The Tilehurst End - Reading vs Stevenage (FA Cup): Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2018-01-18T12:11:45+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/166173572018-01-18T12:11:45+00:002018-01-18T12:11:45+00:005 Things: Stevenage (Home)
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<img alt="2018 FA Cup Football 3rd Round Replay Reading v Stevenage Jan 16th" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BkynA1cPQ1cCaOzYVIA-WjdalWQ=/0x0:2813x1875/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58366259/905755914.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Simon West /Action Plus via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The key points from a comfortable FA cup victory</p> <h2 id="lt2PWF"><strong>Why wasn’t this the first leg result?</strong></h2>
<p id="jPvDPV">The 3-0 win was the most comfortable Reading have looked in recent weeks after experiencing a very bad run of form in the league which begs the question: why couldn’t they win the first leg so comfortably? The teams in each game were not hugely different but it would appear that the first leg result was simply the continuation of their terrible league form. Hopefully Tuesday’s victory can turn into a longer run of positive form. </p>
<aside id="KX5l5z"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Stevenage 0-0 Reading FC: Match Report","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/7/16859730/stevenage-0-0-reading-fc-match-report-royals-borough-jaap-stam-fa-cup"},{"title":"Stevenage 0-0 Reading FC: Player Ratings","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/6/16858466/stevenage-0-0-reading-fc-player-ratings-royals-jaap-stam-efl-championship"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="n4qEJE"><strong>Who’s the Dadi?</strong></h2>
<p id="IV2xKh">Jon Dadi Bodvarsson finally made a real impact in a Reading shirt after his summer move from Wolves, with his first hat-trick in English football coming in his 20<sup>th</sup> Royals appearance. Bodvarsson netted two goals before half-time before finishing the game off with his hat-trick goal in the 64<sup>th</sup> minute to double his season’s goal tally. </p>
<p id="rtUySm">The 25-year-old handed Jaap Stam’s men their first win in nine games to help alleviate some of the pressure on the Dutch manager and set Reading for a next round clash with fellow Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. After seeing last year’s top scorer Yann Kermorgant return from injury to be the first choice forward, Bodvarsson’s hat-trick should see him given a league start in the very near future.</p>
<aside id="bbN4KY"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Reading FC 3-0 Stevenage: Match Report","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/17/16899168/reading-fc-3-0-stevenage-match-report-royals-borough-jaap-stam-fa-cup"},{"title":"Reading FC 3-0 Stevenage: Player Ratings","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/17/16898898/reading-fc-3-0-stevenage-player-ratings-jaap-stam-fa-cup-royals-borough"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="PwIgzZ"><strong>250 appearances for Gunter</strong></h2>
<p id="EWiWAf">The game marked Chris Gunter’s 250<sup>th</sup> Reading appearance since his 2012 move from Nottingham Forest. The Welshman has always been a consistent performer at full-back for the Royals, barely missing a single game during his time at the club. </p>
<p id="Yke7F7">He celebrated the landmark in perfect fashion, captaining the side and assisting all three of Bodvarsson’s goals while filling in at left back. It was a fitting performance from a loyal performer. </p>
<h2 id="4M8jml"><strong>Kit drama</strong></h2>
<p id="bEibcJ">With the tie being at home, Reading lined up in their customary blue and white hoops with white shorts but Stevenage obviously missed the memo, lining up in their home kit of red and white stripes with blue shorts causing a kit clash. This meant that Reading had to change into their fluorescent orange away kit at half-time with Royals boss Jaap Stam saying this about the clash after the game: </p>
<blockquote><p id="av7lxC">“I said it before the game that it was quite strange that both sides were almost wearing the same colours or identical. But this was the only shirt they had and a blue one I believe and the referee wouldn’t let them play in blue, so they needed to wear the white one. We were wearing white as well of course so our kitman needed to get the stuff and then we changed it.” </p></blockquote>
<div id="rQjv39"><div data-anthem-component="imageslider:854548"></div></div>
<h2 id="UYZojU"><strong>Aluko has been a failure</strong></h2>
<p id="GXaG9b">Reading’s marquee summer signing was the 28 year-old forward, coming from Fulham in a deal that was believed to be around £7.5 million. There were hopes that he would help fire the Royals towards promotion once again, but so far he has returned a paltry two goals from his 14 Championship appearances so far. </p>
<p id="JdMrOT">He has even recently started to lose his place in the team with fellow summer signing Modou Barrow being the most impressive of the new stars. On Tuesday, Aluko turned in yet another lacklustre performance against Stevenage - for a club record signing, he has truly so far been a waste of money.</p>
<aside id="LfbusP"><div data-anthem-component="actionbox" data-anthem-component-data='{"title":"Stam On Stevenage Win","description":"Now you’ve read this, check out the gaffer’s take on the 3-0 win. ","label":"Click me","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/17/16902028/jaap-stam-stevenage-fa-cup-victory-reading-fc-royals-borough"}'></div></aside>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/18/16903300/5-things-stevenage-home-fa-cup-reading-fc-royals-borough-jaap-stamMatthew Cooper2018-01-17T21:12:42+00:002018-01-17T21:12:42+00:00Jaap Stam On Stevenage FA Cup Victory
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<img alt="Reading v Stevenage - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uFS2h19GaZFaeH11vhZGk-cvNvU=/0x0:3269x2179/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58359805/905759258.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The gaffer gives his take on Reading’s replay triumph over the League Two side.</p> <p id="xUQOWw">Sheffield Wednesday will be our opponents in the fourth round of the FA Cup after a 3-0 victory against Stevenage on Tuesday night. Jon Dadi Bodvarsson scored a hat-trick - wearing two different kits - to secure our place in the next round.</p>
<p id="tey1IA">Jaap Stam felt that the win should give the players confidence going back into the league, he told the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk/">Official Club Website</a>:</p>
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<p id="XeT5eC">“It’s never easy to win a game like this - we know how they can play and we saw that in the tie away from home.</p>
<p id="U0PyLC">“In their style of play, they can make it very difficult. They play very direct, when they had possession at the start they played balls in over the top, they headed it back in with the second balls, so it was a battle.</p>
<p id="yT1j9T">“We just needed to find our rhythm get into our way of playing. And we needed to find a moment where we could take control.</p>
<p id="JKmIL8">“Could we get into our rhythm, could we dictate the play. It wasn’t easy, but we got into our stride, went forward and scored two goals at the end of the first half.</p>
<p id="F5Ii6n">“After that, you need to protect that clean sheet and look to score that third one, and that’s what we did in the second half. There were things we could have done better, of course, but at the end of day it’s a very good 3-0 win for us.”</p>
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<p id="I0EEbc">So, Reading will face fellow Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on Friday 26 January, Stam continued:</p>
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<p id="Vewt0U">“It’s good that we’re playing over there. Wednesday are a great club. But you never know in the FA Cup, sometimes special can always happen.</p>
<p id="5xSFo3">“It’s always nice to do well in the cup, because it’s nice to play against the biggest teams - and that’s the opportunity you can get if you keep doing well in the FA Cup, keep progressing through the rounds.</p>
<p id="LKG8KP">“And a win like tonight’s is also good for the confidence of the team as well... a win that saw us scoring good goals from good attacks, playing good football. That’s promising for the team,</p>
<p id="eldEqP">“Every game you play in and win, gives you that bit extra, a certain feeling. So if you get a result like this in the FA Cup that gives the team an extra boost.</p>
<p id="05bY8K">“And it was important for the players who played tonight to show that they can make it more difficult for myself to make choices going forward.”</p>
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<p id="BI2Fpp">Next up for the Royals are Brentford at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday. </p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/17/16902028/jaap-stam-stevenage-fa-cup-victory-reading-fc-royals-boroughsophierfc102018-01-17T01:10:51+00:002018-01-17T01:10:51+00:00Reading 3-0 Stevenage: Match Report
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<img alt="Reading v Stevenage - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yQOppjlq9i1Ryx_DMuORzjlDrZY=/0x0:2261x1507/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58348147/905756232.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Royals ended their winless streak with a comfortable victory over League Two Stevenage. Here’s how it unfolded. </p> <p id="kFptb6">Realistically, Reading were never going to make easy work of Stevenage. A run of eight games in all competitions without a win - one of them the original 0-0 stalemate with the Hertfordshire side - meant that The Royals were critically low on confidence going into this cup replay. However, confidence is exactly what Jaap Stam’s team will take coming out of it. </p>
<p id="k9chJH">That can be put down to three key elements: not just the win, the first since a 3-1 triumph at the Stadium Of Light in early December, but also a third successive clean sheet and a mightily impressive hat-trick for Jon Dadi Bodvarsson. It's too early to say whether Tuesday night's game suggests a corner has been turned, or cracks are being papered over, but those three elements are all undeniable positives that Jaap Stam can build on ahead of Brentford's visit this Saturday. </p>
<aside id="zN4lED"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Reading FC 3-0 Stevenage: Player Ratings","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/17/16898898/reading-fc-3-0-stevenage-player-ratings-jaap-stam-fa-cup-royals-borough"}]}'></div></aside><p id="HaBR4N">However, it all could have been very different. Reading could quite easily have gone out to Stevenage had they put on a particularly bad performance - and that’s what we saw for the opening 20 minutes or so. Still suffering from that aforementioned lack of confidence, and hamstrung by a kit clash that made working out who was who pretty difficult, The Royals just didn’t get going. </p>
<p id="WUTJML">Stevenage had the best of the play in the early stages, and could have taken the lead were it not for some smart stops from Anssi Jaakkola and a Matt Godden goal being ruled out. As for Reading, it took some time for the players to properly acclimatise to the first half’s wardrobe malfunction, string some passes together and move up the pitch.</p>
<p id="3L4Ped">However, when they eventually did so, Bodvarsson was on hand with an uncharacteristically lethal performance to spare the home side’s blushes - assisted on each occasion by Chris Gunter. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Reading v Stevenage - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xMEF-_J-aWg5kmCCr4UqC87wXJI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10046357/905745048.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="2BVuyF">For the first, the Welshman’s deflected cross found Dadi in the area, who duly slammed home from close range to calm the growing nerves in the home crowd. His second, 12 minutes later, capped off a fine Reading move - Bacuna spraying a cross-field ball from right to left, Gunter whipping in a perfectly-placed left footed cross and Bodvarsson powering home a header. </p>
<p id="krYwaP">The Royals’ confidence was rising as the half went on and pressed forward in search of a third, but had to wait until after the break to have it, Bodvarsson on the end of Gunter’s low, hard cross to tap in from a few yards out. From then on in, Reading were effective enough and occasionally threatened to punish the visitors on the break as space opened up on the counter, but lacked the killer instinct of Modou Barrow (or a fully fit Garath McCleary) to press home the advantage. </p>
<p id="YsWDD0">However, defensively, the game will give Stam food for thought. The home side surrendered the ball too easily, even when buzzing in the second half from the 3-0 lead, and let the away side in for more shots on goal than they should have. In fact, Stevenage could have scored a couple on the night had they possessed an extra edge of quality to punish The Royals’ sloppiness. Had we put that performance in against a Championship team, the scoreline could have ended 3-3. </p>
<p id="mZDnxb">One thing particularly irks me though - why in God’s name did Jaap Stam not put Axel Andresson on for the last few minutes? Reading were comfortably 3-0 up and could quite easily have given the academy graduate a run out and some valuable first team experience in the closing stages. If you’re not going to play him in those circumstances, when will you? </p>
<h2 id="EtM4tH"><strong>Closing thoughts</strong></h2>
<p id="ttjcoK">If you want hard evidence that Jaap Stam should stay or go, you won’t find it in any single result, certainly not in a home win over a League Two side in the FA Cup. If, however, you’re after a sign that The Royals’ dismal recent form might be coming to an end, you may have just that. At the very least, Tuesday night’s win was a shot of confidence to a team that desperately needed just that. </p>
<p id="kQmwoR">Any comfortable win, especially one that features both a hat-trick and a clean sheet, is not to be scoffed at. Reading haven’t conceded a goal in their last three games, and they’ve now even been able to prove that they’re capable of finding the net themselves. Did they get the job done in style against Stevenage? No, but they certainly did enough. </p>
<p id="uV46WC">The question now for Jaap Stam and the team is this: why can’t we do this in the league? It’s up to them to answer that on Saturday when Brentford come to town. </p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/17/16899168/reading-fc-3-0-stevenage-match-report-royals-borough-jaap-stam-fa-cupBucksRoyal2018-01-17T00:19:52+00:002018-01-17T00:19:52+00:00Reading FC 3-0 Stevenage: Player Ratings
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<img alt="Reading v Stevenage - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DX8yIO2QgXCe7AOOuMz14FMbsN4=/251x0:2788x1691/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58347837/905741198.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A confident display saw Reading advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup, but how did each player perform?</p> <h3 id="pUix5I"><strong>Anssi Jaakkola: 7 </strong></h3>
<p id="vTvVeA">A couple of fine stops in the early stages to prevent the away side taking the lead. Less to do later in the game. </p>
<h3 id="MXGIrL"><strong>Leandro Bacuna: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="cTHzI3">Bustling and busy, drove forward a few times. Quiet but effective enough. </p>
<h3 id="NzWuSX"><strong>Tiago Ilori: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="c4M4l1">Strong defensively and confident on the ball, although he had a few slip-ups that I'll forgive him for. Surely has to start regularly now that Paul McShane is sidelined through injury. </p>
<h3 id="pIB3Nd"><strong>Tyler Blackett: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="lkWJjP">Shaky, but did enough physically to marshal Stevenage's attack and make sure Reading came away with a clean sheet. In his defence (pun intended), he's not used to playing as a centre back in a partnership. </p>
<h3 id="iVnlpc"><strong>Chris Gunter: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="oH0ckc">On the positive side, a trio of assists helped spur Reading to the win - the highlight a fantastic cross that Dadi headed home for his second of the night. On the other hand, Stevenage had too much joy down his side and could have scored at least once, so can’t give him the 8/10. Much better and more comfortable on the right. </p>
<h3 id="VLvSpF"><strong>Liam Kelly: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="hOB1Jh">Looks much more comfortable playing deep in front of the defence where he can find space and pick passes. Although he wasn't too influential, he was energetic and industrious. </p>
<h3 id="Go0G6N"><strong>Dave Edwards: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="nsoGrk">Pretty anonymous, but generally kept the ball moving well, especially by pinging passes out wide in the second half when Reading were on the break. Lacks the obvious physical presence of van den Berg and the technical skill of Kelly - tonight wasn't his night. </p>
<h3 id="pd7D05"><strong>Pelle Clement: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="ZH9c0X">Worked hard and had some clever touches, but he lacks the necessary killer instinct to open up a defence. Too often caught in two minds when a decisive action was required. </p>
<h3 id="xrRpUL"><strong>Sone Aluko: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="MPrzz3">Like Edwards, largely anonymous, but grew into the game in the second half when space opened up on the break. Didn't create enough for Reading in the final third, but for me he looked more comfortable on the wing where he could use his stronger foot more freely. </p>
<h3 id="Kak5F9"><strong>Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: 9</strong></h3>
<p id="9xH71A">What a night for the Icelander! Three very well-taken goals - two close range efforts with his feet and one powerful header. His confidence will be sky high, and he has to start on Saturday. Worked hard in open play. </p>
<h3 id="OjC8rU"><strong>Roy Beerens: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="3wvyHj">Offered Reading a more direct option by trying to cut inside and drive at the Stevenage defence, but it didn't come off enough. Probably did enough to persuade Stam that he's worth another go, even if just from the bench. </p>
<h2 id="oReL6U"><strong>Subs</strong></h2>
<h3 id="9D9LE2"><strong>Omar Richards: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="2JvjPZ">Unlucky not to start, but perhaps the right decision to keep him as fresh as possible whilst he's still getting used to first team football. Energetic, confident and intelligent on the ball in his brief cameo at the end. </p>
<p id="gVMzYe"><em><strong>Average rating: 6.16</strong></em></p>
<p id="rhEcK0"><em>Who was your man of the match? Well, probably Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, but we’ll run the poll anyway. Can’t see the poll? </em><a href="https://goo.gl/aXPKQ8"><em>Here’s the link</em></a><em>.</em></p>
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<div style="font-size:1.2em;background-color:#00355F;color:#FFF;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif, Arial"><div style="padding:0.8em;line-height:1.3em">Who was your man of the match against Stevenage?</div></div>
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<h2 id="NBub1p"><strong>Bonus Ratings</strong></h2>
<h3 id="DUfBTk"><strong>The fans who turned up: 10</strong></h3>
<p id="fDIAnj">Considering how many people had predicted a low turnout before the match, and how true that proved to be, the few thousand that did take the time out deserve a pat on the back. </p>
<h3 id="4eUExk"><strong>Whoever it was that thought it was a good idea to have both teams start the game in their home kits: 2</strong></h3>
<p id="gfjARf">What a wally. </p>
<h3 id="vojHGM"><strong>Reading’s kitman who went to Hogwood to pick up the orange jerseys in time for the second half: 10</strong></h3>
<p id="RXDcui">It’s a lot easier to play well when you can see your team mates. </p>
<div id="hNx9hr">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stam - Our kitman had to go back to Hogwood and pick up the away kit so we could change it. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadingFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReadingFC</a></p>— Tom Crocker (@TomJCrocker) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomJCrocker/status/953391240455827458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/17/16898898/reading-fc-3-0-stevenage-player-ratings-jaap-stam-fa-cup-royals-boroughBucksRoyal2018-01-15T23:04:50+00:002018-01-15T23:04:50+00:00Match Preview: Reading FC v Stevenage
<figure>
<img alt="Stevenage v Reading - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CTOZGxmaePf6KRX05LqZDYGSReE=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58333871/901853440.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Are the Royals fourth round bound? Could it go all the way to penalties?</p> <p id="4ldOYz">Sometimes, we love a replay. Think Bond at Christmas. A particularly funny Snapchat. Or perhaps the greatest replay of them all, Iyaz’s huge 2009 smash <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzSDpqvE5mI">hit of the same name</a>.</p>
<p id="kLSk9S">Unfortunately for most Royals fans, tomorrow’s game - the third round replay between Reading and Stevenage - does not fall into this category. Sitting just five points above the relegation zone, this is not the extra game that Jaap Stam wanted adding to his calendar after a hectic winter period, bereft of points. Given the Royals’ recent performance and entertainment levels, it is also arguably not what the fans were after either.</p>
<p id="n65lbL">But here we are. Winless in eight, Stam will know that Tuesday’s game presents his side with a huge opportunity to stop the rot. So let’s do this...</p>
<h2 id="rhSG86"><strong>Reading</strong></h2>
<h3 id="hdRsP8"><strong>Form (all comps): DLDDD</strong></h3>
<h4 id="pcuqxF"><strong>Last five FA Cup runs:</strong></h4>
<p id="aqEbMs"><strong>2016-17: </strong>3rd round - lost to Manchester United 4-0 (a)</p>
<p id="sbHFS7"><strong>2015-16: </strong>Quarter finals - lost to Crystal Palace 0-2 (h)</p>
<p id="AS4XeV"><strong>2014-15: </strong>Semi finals - lost to Arsenal 1-2 (Wembley)</p>
<p id="iPKw4B"><strong>2013-14: </strong>3rd round - lost to Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 (a)</p>
<p id="ZBSjQ4"><strong>2012-13: </strong>5th round - lost to Manchester United 2-1 (a)</p>
<p id="0D3oe9">In isolation, Saturday’s draw away to Hull was not a bad result. In another season, Jaap Stam would not expect to be facing such scrutiny after failing to take all three points at the KCOM. However, it is because of Reading’s woeful recent form that even with a commendable point in last year’s UK City of Culture (running out of ways to say ‘Hull’ here) that the Dutchman remains under intense pressure. Defeat at home against League Two Stevenage could render his position untenable - despite the insistence of the Reading hierarchy.</p>
<p id="HAfj7M">Stam went back to a full strength squad for the game against the Tigers, following seven changes to the starting line-up for the first bout against Stevenage at Broadhall Way last Saturday.</p>
<p id="KwxDc5">Given the club’s perilous position in the league, it may not come as a surprise to see the Dutchman make wholesale changes once again. Finnish keeper Anssi Jaakkola will likely get another cup run out, whilst youth will also probably be given a chance in the form of Omar Richards. </p>
<h2 id="pIt1pr"><strong>Stevenage</strong></h2>
<h3 id="OxRO8y"><strong>Form (all comps): LLWDD</strong></h3>
<h4 id="Fie5hM"><strong>Last five FA Cup runs:</strong></h4>
<p id="jOySxQ"><strong>2016-17: </strong>1st round - lost to Port Vale 1-0 (a)</p>
<p id="iTJRT9"><strong>2015-16: </strong>2nd round - lost to Yeovil 1-0 (a)</p>
<p id="YOctZF"><strong>2014-15: </strong>1st round - lost to Maidstone 2-1 (a)</p>
<p id="nRSAOe"><strong>2013-14: </strong>4th round - lost to Everton 0-4 (h)</p>
<p id="GfiZEq"><strong>2012-13: </strong>1st round - lost to Rotherham 3-2 (a)</p>
<p id="zJo8dx">Despite sitting 44 places beneath the Royals in the Football League pyramid at the time of writing, Stevenage proved a stubborn enough obstacle to stop the Royals progressing to the fourth round at the first time of asking.</p>
<p id="vD3awf">They head to the Madejski hopeful that they can go one better this time and can almost call upon a full strength squad to help them with their cause. The only doubt remains striker Mark McKee, who missed his side’s weekend draw against Morecambe.</p>
<h2 id="MXkCYX"><strong>Prediction</strong></h2>
<p id="rwSv75">This is not a game that the Royals should lose. If changes are made, then those brought in should see this as a chance to stake a claim ahead of a crucial few months for the Royals. It won’t be pretty, but the Royals should have enough.</p>
<p id="7SSM86"><strong>Royals 1-0 Stevenage</strong></p>
<div id="bRgSta"><div data-anthem-component="poll:850558"></div></div>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/15/16893834/match-preview-reading-fc-vs-stevenage-fc-emirates-fa-cup-third-round-replayWosty2018-01-08T15:08:03+00:002018-01-08T15:08:03+00:00Hunty’s Column: Unhappy New Year
<figure>
<img alt="Stevenage v Reading - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7_iIi85gU1rFAD_5IzjXxWC3QmI=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58244711/901836662.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Our columnist is worried by the direction the club is going in at the moment. </p> <p id="TzazDt">Happy New Year? Not really is it, let’s be honest! As Depeche Mode once said at their finest, “people are people so why should it be? You and I should get along so awfully.” </p>
<p id="S76uO8">Sadly, that sounds a lot like a tribute to Reading FC at the minute. Our club is a mess, with players falling out, fans rowing on social media, and both groups arguing with each other. I wasn’t at the game on Saturday, so I can’t comment on what did or didn’t happen, but the fallout has certainly been immense.</p>
<p id="UFOnkY">When’s the last time we had this? The Guthrie no show at Sunderland? The Sonko-Fae refusal to play in a reserve game? The Matt Mills finger?</p>
<aside id="KcIyIj"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Tilehurst End Podcast Episode 149: A Bit Of A Chore","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/7/16861114/the-tilehurst-end-podcast-reading-fc-2018"}]}'></div></aside><p id="fpSJpV">I’m sure there are others but do you know what? I don’t really care about any of that - I love this club. It’s always been there for me when my life isn’t going so well. Over many years, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly at my club. </p>
<p id="iebiGC">Things get better, so just keep believing! My life isn’t easy - supporting Reading certainly is never easy. </p>
<p id="ylU16w">Everyone is frustrated at what’s going on, and we all care in our own ways rightly or wrongly in how we show it. Chris Gunter and Paul McShane spoke out after what happened on Saturday and, whatever people think of them, at least they had the decency to comment.</p>
<p id="0gHgMj">I do wish we could hear more about what the owners plans though - they could learn a thing or two from Gunter and McShane. </p>
<aside id="XKoDw6"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"5 Things: Stevenage (Away)","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/7/16860774/5-things-stevenage-reading-fc-royals-jaap-stam-fa-cup"},{"title":"Jaap Stam On Digging Deep Against Stevenage","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/7/16859714/jaap-stam-digging-deep-stevenage-reading-fc-royals-fa-cup-borough-lamex"}]}'></div></aside><p id="YvBsvD">In truth, we all say or do things in the heat of the moment because no one is perfect. I for one have had a few stuff-ups in my time with what I’ve said on poxy social media about certain players, but I hold my hands up - I got it wrong and may do so again. </p>
<p id="jZbbKn">At the end of the day though, we can all hopefully learn from our mistakes. </p>
<p id="Uluao5">What will fix our current problems as a team? To be honest, I’m not sure. </p>
<p id="Nlsyty">There’s the Stam In/Out debate, but at this point I really don’t care - I just want us to be our club again, little old Reading, all of standing side-by-side against the world, proving everyone wrong and fighting above our weight. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Stevenage v Reading - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KK5q39QnrORefPoxneGsxuHlXgY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9995695/901853618.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="WOq5NI">The rest of the season isn’t going to be easy and I get why - we were just a penalty or two away from the Promised Land, but it wasn’t to be. The club lost a decent player or two, but now we just have to move on - we don’t know what goes on behind the scenes.</p>
<p id="UGUoYK">It’s sad to see that people are refusing to watch games under our current manager. However, although that is of course their right and choice, who am I to judge?</p>
<p id="D4TIXX">Personally, I fly over to games when I can - I just love the match day experience. I get drinks with friends, say hi to the players and get a few photos and autographs. </p>
<p id="Osm73O">Reading is where I still call home 46 years, and that will never change. I love you Reading FC, thanks for being a friend when I’ve really needed it x</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/8/16861198/huntys-column-unhappy-new-year-reading-fc-royals-jaap-stam-fa-cupHuntyroyal2018-01-07T23:02:33+00:002018-01-07T23:02:33+00:005 Things: Stevenage (Away)
<figure>
<img alt="Stevenage v Reading - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oDZXvqpU6FcP-eqMuE12GKNc9VI=/0x53:3000x2053/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58238347/901859312.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The key points from an FA Cup draw with the League 2 side.</p> <h2 id="D7ksEi"><strong>Terrible form continues</strong></h2>
<p id="NljbNp">After a shocking run of form in the Championship over the Christmas period which has seen Reading pick up a meagre two points from their last six games, the Royals and under-fire boss Jaap Stam would have been hoping an FA Cup clash against a Stevenage side that lies 16<sup>th</sup> in League 2 could have brought some welcome respite. </p>
<p id="7KIYUg">However, that was far from the case as a relatively strong Reading side struggled against the home team who earned a 0-0 draw and a replay at the Madejski Stadium. The game was an example of Reading’s awful league form carrying over into the cup competition and only intensified the speculation and scrutiny surrounding Jaap Stam who goes into Saturday’s fixture with Hull City desperately needing a win. </p>
<h2 id="vMf6H0"><strong>Who is the best left back?</strong></h2>
<p id="kPVaZ4">With Jordan Obita’s injury meaning he is out for the entirety of the season, Reading have been struggling to replace their first-choice left-back with Tyler Blackett, Chris Gunter, Leandro Bacuna and Omar Richards all getting their chance at various stages of the season. </p>
<p id="idVDol">Blackett has made his fair share of mistakes this season and has seen right-back Gunter preferred to him in recent weeks who has been solid if unspectacular while filling in. 19 year-old Richards got the nod against Stevenage which marked his fourth appearance for the Royals and he once again impressed in a game where not really any of the other Reading players did. </p>
<p id="uOXsU5">At such a tender age it can be understood why Stam does not want to thrust Richards into a team which is experiencing a tough run of results but Richards has always delivered when he has played. Perhaps it is time for him to get a run in the first team. </p>
<aside id="CxNTqz"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Stevenage 0-0 Reading FC: Player Ratings","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/6/16858466/stevenage-0-0-reading-fc-player-ratings-royals-jaap-stam-efl-championship"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="WRPq5s"><strong>Too many midfielders</strong></h2>
<p id="YImSYe">Reading lined up against Stevenage with Bacuna, Joey van den Berg, Dave Edwards, Liam Kelly, George Evans, Garath McCleary and Modou Barrow all starting alongside just three out and out defenders and no striker. </p>
<p id="8ngEHd">It has been said before and will be said again but Reading clearly have too many midfielders as Bacuna continued filling in at right-back and McCleary played as a striker. While there is no issue with having versatile players – it is clearly a benefit – but the fact that seven midfielders began the clash with Stevenage highlights the lack of attacking and defensive options at Stam’s disposal. Hopefully this can be rectified in the current transfer window but it seems as though Reading fans should not hold out much hope on this front.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Stevenage v Reading - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KmsK5VxK0r_f0IgFBtD-CTxoiEk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9992979/901853444.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="Ak6QjP"><strong>Liam Moore</strong></h2>
<p id="nYJNxa">Centre-back Liam Moore was conspicuous by his absence from the game and while Jaap Stam assured fans it was because of a knock he received in the previous league match against Birmingham, naturally speculation amongst fans arose that Moore was absent as he was going to be moving on in the transfer window.</p>
<p id="rXqtRl">As I have stated in a previous article, the loss of Moore would leave a massive hole in the Reading side that they would need to plug, especially considering the lack of depth in defence right now. Whether or not Moore does leave remains to be seen.</p>
<aside id="0h8UsK"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Stevenage 0-0 Reading FC: Match Report","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/7/16859730/stevenage-0-0-reading-fc-match-report-royals-borough-jaap-stam-fa-cup"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="eVeuU8"><strong>Gunter and McShane</strong></h2>
<p id="5l3AUy">At the end of the game, a visibly frustrated Reading side were about to go down the tunnel to the dressing room straight away without fronting up to the disappointed and upset fans who had travelled to Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium to watch their side.</p>
<p id="EUDflE">Captain Paul McShane had to be convinced by Gunter to go over to the supporters and both players addressed the situation on social media recounting their frustrations with Reading’s current situation. </p>
<p id="R7Ukun">Gunter wrote: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="sXho76">“Not one for these posts but feel it’s important after today. Having sat watching the game, I was hugely disappointed with some of the chants coming from the away end, from the very start of the game. I know full well this season hasn’t been good enough, and we need to improve for the remainder of it. </p>
<p id="rItbXg">“We have not given you as fans a lot to get excited about, but sarcastic and disrespectful chanting will never ever help us. And we all want the same thing. I know it’s a minority and the vast support is always brilliant, but I still wanted to say it. </p>
<p id="xNzG1O">“Not one player today said not to go over to the fans, it may have looked unusual because of the atmosphere throughout the game, but in tough times we need you. We’re always trying to deliver for ourselves, the club and you as fans. Enjoy your weekend and see you all next week at Hull.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="zzxlnN">Whereas McShane said: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="d1kt60">“Firstly I want to apologise for showing reluctance to clap some of the travelling fans after the match today. For those of you that come to every game you will know I always clap you all after every match and how much I appreciate your support and today should have been no different. </p>
<p id="bZHpwK">“Let me explain, I know were are not getting the results we had last season but I wear my heart on my sleeve and there is no one more disappointed than me. I give everything I have in every game so to have the fans boo and mock us during a match is very disheartening and hard to take - and not the first time it has happened this season. </p>
<p id="M2GhJv">“My reluctance to clap was a passionate error of judgement in the heat of the moment - please do not mistake it for arrogance or lack of respect. I know how brilliant our true fans are and for those of you that support the club and players even when results are not going our way we both want, thank you.”</p>
</blockquote>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/7/16860774/5-things-stevenage-reading-fc-royals-jaap-stam-fa-cupMatthew Cooper2018-01-07T12:49:30+00:002018-01-07T12:49:30+00:00Jaap Stam On Digging Deep Against Stevenage
<figure>
<img alt="Stevenage v Reading - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DfyJxOXxJqq0vFtqWD5_d4yqeeg=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58234891/901864220.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Reading boss gives his take on Saturday’s cup match. </p> <p id="r0Q7Su">It could have been a lot worse, but a 0-0 draw against League Two Stevenage means the Royals will be in the hat for the fourth round of the FA Cup. Twitter was an interesting place last night after yet another disappointing performance but also after players didn’t initially applaud the travelling fans who had come to the game. </p>
<p id="xi3vkr">It’s a tough time for the club with fans increasingly frustrated and singing songs which are not going to help the players whose confidence is quite clearly shot. The Royals had to work hard to make sure there wasn’t an upset, and they did just that. Jaap Stam told the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">Official Club Website</a>: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="Sst3lF">“We needed to dig in deep, work hard to not concede and look to come out and score that goal.</p>
<p id="TgHfCp">“Coming out, on the ball, we could have shown more quality. But we showed good work rate in defence, kept a clean sheet and we’re still in the cup.</p>
<p id="SaMb6o">“We knew from the start they were going to be making it difficult for us by playing balls up front, winning second balls, playing direct and trying to chase us.</p>
<p id="KcsbVA">“And the opposition worked very hard and they make it difficult for a lot of teams if they play like that week in, week out.</p>
<p id="i9LgyP">“A lower league team, when they play at home, they want to get the result. They put a lot of effort into it – and we had to match them or work even harder, and show some quality on the ball when you go forward. But even that is difficult sometimes – when the ball keeps on going up in the air it’s difficult to control the game.</p>
<p id="mY04n2">“They played quite direct on a difficult pitch, so we had to get stuck in and work hard. In FA Cup football, you know anything can happen, but now we need to play again and hopefully we can get the result back at home.</p>
<p id="rSbuup">“And another game isn’t a problem – we enjoy playing games. And we have been playing a lot of games in a short space of time so one extra game won’t be an issue. </p>
<p id="xNR8zr">“And we’re still in it. So although we haven’t got the win we wanted, there is no damage done.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="EyNvJv">Next up for Reading is a trip to Nigel Adkins’ Hull City next Saturday at the KCOM Stadium. </p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/1/7/16859714/jaap-stam-digging-deep-stevenage-reading-fc-royals-fa-cup-borough-lamexsophierfc10