The Tilehurst End - Ipswich Town 2-0 Reading FC: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2017-12-22T10:07:23+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/165404812017-12-22T10:07:23+00:002017-12-22T10:07:23+00:00Ipswich Defeat: The Alternative View
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<img alt="Ipswich Town v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oj8vzIytxRFXxtlvx5Sj6otW9Ww=/0x1:5102x3402/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58081365/893857488.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Roundup of the fans’ and media’s view of the game</p> <p id="q8Qu0V"> </p>
<p id="xUy7ol">Reading FC’s form is a little like this column – here one week, missing the next!</p>
<p id="R32Qdh">Following on the back of a decent win away at Sunderland and two points thrown away against Cardiff, a trip to Portman Road should have looked like a potential three points. </p>
<p id="dTeekV">However, as we have seen many times this season, just when you think the team is finally gelling and getting a decent run, they conspire to put in the sort of performance we have seen on far too many occasions, that of high percentage ball retention and passing stats off the park, unfortunately the stats don’t lie. 72% possession and 1 shot on target speak volumes.</p>
<p id="TeGjhE">There is no doubting the talent which we possess at Reading, but that missing link of turning high percentage passing and dominance into usable goal scoring chances needs to be addressed.</p>
<p id="ffOj3K">Is this season a write off? Not sure yet, I do think it’s what happens over the Christmas period games will shape the rest of the season, and maybe if we have a good Xmas then there is a slim playoff possibility, however that will also shape our thinking for the January transfer window. What was the reaction of the Ipswich fans? Surprisingly mixed – the seems to be a little unease amongst the Tractor boys followers, as a very poor 13,000 at this game made the recent attendances at the Mad Stad look positively packed…</p>
<h1 id="bSB1W5">Twittersphere</h1>
<h2 id="G37rmb">Starting with a little festive cheer</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last Xmas I gave you my heart but the very next day you gave it away,<br>This year to save me from tears I'll give it to <a href="https://twitter.com/MWaghorn33?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MWaghorn33</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/itfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#itfc</a></p>— eye tea eff sea (@schuieip2) <a href="https://twitter.com/schuieip2/status/942149305565106177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a>
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<h2 id="dhdEEi">Opposing views is a wonderful thing!</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">They may have had 72% possession but I thought Reading were as average a side as I’ve seen this season. Rattled early by Town’s approach and lucky to finish with 10 or even 9 men. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/itfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#itfc</a></p>— Mehenmyshadow (@andymehen) <a href="https://twitter.com/andymehen/status/942126028121657344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a>
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<h2 id="YdvLiS">Scarily accurate</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/itfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#itfc</a> Great result today. I particularly liked watching <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReadingFC</a> pointlessly passing the ball about for most of the match in their own half. Then give the ball away. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coyb?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coyb</a></p>— Vandelay industries (@ferringferret) <a href="https://twitter.com/ferringferret/status/942103132531765249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a>
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<h2 id="gbbKm5">Every fans wish for Xmas</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Surely it’s time Evans backed the Club and opened his cheque book in January. We are in a great position and actually playing good football. Let’s not chuck another season away <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ITFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ITFC</a></p>— Maxi Lopez ⚽️ (@max_wardley) <a href="https://twitter.com/max_wardley/status/942082578332479489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a>
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<h2 id="yfDnSQ">Again every fans fear!</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Before we get carried away, today’s abysmal attendance is a major cause for concern, and the club really needs to think about this. Yes, the football’s better, but the fans that were driven away last season are not coming back. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/itfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#itfc</a></p>— Graham de Max #FBPE (@Nottstractor) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nottstractor/status/942078254508277760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a>
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<h1 id="VBk0sb">Media</h1>
<p id="0x5Wxc">Yeah ok got so much to fit into this segment this week... only joking, its a real worry about the media’s lethargic view of either a) you’re not in the top 6 or b) you’re not Leeds, in regards to the level of coverage that you receive. Being honest Reading FC Women’s win (and what a brilliant one it was - well done girls!) got more coverage and this is starting to happen more than often! (Maybe should do this column for the Women’s team as well as the mens!)</p>
<p id="Q6FhUd">What little there is doesn’t add any warmth to the Reading FC fans feelings. <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/ipswich-vs-reading/374877">Sky Sports</a> mention our unbeaten run of five games and the distinctly poor crowd, they also have the video nasty of this game running at 1 minute 9 seconds which is probably the shorted video of the season.</p>
<p id="eGwWyR">Over at the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42289909">BBC</a> they call Ipswich “clinical” and I suppose with 28% possession and 15 shots, 6 on target and 2 goals pretty much is up there with “job done”.</p>
<p id="qGiblQ"><a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/ipswich-town-2-reading-fc-14046857">Get Reading</a> is equally as “cant be bothered with this game” as the players are, Jonathan’s report says what the game was - a poor display by Reading.</p>
<p id="X8FnwG">Apart from the obvious round up of the reports from <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/14/16776440/ipswich-town-vs-reading-fc-full-coverage">The Tilehurst End,</a> the only other place where you get even a sniff of a decent write up is over at <a href="https://www.twtd.co.uk/match-ratings/display/match:20645">TWTD</a>, where interestingly as well as all the reports etc, the player ratings also include Reading FC players, and the highest and lowest where McShane and Gunter, but with the Welshman coming out on top!</p>
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<h1 id="7YU2Op">Summary</h1>
<p id="ZVDxn1">In footballing terms the Xmas period is one of the most crucial spells in the season. Whilst its far to say that you can’t win the league in December, you can blow any chance of the play-offs and if Reading want to either stand any fighting chance of getting there, which may lead to increased incomings in the January transfer window, then in reality nine points is a much. </p>
<p id="NKZ1L9">Speaking of January, and with Lee Heron maybe leaving to work at Arsenal’s youth development, then it’s only fair to raise a glass in toast in what he has achieved. For many hears working as Eamon Dolans No. 2, he stepped into the role and has carried on the good work that Eamon did. Whilst he was the No. 2 he watched many of his young charges not only break into the first team, but flourish in the Premiership with players such as Glyfi going for serious cash. Reading’s loss is a massive gain for Arsenal and we can but wish him well on his new adventure. </p>
<p id="qQXC1L">The downside to players coming in, is that there are always clubs circling mid table teams to see who they can pick up. We can but only hope that Jaap and Brian somehow get their mobiles broken to receive incoming calls as if the rumours are true and that Liam Moore is attracting attention, then it will prove difficult for Reading to stand in the way of a potential Premiership move. I just hope that our owners are keen to invest in the club, and bring in new talent that might kick start a successful run for next season, rather than cash in on our top assets.</p>
<p id="VSsONG">So on to Burton and the start of the Xmas games, I hope that you all have a lovely, enjoyable and most importantly safe Xmas and New Year and we all get the Xmas present of 9 wonderful Championship points.</p>
<p id="f4iDCf">urzzzzz</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/22/16805670/ipswich-reading-fc-alternative-viewdavemc_exile2017-12-18T16:19:30+00:002017-12-18T16:19:30+00:00Hunty’s Column: Christmas Reflections
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<img alt="Reading v Cardiff City - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bnENPAPKjwx1TWbfDsYDx0K920Y=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58023019/890471526.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Our resident columnist returns bearing festive cheer and Reading-related talking points. </p> <p id="R2GgZp">It’s been a while since I last did a column - apologies for that but I'm back! I made my first game of the season against Cardiff last week and, for me, it summed up our season so far. It was just so bloody frustrating.</p>
<p id="YNGfzd">In patches, we have certainly shown what we can do. We had the five game unbeaten run, but then came the Ipswich match, a repeat of so many others we’ve seen before. As always, there was lots of possession but poor defending and little end product. </p>
<p id="RQoChM">It was nice for us to have a settled team for a while, but hey ho. </p>
<aside id="xTgQhM"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"5 Things: Ipswich Town (Away)","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/17/16787294/5-things-ipswich-town-away-reading-fc-royals-tractor-boys-jaap-stam-efl-championship"}]}'></div></aside><p id="WusoIq">Christmas is supposed to be the time of good will to all, but it’s also when there are lots of arguments. There are a few doing the rounds in the Reading fan base at the moment. For example, Stam is set in his ways and his substitutions sometimes don't make much sense.</p>
<p id="U5bYiN">Has the signing of a number of players on new long term contracts meant they are now in the comfort zone? For me, we got lucky In a poor league last season, but the players we have at the moment should still be performing better. How many times have we said that over past five years?</p>
<p id="EVKGkw">Also, the fans don't create the atmosphere to help the team perform, but why is that? I think the supporters aren’t turning up for games due to the way we play, which the team also seems to be bored of.</p>
<p id="4RrfnK">The manager himself apparently doesn’t rate, or doesn’t trust, some in his squad like Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Adrian Popa who have made only five and three starts this season respectively. </p>
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<img alt="Reading v Fulham - Sky Bet Championship Play Off: Second Leg" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3zYgRRBTVDMaNtqhyqZbvnWphBU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9890281/683869226.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="RgWY6V">Instead, for some reason he favours the likes of Tyler Blackett who returned on Saturday instead of Omar Richards who is yet to start a game since a great performance up at Derby. </p>
<p id="je0Kqu">There are plenty more questions for Reading fans to be considering too. Who has the final say over new signings? Are some of them out of Stam’s hands? Why are so many players getting injured - is it because our training is too intense? I’m sure there’s a lot more for you to mull over whilst you gobble down your Christmas turkey. </p>
<p id="uOoHgw">The way we’re going, I reckon that we’ll end up somewhere in mid-table. Hopefully I’ll be proved wrong and we’ll make a surge into the play-offs, but whatever happens it’s certainly been an eventful year for a Reading fan. </p>
<p id="xlAD8V">I had the privilege of travelling over for the Cardiff game and sharing a beer or two with some great fans. Plus, the players are always friendly and stop for photos and autographs with this 40-something Peter Pan! </p>
<p id="IOiJK6">On a last note, thank you, you’re all awesome! I hope you and and your loved ones have a fantastic Christmas and New Year! Enjoy the festive footy and be lucky. </p>
<p id="3YicCe">Urzzzzzz!</p>
<p id="u0CEQR"><em>PS, don't mention the Ashes. </em></p>
<aside id="Qsz3Nw"><div data-anthem-component="actionbox" data-anthem-component-data='{"title":"10 Times Fans Made The Headlines At The Madejski Stadium","description":"Now you’ve read this, read Will’s piece on some of the most notable fan moments at the MadStad","label":"Click me","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/18/16785248/reading-fc-madejski-stadium-fans-spectators-streaker-hooligans"}'></div></aside>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/18/16790610/huntys-column-christmas-reflections-reading-fc-royals-festive-cheersHuntyroyal2017-12-18T11:30:02+00:002017-12-18T11:30:02+00:00Ipswich 2-0 Reading FC: Match Report
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<img alt="Ipswich Town v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/76DEqbXxPQh0bZ5yTSF8nBwhk98=/261x0:3804x2362/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58016211/893884170.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Euan gives his take on how things went for Reading on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p id="Sdg6tn">Before the Royals’ game at Portman Road against a solid Ipswich Town side, Jaap Stam made one change to the side that had come so close to a deserved victory against Cardiff last Tuesday. Tyler Blackett came in for Liam Kelly, with Blackett fitting in to the left-hand side of the back four, with a three man midfield and the normal front line of Aluko, Barrow and Bodvarsson. </p>
<p id="P7cN3a">Unfortunately, we never really got the chance to see how the Royals would compete early on, as within five or so minutes they were behind. Calum Connolly was allowed oceans of space to drive forward from midfield after Reading gave the ball away in sloppy fashion, and he casually meandered to the edge of the area completely unchallenged. His right foot shot was accurate and directed just inside the near post, but as a scuffed effort that rolled more than skimmed, Vito Mannone may be slightly unhappy at his failure to keep it out. </p>
<p id="aTXwZ8">After going a goal down, Reading did actually rally pretty well, and created several very good chances. Yann Kermorgant saw a header cleared off the line, Sone Aluko shot just wide after a right-hand-side cut back, and Mo Barrow almost set up Kermorgant for a tap in but the Frenchman saw the ball cleared off his toes at the last minute. Dave Edwards also saw a shot cleared off the line, and in general the home side were being pegged back by wave after wave of attack. The Royals were playing with confidence, with Chris Gunter and Mo Barrow in particular impressing. </p>
<p id="NdKX8u">It was utterly frustrating and sickening therefore that the second Ipswich goal arrived just when the pressure seemed to be cranking up. Again, sloppy and carefree defending saw a corner conceded down the left, and when a ball came in to the near post it was flicked on by a completely unmarked attacker. Lurking eight yards out (and unchallenged) was Joe Garner, with the former Rangers man not going to miss an open goal from that distance. </p>
<p id="UDzQy1">To be completely honest, looking back at the game it was probably all over at this point. Even though the Royals dominated the ball from that point (just before the half hour mark) until the half-time whistle, they created little of substance. The second goal really did seem to have taken some serious wind out of their sails, and Ipswich could now sit back, confident in the knowledge that they’d done the hard work.</p>
<p id="BG2epU">And the home side were still getting plenty of chances on the break, with the minutes after the second half started showing exactly how vulnerable Reading are to quick counter-attacks. Paul McShane and Liam Moore were being tested to their limits by the Ipswich forwards, who really should have made it 3-0 by the end of the game. Connolly had another good chance when he arrowed an effort straight at Mannone, and Bersant Celina should really have scored when clean through. </p>
<p id="SoNbnC">The Royals main chances in the second half amounted to very little, a Moore header having to be plucked out of the air after almost bouncing down and up over the Town keeper, and Barrow screwed a volley wide of the near post after a good move lead to him being in space following a cross from the right. </p>
<p id="7NcMhJ">By the time the final whistle came, the game had been dead for some time and both sets of fans had started to leave early. The final 10/15 minutes were noteworthy only for a seemingly endless succession of Reading corners that came to nothing, and Town nearly getting in on the break several times. </p>
<p id="qA4Nro">A smattering of boos broke out into the cold East Anglian air amongst the away support when the game ended, and it’s not hard to see why. Despite actually controlling the game for almost the entire first half, Reading committed the cardinal sin of conceding early goals whilst on top, against a side they knew would sit back and play long balls anyway. The early strikes allowed Ipswich to kill the game completely. and made them look a far better side than they actually are, as the home forwards inevitably had much more time and space when on the break. </p>
<p id="6iKVcZ">While the Royals’ passing was crisp and incisive during the first period (and should be praised for its confidence), in the second half against a packed defence that rarely came forward, they had few answers. While it’s hard to attach too much blame to any one individual for this, in general the ball needed to be transferred from defence to midfield quicker. That quick transition that is the Holy Grail of possession-based sides once again eluded us, meaning the only options were either crosses (Kermorgant was poor and failed to provide a target for most of these), or eventually long diagonals into a box full of hulking Ipswich defenders. </p>
<p id="S8TdJf">Having said all this, I think it’s important to remain as upbeat as possible about the last month or so in general. Portman Road is an extremely tough ground to win on and Ipswich are a very organised side, just like all Mick McCarthy teams. While the defensive naivety is obviously hugely frustrating, in general play the team once again clicked quite well. With a few minor adjustments, and continued work on the training pitch, I do feel confident these defensive mistakes, and the failure to move the ball from defense to midfield at a reasonable speed, can be properly addressed. </p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/18/16788424/ipswich-2-0-reading-fc-match-report-royals-tractor-boysETRCunningham2017-12-17T20:47:29+00:002017-12-17T20:47:29+00:005 Things: Ipswich Town (Away)
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<img alt="Ipswich Town v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n5UWiQmH6KMu4nbtBESFvWaEh88=/151x0:4566x2943/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58014607/893843130.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The five key points to take away from a frustrating 2-0 loss at Portman Road. </p> <h2 id="4Wy8TW">
<strong>Consistent i</strong><strong>nconsistency</strong>
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<p id="Q5GIpV">While Reading may have been coming into Saturday’s fixture with Ipswich on the back of a five match unbeaten run which was promptly ended, that stat is somewhat deceiving in that the Royals’ performances have seriously lacked consistency in recent weeks. Thrashings of Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Barnsley and Sunderland have been interspersed with lacklustre performances against Bolton, Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff. </p>
<p id="0gnjCI">That’s meant Royals fans never quite knowing which version of their team will turn up each week and, unfortunately for the Reading supporters who made the trip, it was the latter version who made the trip to Portman Road and were soundly beaten by the Tractor Boys.</p>
<aside id="I2qwv9"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Ipswich Town 2-0 Reading FC: Player Ratings","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/16/16784476/ipswich-town-2-0-reading-fc-player-ratings-royals-tractor-boys-efl-championship-jaap-stam"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="pLQmlH">
<strong>Was there a </strong><strong>Cardiff Hangover?</strong>
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<p id="rP9Xtk">Reading’s TV match against Cardiff last Monday was the definition of a game of two halves. The Royals had a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break but then sat off the Bluebirds in the second half and they eventually rescued a point. The disappointment from letting Neil Warnock’s side snatch a draw after being in such a strong position may well have played a part in this game against Ipswich as Reading barely got going at all. </p>
<p id="lYWlRJ">After such a disappointing second half against Cardiff, the last thing needed is for that performance to affect the next match which it seems it may have done. Reading need to snap out of it.</p>
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<img alt="Reading v Cardiff City - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LYfGi-vZ0QgufyT24YXlDu5vFjI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9886379/890535358.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images</cite>
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<h2 id="OXzl0o">
<strong>A b</strong><strong>ad start to the most important part of the season</strong>
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<p id="rjeaII">As most football fans know, the Christmas period is perhaps the most important part of the season with the games coming thick and fast. If you can grab some momentum early on and carry it through those fixtures, you can shoot up the table very quickly. Reading, however, have made a poor start to December by allowing Cardiff back into the game and producing very little against Ipswich. </p>
<aside id="rcHruT"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Championship Focus: Week 18","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/17/16785234/championship-focus-week-18-reading-fc-efl"}]}'></div></aside><p id="oB5wVw">Other than the high-flying, goal GIF aficionados Bristol City who currently sit in third place, the rest of the Royals’ December and January opponents are either mid-table or relegation candidates. This means that most of the upcoming matches are distinctly winnable so Jaap Stam’s men need to simply forget about their last two games and move on because they do still have a great opportunity to jump up the table. They are still both 10 points off the relegation zone and the play-offs which illustrates just how tight the Championship is.</p>
<h2 id="jnQcKM"><strong>Nightmare start</strong></h2>
<p id="DSrGBX">It took just 27 minutes for Joe Garner to double Callum Connolly’s third minute lead and, while it might sound obvious, the last thing Reading need to be doing is conceding early goals – let alone two within the opening half-hour. Obviously Reading’s biggest asset is their ability to keep possession with Jaap Stam’s men averaging the most per game in the league and having 72% on Saturday. However, much like the Sheffield Wednesday encounter, they struggled to test Bartosz Bialkowski in the Ipswich goal with just the solitary shot on target from 15 efforts. </p>
<aside id="qhF6tw"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Jaap Stam On Disappointing Ipswich Town Defeat","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/17/16786708/jaap-stam-quotes-disappointing-ipswich-town-defeat-reading-fc-efl-championship"}]}'></div></aside><p id="EXmkzl">The way Reading did so well last year was by nicking a goal, dominating possession and not allowing the opposition the ball to create chances and obviously conceding early means this plan is out the window and this would have been the case against Ipswich after just three minutes. One thing the Royals have shown is that when the game is not going their way they struggle to adapt and get something out of it. The same fight they showed to come back and nick a point from 2-0 down against Bolton was what was needed but was, in fact, nowhere to be seen.</p>
<h2 id="6Ju9SU"><strong>Bus crash</strong></h2>
<p id="k7NoFi">In a moment that perhaps summed up Reading’s day, they were not even able to make it back to Berkshire without incident as the team bus was involved in a crash. A silver BMW appeared to crash into the back of the bus meaning the progress they had made was stopped in its tracks away from home. Sound familiar? </p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/17/16787294/5-things-ipswich-town-away-reading-fc-royals-tractor-boys-jaap-stam-efl-championshipMatthew Cooper2017-12-17T12:46:06+00:002017-12-17T12:46:06+00:00Jaap Stam On Disappointing Ipswich Town Defeat
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<img alt="Ipswich Town v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eJFyoU8gU-th9vDJC2d-0J34w3M=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58011863/893857918.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here’s what the gaffer made of Saturday’s 2-0 loss at mid-table Ipswich Town. </p> <p id="gbGKL4">Our five game unbeaten run has come to an end after a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Ipswich Town at Portman Road. The Royals had 72% possession but it was Ipswich who captalised with Callum Connolly and Joe Garner scoring in the first half to secure all three points for Ipswich. Reading only had one shot on target. </p>
<p id="7lQZvi">Jaap Stam was disappointed with the defeat and the first goal, he told the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">official club website</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="X7Y0Qr">“It is disappointing - especially when you concede an early goal like that.</p>
<p id="eCqRSj">“We’ve said many times about what can happen when you concede the first goal... but still it happens because we weren’t careful enough.</p>
<p id="qdRkRb">“Still, after that, we picked up, went and created opportunities to score - didn’t score - and the longer it stays at 1-0, the more they grow in confidence.</p>
<p id="pzF8Df">“We played quite well and then they come out on the break, win a corner and score their second goal. Two easy goals we conceded.</p>
<p id="z9WUrN">“And then it’s going to be difficult to get back into the game. They’re dropping in deep, making it compact and just waiting for that moment to break on the counter.</p>
<p id="yzOS21">“We needed to do better with our choices on the ball and taking our positions and we should have done better. But it wasn’t easy over here, Ipswich are doing well and their team works very hard - we knew that before we came over here.</p>
<p id="LBjLnT">“In the second half, we created maybe two opportunities in front of goal where we could say we could have scored, but not enough!</p>
<p id="KP2iH4">“So we’ll keep on organising, keep on talking about what we need to do better to improve. Everyone is trying to do better in games - and the first thing that is very clear is not to concede certain goals from set pieces, and not giving balls away too easily to allow them to come out on the break.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="6ghhFP">Next up for the Royals is struggling Burton Albion in what is the 500th game at the Madejski Stadium and the final game at home of 2017, Stam added:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="3ZqZgf">“We don’t have the Christmas feeling - at least I haven’t. It’s just like any other week, playing a game and then going into the next game. </p>
<p id="roso56">“Even on Christmas Day this year, we’ll be going into the hotel before the Bristol City game, and that’s how it is. We’re used to it.</p>
<p id="RK7RJa">“We’ll just prepare for the games. The Christmas songs and the turkey is nice when it’s there. But our focus is on the football.”</p>
</blockquote>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/17/16786708/jaap-stam-quotes-disappointing-ipswich-town-defeat-reading-fc-efl-championshipsophierfc102017-12-16T20:09:32+00:002017-12-16T20:09:32+00:00Ipswich Town 2-0 Reading FC: Player Ratings
<figure>
<img alt="Ipswich Town v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UbuePR4GL5kTZg7C-PGC5dLDbDo=/0x0:3357x2238/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58007917/893903000.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Barrow is again the stand-out performer, this time in a defeat at Ipswich. But how did the rest of the team perform? </p> <h3 id="WlrIlj"><strong>Vito Mannone: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="yuEneS">Vito wasn't called on to do a whole lot, apart from pick the ball out of his net twice, although I thought he might have done slightly better with Town's first goal. His distribution was OK, nothing spectacular. One vital save in the second half.</p>
<h3 id="yQbRIN"><strong>Chris Gunter: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="nEpiiz">Got forward to good effect in the first half and was let down when crossing by a lack of available options. Steady in second half, didn't overlap as much. Could potentially have done better for their first goal.</p>
<h3 id="kpKlxL"><strong>Paul McShane: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="RWnviA">He was part of a defensive unit that gave away two terrible goals. Looked shaky and rocky, and didn't move the ball quickly enough. Also proved adept at continually winding up Ipswich fans to a fury.</p>
<h3 id="rfYlgp"><strong>Liam Moore: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="S6g9Bu">Nothing special, again didn't have that much to do apart from the two goals. Can't remember him doing anything either spectacular or disastrous all game. Potentially one of his last few games for the club?</p>
<aside id="5oJtr8"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Is Reading FC’s Liam Moore Heading To West Ham United?","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/12/16768384/reading-fc-liam-moore-heading-west-ham-united-jaap-stam-david-moyes"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="r4I8Bt"><strong>Tyler Blackett: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="qi1fdN">Not a terrible game from Blackett, and certainly no worse than several others. Like Gunter, he overlapped well in first half. However, he found it harder to get into the game in the second period. The normal three/four head-in-hands shambolic moments were there though. </p>
<h3 id="WGkTyq"><strong>Leandro Bacuna: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="Yn26qo">Part of a flat midfield that didn't offer too much going forward and left us exposed several times at the back. Passed the ball sideways expertly all game, it was just driving forwards that was the issue.</p>
<h3 id="pskjDb"><strong>Dave Edwards: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="A5LRRB">One of those players that's described as a vital cog in the wheel when we win, and entirely anonymous when we lose. Didn't get into the box enough, and looked completely average on the ball.</p>
<h3 id="em5jBQ"><strong>Joey van den Berg: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="lgb4CW">A mediocre game from the Dutchman. Failed to properly link the defence and midfield, in the second period especially. The normal crunching tackles and sharp turns were still there, but he looked generally subdued.</p>
<h3 id="Fx2hR7"><strong>Sone Aluko: 5 </strong></h3>
<p id="Qw9eKS">Didn't have enough tricks or speed to get past a resolute Ipswich backline, and was robbed of possession a fair few times. Again looked a good footballer, but apart from several nice touches in the first half offered little penetration.</p>
<h3 id="89jJ2W"><strong>Modou Barrow: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="QdTmcp">Barrow was unlucky today, regularly beating his man and crossing the ball into the box only to see nobody attacking it. Our quickest, sharpest attacking outlet again. Still not perfect, but a cut above our other options.</p>
<h3 id="jIJOJ4"><strong>Yann Kermorgant: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="6gUwjT">Again, flat. Failed to really affect the game in any meaningful way, and failed to do his job on the near post to prevent Ipswich scoring their second from a corner.</p>
<h2 id="F0BiTH"><strong>Subs:</strong></h2>
<h3 id="ST07Nl"><strong>Liam Kelly (replaced Blackett): 5</strong></h3>
<p id="MM2kQL">Very little Kelly could do to affect the eventual outcome when he came on. A succession of corners saw good balls in, but since he was reduced to just hoisting the ball into the box, it was hard for him to display more of his skills.</p>
<h3 id="7J5KiJ"><strong>Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (replaced Aluko): N/A</strong></h3>
<p id="1gkh11">Needed to come on sooner, and when he did he was very well-marshalled by a backline that loves the aerial battle. If he's the Plan B (hoisting balls into the area for knockdowns), the service needs to be more accurate.</p>
<p id="G6cy6B"><em><strong>Average: 5.41</strong></em></p>
<p id="PGbPR7"><em>Right then chaps, who was your man of the match? Vote in our poll - if you can’t see it, </em><a href="https://goo.gl/Hux9zi"><em>go to this link right here</em></a><em>. </em></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/16/16784476/ipswich-town-2-0-reading-fc-player-ratings-royals-tractor-boys-efl-championship-jaap-stamETRCunningham2017-12-16T13:31:42+00:002017-12-16T13:31:42+00:00Three To Watch: Ipswich Town (A)
<figure>
<img alt="Ipswich Town v Nottingham Forest - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FxWqPMp5GSgOsT_Z42dpLFZb45Q=/0x0:2219x1479/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58005559/884582044.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can Reading keep their unbeatern run going? Here are the three players to keep an eye on.</p> <h2 id="hB8UtW"><strong>Jordan Spence </strong></h2>
<p id="F5GCB8">Jordan Spence was signed as a free agent in January and has gone on to become a key component of Mick McCarthy’s squad having appeared in 35 league games for the club including 18 for this current campaign. </p>
<p id="9sy5Pb">Playing at right back, Spence is the type of player that tends to stay back. This can be seen by the fact that the defender has averaged just 0.2 dribbles per game - the same as Chris Gunter. </p>
<aside id="gaPS1i"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Ipswich Town vs Reading FC: Match Preview","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/15/16782576/ipswich-town-vs-reading-fc-match-preview-royals-tractor-boys-efl-championship-jaap-stam"}]}'></div></aside><p id="F2oCiV">However, unlike Gunter, when Spence has got forward he has contributed at the offensive end of the pitch, scoring three goals and registering three assists so far.</p>
<p id="bFaewg">The former MK Dons man also loves to get a tackle in, with the sixth most in the entire Ipswich team (1.8). Again, that is some way ahead of Gunter (0.8). </p>
<p id="rHvews">As a result, Reading’s in-form player of the month for November Modou Barrow could face a difficult afternoon in East Anglia. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Queens Park Rangers v Ipswich Town - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4NMRYljsa5vsjw5-2PW5chF-iqc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9879763/844910662.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="pU0Cl0">
<strong>Bersant Celina</strong> </h2>
<p id="lPBSYr">The Kosovan international is a new signing at Portman Road having joined the club on a season-long loan from Manchester City. Playing as a left winger or an attacking midfielder, Celina has mainly been used as an impact player from the bench. </p>
<p id="WITyKh">In fact, the 21 year-old has only completed 90 minutes four times in the league this season, with another 13 appearances also coming as a substitute. However, that hasn’t stopped the Ipswich loanee from scoring six goals so far, with only Martyn Waghorn (see below) finding the net more times.</p>
<aside id="1VUwif"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Tilehurst End Advent Calendar: December 16","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/16/16780556/the-tilehurst-end-advent-calendar-december-16-phil-parkinson-reading-fc-wolves-league-cup"}]}'></div></aside><p id="3cpcj2">Celina’s offensive stats show that he has a high shooting accuracy. According to Squawka, 14 of his 17 shots for this season have been on target, a shooting accuracy of 82%. </p>
<p id="4i64rd">This suggests that Celina could have a major say in the game, when the two sides meet at Portman Road, especially in the last 20 minutes where two of his goals have been scored.</p>
<div id="fEAFHk"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Br7Up52Bi_s?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="jKeNA3"><strong>Martyn Waghorn</strong></h2>
<p id="ctV6Gg">The final player that Reading fans should keep an eye on is Martyn Waghorn, who signed from Rangers on a permanent transfer in the summer. The 27 year-old has had a wonderful season so far, with 10 goals in 19 Championship games making him the Tractor Boys’ top goalscorer. </p>
<p id="UCJun8">To put this into perspective, Waghorn is joint-sixth in the Championship scoring charts overall, with Lewis Grabban (11), Britt Assombalonga (11), Matej Vydra (12), Leo Bonatini (12) and Leon Clarke (14) having scored more. </p>
<aside id="bf1PZZ"><div data-anthem-component="actionbox" data-anthem-component-data='{"title":"Town End: Ipswich","description":"Blue Monday Podcast sung Waghorn’s praises in this week’s Town End. ","label":"Click me","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/14/16776174/view-from-the-town-end-ipswich-town-reading-fc-royals-tractor-boys"}'></div></aside><p id="p621MF">Furthermore, Waghorn is the type of player that tends to track back and help his team out. The former Wigan man has averaged an impressive 1.4 tackles per game, much higher than Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (0.6) and Yann Kermorgant (0.5). </p>
<p id="3OEPDW">This means that Waghorn will not only likely cause problems at the top end of the pitch, but also in the defensive half as well. </p>
<div id="6tcVDA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yXb_CfD3dsw?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="AdvErW"><em><strong>All stats, unless otherwise attributed, come courtesy of </strong></em><a href="http://WhoScored.com"><em><strong>WhoScored.com</strong></em></a><em><strong> and </strong></em><a href="http://Transfermarkt.com"><em><strong>Transfermarkt.com</strong></em></a><em><strong> </strong></em></p>
<p id="X8G1Ig"></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/16/16778628/three-to-watch-ipswich-reading-portman-road-sky-bet-championshipjacks19962017-12-16T08:13:02+00:002017-12-16T08:13:02+00:00The Tilehurst End Prediction League 17/18: Matchday 22
<figure>
<img alt="General Views of UK Football Stadiums" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WlX56G5UdYylTurVMpUexd074CY=/0x0:2996x1997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58001059/110118125.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Do you think Reading can get back to winning ways at Portman Road?</p> <p id="mYhIv2">With Reading 2-0 up with less than ten minutes to play on Monday night against Cardiff, those who had predicted a home win were probably smugly smiling at their optimism. Yet victory over the high-flying Bluebirds was not to be, with two late goals meaning it ended up 2-2 at the Madejski Stadium. The draw was correctly predicted by six people, with one guess getting the scoreline spot on too - congratulations must go to MickeyTaker on that front. Unsurprisingly, there were no predictions that Callum Paterson’s own goal would open the scoring, but the updated leaderboard is below. </p>
<p id="qC6RF6">This weekend, Reading travel to Ipswich Town, who started the season in fantastic form but now find themselves in ninth. <strong>All you have to do is guess the score of the game and say who you think will score the first goal in the comments below. </strong>A correct score earns two points, a correct result earns one point as does a correct first goalscorer.</p>
<p id="KjSDuI">To get the ball rolling, I’m going for another 2-2 draw, with Mo Barrow being the first goalscorer.</p>
<p id="gHlptN">Good luck!</p>
<h4 id="M66oit">The current leaderboard:</h4>
<h2 id="6Xtojq">15 points</h2>
<p id="vsaTLx">ShiplakeAl</p>
<h2 id="OjGPmI">13 points</h2>
<p id="1OSTwA">EthanRFC_</p>
<h3 id="bB2yhr">12 points</h3>
<p id="urJm2c">JackRonan<br>Fylde coast royal</p>
<h3 id="oAEKXF">11 points</h3>
<p id="UUGgI9">Olly</p>
<h3 id="wDriHs">9 points</h3>
<p id="aGdoTa">Risk_Taker</p>
<h3 id="BvJhYl">8 points</h3>
<p id="9FLYKf">Glorygerbil</p>
<h3 id="syUxmj">7 points</h3>
<p id="CFMnIo">1.fcl<br>Will Jones<br>Illinois_royal</p>
<h3 id="CoUVB2">6 points</h3>
<p id="J0yyFU">Bacuzzi's Boys<br>KildareRoyal<br>RiskAverse<br>Brum Royal<br>MickeyTaker</p>
<h2 id="bJu23Z">5 points</h2>
<p id="AHoT9Z">Osborns scoop<br>Pete1964<br>The inspector</p>
<h3 id="oyzrsK">4 points</h3>
<p id="BB3NjL">TheRoyalViking</p>
<h2 id="0BnVm0">3 points</h2>
<p id="ic9pMd">CharlieRFC<br>James - ReadingAwayDays<br>Blaa1980</p>
<h2 id="R8XBAT">2 points</h2>
<p id="7QfU0x">The RFC Vlogger<br>Jake RFC<br>Luke Rogers<br>Christian Taylor<br>Robjs54</p>
<h2 id="rg3FeH">1 point</h2>
<p id="3CmO4u">X210<br>Will Symons<br>Jamie Westcar<br>Football Fan<br>Billal Benassar<br>Ben Hayward<br>Ram Pandariram<br>Harry Crawford<br>ITZ HAZZ<br>Sky Bet Championship<br>Rich Gallagher</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/16/16782714/prediction-league-17-18-matchday-22-ipswich-town-vs-reading-fc-efl-championshipOlly_Allen