 1993/94, with Pulse sponsoring the home shirt and Vileda the away.</p>
<p>On a similar sponsorship theme, the club was the first in England to utilise the selling of naming rights for what was originally known as the Kirklees Stadium. The contracted construction company, Alfred McAlpine, took up the name for the first 10 years of the stadium's existence as part of the payment contract. Upon expiry, Galpharm Healthcare, based in Dodworth near Barnsley, took up the name. Eight years later, Heineken International bought the rights for five years and subsequently bestowed the current name on the ground, the John Smith's Stadium.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/9/24/13040206/the-oppo-huddersfield-townhandbags_harris2016-09-24T08:52:05+01:002016-09-24T08:52:05+01:00Bookie Watch: Reading v Huddersfield Town
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<figcaption>Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bookie Watch returns for this weekend with a look at the odds for the clash at the Madejski Stadium.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Table toppers Huddersfield visit the Madejski Stadium this Saturday with Reading in red hot form. Huddersfield last time out picked up a 2-1 win at home to QPR, with Reading last league outing resulting in a 2-1 victory away at high flying Barnsley.</p>
<div><a href="http://postimg.org/image/aoo6r28n7/" target="_blank"><img src="http://s13.postimg.org/th01un51j/Reading_v_H_Town.png" border="0" alt="Reading v H Town"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Click for larger image</i></b></div>
<h4><b>1X2 Markets</b></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Reading go into the game as favourites, this may be somewhat surprising, given the start Huddersfield have made to the season. Their current price is 2.60. The advised price on Reading however suggests a price of 2.86, meaning the Royals at home are not value this weekend. The away win is priced up at 3.10 at the bookies. The away win on Saturday has an advised price of 2.90. This indicates that Huddersfield have good value on Saturday. The draw has been priced up fairly at 3.30 at the bookmakers, with the advised odds of 3.29. This makes an away win our first recommended bet of the weekend.</p>
<h4><b>Goals Markets</b></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There isn't much value in the goals market this weekend. The over 0.5 goals currently priced at 1.08, vs an advised price of 1.10. Also slightly behind the market is the over 2.5 goals market. This is priced at 2.20, with an advised price of 2.22. However the over 1.5 goals market sees the tiniest slither of value - over 1.5 goals is priced at the bookies at 1.40, with the advised price being 1.39. Over 3.5 goals is at 4.33 at the bookies, with the advised price being 4.12, so a small edge on this market.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">BTTS does not see any value this weekend, with the BTTS YES option being priced at 1.92, the price advised should be at 1.92, so the advised price shows there is no value in the current price.</p>
<h4><b>Correct Score Market</b></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Not going to go into this one in too much detail, as currently there is zero value anywhere this weekend within correct scores!</p>
<p><span>So this leaves us with just the one advised bet for the weekend with </span><b style="text-align: justify;">Huddersfield winning away being our value bet.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>As always, please #GambleAware. <a href="http://www.gambleaware.co.uk/">Visit their website if you have any concerns about betting</a>. </i></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/9/24/13031532/bookie-watch-huddersfield-town-h-efl-championshipReadingfanman2016-09-23T10:28:59+01:002016-09-23T10:28:59+01:00Key Battles: Reading v Huddersfield Town
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<figcaption>Gareth Copley/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading play Huddersfield Town this coming Saturday - here's where the match could be won and lost.</p> <p>Reading and Huddersfield are both in superb form, with the Royals unbeaten in the seven games and the Terriers only losing once in the league this season. So where will the key battles be played out?</p>
<h3>Liam Moore vs Nahki Wells</h3>
<p>The Bermudan striker is Huddersfield's main man up front and is a forward that is feared by many Reading fans. This is because in eight games that Wells has played against Reading, he has scored five goals. So what's the bet that he finds the net against Reading again?</p>
<p>Last season Wells scored 17 goals in 44 appearances in the Championship as Huddersfield finished 19th, comfortably clear of the relegation zone.</p>
<p>Looking to make sure Wells does not keep up his habit of scoring against Reading will be Liam Moore. The centre back has been a revelation since joining, with the Royals defence not conceding a goal in open play when all 11 players are on the pitch.</p>
<p>Moore will have to be at his best to deal with Wells, with the striker having pace, trickery and the ability to finish when left in space.</p>
<p>If Moore can contain Wells and stop him from getting shots away, then this will be a big plus for Reading as they will be nullifying one of Huddersfield's main threats.</p>
<h3>George Evans vs Kasey Palmer</h3>
<p>The 19 year old has had a decent start since moving on loan from Chelsea in the summer. In seven league appearances for the Terriers, Palmer has two goals to his name including one where he got his first senior goal, by scoring the winner against Brentford in stoppage time on the opening day of the season.</p>
<p>Looking to stop Palmer from influencing the game will be George Evans, the central midfielder has been impressive in the last two games and will be looking to put in another good performance.</p>
<p>It will be interesting to see how Evans deals with Palmer, as the 19-year-old looks like a real prospect for the future and looks like a great loan signing for Huddersfield.</p>
<h3>Yann Kermorgant vs Mark Hudson</h3>
<p>The former Cardiff centre back has played a key role for Huddersfield this season, keeping two sheets and only conceding six goals in eight games. Brillant performances from Hudson have helped Huddersfield become the surprise pace setters, with the Terriers currently in first place in the Championship table.</p>
<p>Looking to get back on the score sheet will be Yann Kermorgant, the Frenchman has only scored one goal so far this season and will be looking to get back to scoring ways.</p>
<p>Kermorgant is likely to be playing up front on his own once again, so the main focus will be a fascinating one-on-one duel with both players being over six foot tall and ready for a tough battle for 90 minutes.<strike></strike></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/9/23/13018776/key-battles-reading-fc-v-huddersfield-townjacks1996