The Tilehurst End - Reading 1-1 Rotherham United: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2019-05-07T08:00:00+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/180012982019-05-07T08:00:00+01:002019-05-07T08:00:00+01:00Vote For Your Goal Of The Season
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<img alt="Norwich City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TcVBY78pg-pAJ7W39Hck5zKEx7k=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63726838/1142405829.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Not a bad selection, all told.</p> <h2 id="ucNQo3"><strong>Leandro Bacuna vs West Brom</strong></h2>
<p id="airbi5">The most forgotten screamer of the season starts us off. A quick corner leads to slack marking and a ferocious finish to open the scoring in what ended up as a rout.</p>
<div id="dk2wDb"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sa7DdSow6oM?rel=0&start=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="BHGhD0"><em>Goal at 0:12</em></p>
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<h2 id="fFgWWr"><strong>Liam Kelly vs Bristol City</strong></h2>
<p id="EEgGCo">A well-aimed top-corner finish from one of Reading’s most technically gifted players.</p>
<div id="e96P8j"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KH8k-LVVs64?rel=0&start=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="ksjzol"><em>Goal at 0:56</em></p>
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<h2 id="y3pbHt"><strong>Yakou Meite vs Ipswich</strong></h2>
<p id="IB8FN4">A really smart goal from the Frenchman, crossed in after Sam Baldock’s excellent chase down the flank and inch-perfect cross for an acrobatic finish.</p>
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<p id="r64Y2I"><em>Goal at 0:22</em></p>
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<h2 id="YYizb9"><strong>Nelson Oliveira vs Blackburn</strong></h2>
<p id="725Dw7">Not just a great goal, but a vital one. After conceding a late equaliser, Reading snatched the points with a well aimed ball over the top by John Swift, collected by Nelson Oliveira. The striker then turned his man and rifled home. Magic.</p>
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<p id="T7IjHq"><em>Goal at 1:34</em></p>
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<h2 id="XFKbLu"><strong>Ovie Ejaria vs Rotherham</strong></h2>
<p id="MfMxNj">A back-to-front team move that the replays don’t do justice. The graphic below shows the move in all its glory.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Baker - Martinez - Yiadom - Miazga - Swift - Blackett - McCleary - Ejaria - goal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadingFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReadingFC</a>'s terrific team goal against Rotherham, mapped out. <a href="https://t.co/FgqKvgwaP9">pic.twitter.com/FgqKvgwaP9</a></p>— The Tilehurst End (@TheTilehurstEnd) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTilehurstEnd/status/1099972512383991808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="aB58m1"><strong>Mo Barrow vs Wigan</strong></h2>
<p id="Q595uM">Wigan fell asleep after giving the ball back for a break in play, and Barrow strolled forward to capitalise with a long-range rocket. It was the first part of a huge comeback win at the Mad Stad.</p>
<div id="unZnoT"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BV3Z-ddfMCc?rel=0&start=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="SNGGR0"><em>Goal at 1:34</em></p>
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<h2 id="SZCkEe"><strong>Lewis Baker vs Hull</strong></h2>
<p id="xj349T">A defeat that accounted for the last time the Royals felt truly threatened by relegation, the trip to Hull got off to a great start thanks to another loanee’s curling strike.</p>
<div id="JtDl4z"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MVGyUZ2lJDQ?rel=0&start=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="ahlX3K"><em>Goal at 0:05</em></p>
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<h2 id="9FFiae"><strong>Andy Rinomhota vs Norwich</strong></h2>
<p id="YQkbC0">A goal not only brilliant for the fact it was the midfielder’s first for the club, or that it earned us a huge point on the road, or that it was actually really well worked... but for the total, deafening silence it was greeted with.</p>
<div id="K7TEDw"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4DDeFHCjF54?rel=0&start=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="PnheXy"><em>Goal at 1:51</em></p>
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<h2 id="ceZIni"><strong>Danny Loader vs Middlesbrough</strong></h2>
<p id="mJLIkY">The teenager had played quite a lot before scoring his first goal, leading to questions about his talent in front of goal. Then he did this. Wowzers.</p>
<div id="KkJfNU"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iOIaDiYjCvE?rel=0&start=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="9s22YM"><em>Goal at 0:15</em></p>
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<p id="ehnCxW">Time to vote, then. Select from the poll below and, if you can’t see it, <a href="https://forms.gle/87bttjQGPE1XF8ct6">click here</a>.</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/5/7/18527946/reading-fc-goal-of-the-2018-19-season-vote-fans-pollMarc Mayo2019-02-25T08:00:00+00:002019-02-25T08:00:00+00:00Rotherham Fans Verdict: Huge Opportunity Missed For The Royals
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<p>Saturday afternoon was a huge chance for Reading to pull themselves away from the relegation zone, but they duly disappointed with an underwhelming performance.</p> <p id="1pzRv3">This was the one. The game of our season so far, and the first of three games that will surely go a long way to defining the outcome of our season. It all started so well as a wonderful team move was expertly finished off by Ovie Ejaria midway through the first half - a goal that a team sat in 21st place in the Championship really don’t have any right to score.</p>
<p id="OqYaKc">Jose Gomes would’ve been having dreams of that goal on Friday night, but will also now be having nightmares about that second-half performance. Everyone knows Rotherham’s game plan and style of playing, but we invited them to do it in the second half on Saturday.</p>
<p id="i4dbmv">Eventually, we were punished for our poor game management, and Rotherham snatched a point late on. Although we are still in 21st and it’s still technically in our hands, Saturday was a huge two points dropped.</p>
<p id="EbcGyV">Here’s how the fans reacted to some of the key talking points to come out of Saturday’s game, of which there were many...</p>
<h2 id="Pa0JuI"><strong>Ovie Ejaria’s goal</strong></h2>
<p id="fkcRAD">Let’s start off with the big positive - Ejaria’s goal. What a goal it was, and it was one for all the fans who bang on about how this kind of football won’t get us out of the relegation scrap. It will if it’s done the right way.</p>
<p id="zgKZKx">In the end it was all in vein as it wasn’t the winning goal it deserved to be. But, if we can begin to play like that consistently and staying calm under the high press, we will begin to see more and more goals like Ejaria’s.</p>
<p id="s7aMuR">The fans were certainly impressed, and quite rightly so...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That team goal is the real Reading. Reading at its best. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Readingfc Reports (@readingfc__) <a href="https://twitter.com/readingfc__/status/1099651861643251712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Everyone saying yesterday was all Gomes fault. It’s Gomes who scored this goal, won’t find this under any managers in the bottom 20 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yn3lQHsuyR">https://t.co/Yn3lQHsuyR</a></p>— Eddie (@EddieRFC7) <a href="https://twitter.com/EddieRFC7/status/1099641006255943681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just seen our first goal. Wow. Superb team goal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— JDM (@RFC_Smurf93) <a href="https://twitter.com/RFC_Smurf93/status/1099663003677585408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I didn’t realise at the time, but that is a goal most Prem teams would be happy with. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/8uunMaWuoI">https://t.co/8uunMaWuoI</a></p>— Micah (@ME14Ding) <a href="https://twitter.com/ME14Ding/status/1099656474131865600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="6Tn4BK"><strong>Tactical mistakes from Gomes?</strong></h2>
<p id="XzURYB">There isn’t a lot that Gomes has done wrong since he arrived in Berkshire, but some of his tactical decisions did raise a few eyebrows on Saturday. None more so than the decision to bring John O’Shea on and put him in centre midfield.</p>
<p id="Q6OOYT">It was a decision that has been criticised heavily by the fans on social media. One thing I do agree with is that Modou Barrow and Callum Harriott should’ve come on much earlier, but hindsight truly is a wonderful thing.Gomes may be regretting some of his tactical decisions now as Rotherham were there for the taking if we could just step it up another level.</p>
<p id="VqAtl2">As I said, Gomes came under some heavy criticism after the game, wrongly or rightly...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gomes has to take a huge part of the blame there. Bringing O’Shea on was a ludicrous decision. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Jacob Potter (@pott95) <a href="https://twitter.com/pott95/status/1099353285612523520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Still can’t understand why Gomes brought on John O’Shea instead of the obvious choice of Barrow or Harriot. O’Shea is the player you bring on in the 88th minute when you’re 3-0 up <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadingFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReadingFC</a></p>— Joanne McMahon (@Joday32) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joday32/status/1099361266844475395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I like Gomes but he was totally negligent in the 2nd half. I am lost for words. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Nath St Paul (@NathStPaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/NathStPaul/status/1099362326808092673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="nPmbSr"><strong>More missed chances</strong></h2>
<p id="E8lxPx">We should’ve beat Rotherham, no doubt about it. Whether we deserved to or not is a different question, but with the chances we had we should’ve got the three points.</p>
<p id="TXTc5b">Oliveira and Barrow were the main ones guilty, missing two massive chances in the last five minutes - especially the Norwich loanee. Nelson was off the pace for the whole game, and that miss really summed up his poor afternoon.</p>
<p id="YCTk82">Chances like these you need to take and need to score to stay up, it’s as simple as that. We are desperately running out of time now, and those chances may well come back to haunt us.</p>
<p id="GCsGLa">Yet again, this angered the fans on twitter after the game, and some were even left in disbelief...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I think it's typical of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a> fans to blame one sub for us "losing" today. It shows just how fragile and weak we are if that truly is the case. Never mind Oliviera completely missing an open goal, and chance after chance to shoot and yet again they just pass.</p>— gary (@garyhooks) <a href="https://twitter.com/garyhooks/status/1099452565522132995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">IMO it wasn’t the introduction of O’Shea that cost us two points. Once again it was our players failing to convert numerous good chances. Always wanting another touch or looking to pass rather than shoot. Still can’t believe Barrow failed to score once past the keeper. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Andy Charman #FBPE (@AndyRFCCharman) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndyRFCCharman/status/1099409124717199360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mo Barrow managed to round the keeper, see an open goal, then pass it back to the keeper. He really is toilet. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— WILL TROW VEVO (@devon1sh) <a href="https://twitter.com/devon1sh/status/1099440995815620614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">How am I supposed to explain to my kids that Nelson Oliveira missed from here back in 2019. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Readingfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/xVlaEAnayr">pic.twitter.com/xVlaEAnayr</a></p>— Holty (@HoltyDing) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoltyDing/status/1099435400043679744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="jWI4cG"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>
<p id="jgzkp8">A pretty depressing afternoon really, and the next two games are make or break. We have to begin winning against the teams in and around us or else we’re not going to stay up.</p>
<p id="ESRalp">Get down to Ipswich in your numbers, because the players need us more than ever now.</p>
<p id="QjZF9d">URZ</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/2/25/18238502/rotherham-fans-verdict-huge-opportunity-missed-for-the-royals-reading-fcharry.chafer2019-02-24T22:34:39+00:002019-02-24T22:34:39+00:00The Tilehurst End Podcast Episode 186: Same Old Story
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<p>Another huge game, another late equalier tossing two points away for Marc & Matt to review</p> <div id="cipLBT"><iframe src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ww2tj-a8e512?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1" height="122" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player"></iframe></div>
<p id="gsMm46">Reading FC went into the crucial home clash with Rotherham knowing that a win or defeat could be definitive for their fight against relegation. As it turns out, we got a draw.</p>
<p id="AmBtd8">Of course, it had to be a draw involving a late equaliser that represented a huge missed opportunity for the Royals to create a gap between themselves and the bottom three. And thus, this week, <em>The Tilehurst End</em> podcast treads a, shall we say, familiar path.</p>
<p id="do4Lon">Marc Mayo hosts with Matt ‘Pannas And Nutmegs’ Lawrence with a review of the game opening the show before a Pubchat discussion on Reading’s relegation rivals, your Mailbag questions answered, and a preview of next weekend’s 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town.</p>
<p id="MYO59w">The Tilehurst End Podcast can be taken in via <a href="https://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/"><strong>PodBean</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6aQZnCxP2bn6zlQS5zJOcA"><strong>YouTube </strong></a>or <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fpodcast%2Ftilehurst-end-reading-fc-podcast%2Fid683251263%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>iTunes</strong></a>. Furthermore, thanks to all listeners who continue to pledge to our <a href="http://www.patreon.com/thetilehurstend"><strong>Patreon </strong></a>campaign.</p>
<p id="HD1Djf">Listeners can always get in touch with the podcast via our Twitter and Facebook pages as well as our email, thetilehurstend@gmail.com, with thoughts on the show, opinions on the team, and potential topics to sink our teeth into always welcome.</p>
<div id="RsoeiZ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mgzwHVMwbWo?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="PxVun3"><a href="https://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/mf/play/mmcxe7/Episode_186.mp3"><em><strong>Download the podcast here.</strong></em></a></p>
<h3 id="sVhk54">Show Order</h3>
<p id="ymGAzI">Recap - <strong>02:22</strong></p>
<p id="K2rGUJ">Pubchat - <strong>23:08</strong></p>
<p id="KRmg0K">Mailbag -<strong> 33:03</strong></p>
<p id="ksyRDD">Ipswich Preview - <strong>51:21</strong></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/2/24/18238855/reading-fc-podcast-tilehurst-end-rotherham-championshipMarc MayoPannasNutmegs2019-02-24T14:00:00+00:002019-02-24T14:00:00+00:00Jose Gomes On Rotherham Draw: We Are Still Alive
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<p>Gomes’ thoughts after Reading play out a 1-1 draw with fellow struggers Rotherham. </p> <p id="1vTnlT">This was arguably the biggest game of the season, if not the most important in recent times, to keep us in the Championship. With the chance to get three points ahead of Rotherham, it was important to get the win, but the two teams both took a point with the Royals remaining out of the bottom three - just. </p>
<p id="Xdd0Yt">Everything was in place, the fans were ready and the Royals took the lead in the first half to settle the nerves. Rotherham equalised late on, but Reading would go on to rue the late misses to not take all three points.</p>
<p id="36jxtw">Jose Gomes was frustrated that we couldn’t put away our chances and spoke to the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">official club website</a> and <a href="https://www.football.london/reading-fc/every-word-reading-fc-boss-15877089">Football.London</a>.</p>
<h3 id="ObXhRD"><strong>Gomes on the result</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="p61i1R">“Against teams that play like Rotherham, even if you are a goal ahead, you cannot be satisfied. From corners, free-kicks, throw-ins – they can create something. So we have to try to score a second. It’s one more lesson to take with us into the future.</p>
<p id="iFtRsq">”We played for the three points today. But in some moments of the game, we tried just to protect against our opponents’ strengths. We knew that it was important for us to get the three points against a direct opponent. In the end, results like this against the teams around us can decide things.</p>
<p id="iBMu9W">”And we created more than enough goal situations to win this game. But we didn’t win it. In fact, we had a chance on the counter attack just before they scored, Nelson slipped, possession turned over and they got the goal which gave them the draw.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="6jIGoX"><strong>Gomes on players missing chances</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="kJ82oa">“I am not happy with my players when they miss a clear goal situation. After the very tough previous game where we suffered a lot the way they played they really deserved the three points.</p>
<p id="ZOLJW5">“We felt on the pitch the fantastic environment from the fans during the game and it could be a different hand if we finished with three points in the pocket.</p>
<p id="147zc5">“It’s an important and big lesson for everybody, especially the players. If you are winning 1-0 you must go on playing and try to score a second. We tried but not with the same intensity.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="6JrmJ0"><strong>Gomes on bringing on O’Shea</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="n4pkv4">“Yakou was tired and I could use Ovie in this position. He’s able to stop the crosses from the left so the full back didn’t cross. Yakou is one important player for the way we organise our defensive set pieces and to replace him at that moment in the game, I felt if we could control this direct game better.</p>
<p id="75J5G7">“O’Shea is also strong in the air, that’s the reason (I brought him on). We could keep the team stronger. After O’Shea played, we controlled the game for a good period and we were nearer to score the second goal than Rotherham. We didn’t, Nelson slipped at they scored.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="O5tgdO"><strong>Gomes on whether he should have brought on Harriott or Barrow sooner</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="2Jro99">“It’s easy to talk after the game. During the game, one minute before I changed McCleary, he created a fantastic action with his sprint. The idea was to put a bit more offensive energy on.</p>
<p id="nE7gHa">“If you asked me if it could be before - only Yakou really showed that he was tired. All the others were doing well. Before I changed Ovie, he made a great action as well with his shot. With their energy Callum and Barrow played well, they helped the team when we asked them.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="MRfXcL"><strong>Gomes on the relegation battle</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="S6sI6i">“But we are still alive, we have a point more and we must prepare properly for the next match and try to win it.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="MpDgtM"><strong>Gomes on the players’ reaction after Sheffield United defeat</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="rdOMdo">”The players reacted well after the previous result. And they showed enough quality to win the game. But we are prepared for it to be a fight until the end.</p>
<p id="YgfgDH">”I am sure other teams could get involved in the fight in the coming weeks.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="k1ucMg"><strong>Gomes on Ipswich next weekend</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="YYhPpn">”Now, our focus turns to Ipswich next weekend. We were closer to winning the game than Rotherham were today, but we have to win those games.</p>
<p id="X9ZXfh">”We were very near to getting all three points but we have to put the ball in the back of the net. In the situations that we create, we must score. We have to find the solutions to win the next game.</p>
<p id="TDDlOt">“We must use everything that’s already happened to be better in the future and the future is Saturday. We will try to play to win.”</p>
</blockquote>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/2/24/18237741/jose-gomes-on-rotherham-draw-we-are-still-alive-reading-fcsophierfc102019-02-24T11:25:41+00:002019-02-24T11:25:41+00:00Reading 1-1 Rotherham United Match Report: Royals Fluff Their Lines
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kzQIVlUZURubE7lgkzVvYOYFCbQ=/0x168:4032x2856/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63108729/IMG_20190223_144717.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>A weirdly sunny afternoon for February | Simeon Pickup</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>On a huge day in Reading’s fight against relegation, they didn’t come up with the goods. </p> <p id="orvnHg">Reading Football Club really knows how to screw around with our emotions, doesn’t it? The Royals were in a glorious position on Saturday afternoon to make a big step towards securing Championship survival… and fluffed their lines. Of course we’ve been here plenty of times before - blowing a lead is nothing new to us this season - but this cock-up coming at such a crucial stage of the season is hard to take. </p>
<p id="NQELmC">Pinning the result on any one player, moment or indeed the manager, wouldn’t be right. The decision to bring on John O’Shea into midfield will get plenty of stick, while various missed chances ultimately came back to haunt us, but in truth the draw was very much a team effort. Reading screwed up collectively - no single scapegoats today please.</p>
<h2 id="LUTqWm"><strong>First half</strong></h2>
<p id="ElIaao">That the game had started in such optimistic fashion makes the end result even harder to take. The home support were more than up for the occasion and, armed with those much-loved clap banners, made a racket in the build-up to the game and throughout the first half.</p>
<p id="2aOpV0">The team news boosted spirits too; Ovie Ejaria overcoming last weekend’s knock to partner Lewis Baker in midfield. Tyler Blackett came in for Omar Richards at left back, with Garath McCleary and Yakou Meite starting out wide. </p>
<p id="w4FFKa"><em>Martinez; Yiadom, Miazga, Moore, Blackett; Ejaria, Baker; McCleary, Swift, Meite; Oliveira.</em></p>
<p id="ZeRg2f">However, it didn’t have the immediate impact we needed. Reading have been particularly guilty under Jose Gomes of making slow starts, and that was again the case today, even if Rotherham United couldn’t punish us with an early goal. The home side tried to build out from the back and create chances, but looked most dangerous on the break, with Meite threatening down the right, cutting inside and using his pace well.</p>
<p id="mzeNy5">The game’s first big chance, coming half an hour into the contest, went our way. Garath McCleary was set free down the left wing after some composed play at the back, before cutting the ball back to the onrushing Ovie Ejaria, who fired past the ‘keeper to send the home support into jubilation. </p>
<aside id="axCcof"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Reading vs Rotherham United: Player Ratings","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/2/24/18237251/reading-fc-vs-rotherham-united-player-ratings"}]}'></div></aside><p id="07eVd8">Reading followed the goal up by pushing for another, although Ejaria, John Swift and Nelson Oliveira didn’t bring a save with their long-range shots. The latter was almost set through on goal towards the end of the half, only for the ball to hit a Rotherham hand - but no foul given, to the rage of those in the stands. </p>
<p id="pvKoJf">By half-time, Reading had done a decent if unspectacular job. We’d played some good football, albeit without creating anything clear-cut, and held firm at the back. However, Jose Gomes’ side didn’t have the level of match control that they would have wanted, with Rotherham showing some decent (if fruitless) spells.</p>
<h2 id="hTWCHp"><strong>Second half</strong></h2>
<p id="tYKYRW">The first key moment of the second half came from Liam Moore, who threw himself in the way of a goal-bound shot (in typical Moore) fashion to keep the score at 1-0. As the game wore on though, Reading’s lack of game management became increasingly apparent. We needed to keep the ball, frustrate and tire Rotherham, but we couldn’t manage that.</p>
<p id="VNI6Sq">Primarily, the problem was Reading’s hesitation to win the ball back. We were capable of keeping it ourselves, but gave the away side far too much time and space to do the same. Although the Millers couldn’t create much in their own right, we were needlessly allowing them a platform to get back into the contest. </p>
<p id="aDNZQH">Jose Gomes’ first sub, coming just after 70 minutes, has got plenty of flak after the match. The gaffer had talked about a ‘plan B’ to be used late on in matches, and that turned out to be throwing John O’Shea into the midfield. He replaced the tiring Yakou Meite; meaning Reading still had a lanky player for an expected aerial barrage from Rotherham. It also meant Reading lacked energy and dynamism in midfield, with Ejaria pushed out wide after O’Shea’s arrival. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AFC Wimbledon v Reading - Pre-Season Friendly" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vt-C8VLZVTurgzar-_xWjbNRcGA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11739307/993894554.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Auxiliary midfielder John O’Shea</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="5yPNsH">Rotherham soon bundled home their equaliser; the kind of scrappy goal that good sides don’t concede, but we do. All it takes is for one or two players to switch off or be a yard or so too slow, and the ball’s in the net. Reading are always going to be vulnerable to that sort of tricky ball into the box, so the contest had to be killed off earlier in the game. </p>
<p id="wGkApK">There was still time for Reading to fluff their lines a few more times; Modou Barrow, Nelson Oliveira and Lewis Baker would all waste opportunities that needed a little more composure to be converted. </p>
<h2 id="Vyvl60"><strong>Closing thoughts</strong></h2>
<p id="mF7z0L">The gut-wrenching thing is that, on another day, one or two of those chances I’ve just mentioned go in and I’m sat here writing about a huge win that’s lifted us away from the bottom three. Instead, we’re left thinking about what might have been. That Reading created some good chances is encouraging to a degree, but doesn’t mean much you consider the two main failings of the afternoon that I touched on above: substitutions and winning the ball back. </p>
<p id="ZIzJMb">For the first, the finger of blame has been pointed squarely at the choice to bring John O’Shea on - so much so that it feels a bit like a scapegoat for the result. But I’m really not convinced that his introduction made the equaliser more likely. Sure, it was a negative substitution from Gomes, but trying to shore your defence up aerially in the closing stages of a game makes a decent amount of sense.</p>
<p id="BbtqQm">The real problem was the timing of the other substitutions. Reading needed fresh ideas going forward to get themselves up the pitch and add a second goal, but in the end Callum Harriott and Modou Barrow were introduced on 86 minutes - about half an hour too late. Gomes should have brought an attacking player on between 50 and 60 minutes to make sure Reading had the momentum and we kept control of the game. </p>
<p id="Yg7vx0">The second is more significant - Reading’s wariness towards winning the ball back. Under Gomes, the Royals seem to employ a fairly low block, inviting pressure onto themselves - presumably so that we can draw the opposition up the pitch before countering. That can work well - we certainly had some joy on the counter against Rotherham - but on the whole it meant the Millers were allowed to keep the ball for far too long, thereby preventing us from controlling possession and dictating the flow. </p>
<p id="Kj5Abd">Contrast this with successful possession-based sides (at whatever level) - they aggressively try to win the ball back to prevent the opposition from gaining a foothold in the game. Controlling a match isn’t just about keeping the ball yourself, it’s also about stopping the opposition from doing it too. </p>
<p id="4L1ktQ"><em>Food for thought for Jose. </em></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/2/24/18238316/reading-fc-1-1-rotherham-united-match-report-royals-fluff-their-linesBucksRoyal2019-02-24T10:36:07+00:002019-02-24T10:36:07+00:00Reading vs Rotherham United: Player Ratings
<figure>
<img alt="Manchester United v Reading - FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/svcnpV1YDJcD2fB6gBropHF5RXI=/0x0:2502x1668/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63108691/1090138750.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Don’t forget to vote for your man of the match at the bottom of the piece. </p> <h3 id="XViSjV"><strong>Emiliano Martinez: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="bHVlII">Not a particularly busy afternoon for the Argentine, who only had one shot on target to deal with (excluding the goal). His distribution was generally decent, with the highlight being a long, raking pass up to Nelson Oliveira that sent the striker through down the left. Also played the ball out really calmly in the build-up to Ovie Ejaria’s opener.</p>
<h3 id="C5dO4E"><strong>Andy Yiadom: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="rbbR2M">Didn’t get forward enough, and was caught out for the header that set up Ajayi’s equaliser. </p>
<h3 id="Mzwoi5"><strong>Matt Miazga: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="5eFx0p">Typically dominant performance and made a good number of aerial clearances to relieve the pressure. </p>
<h3 id="mlUSpR"><strong>Liam Moore: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="G9pMgC">Pretty solid and composed all afternoon, and made a vitally important block just after half-time to keep the score at 1-0, but needed to be tighter to Semi Ajayi who was able to tuck home the equaliser. </p>
<h3 id="Q0oO8F"><strong>Tyler Blackett: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="TSA48f">Like Yiadom, he didn’t get forward enough.</p>
<h3 id="ndOQtA"><strong>Lewis Baker: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="fU8wi6">Not effective enough in possession and, when he was given a great opportunity in the second half with a header, put it straight at the ‘keeper.</p>
<h3 id="uLQB1G"><strong>Ovie Ejaria: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="xh0epr">Arguably his best performance in a Reading shirt, Ejaria popped up with a fine finish to wrap up a terrific team move from back to front. Generally good on the ball, although he’ll need to have a bigger impact on the game from a deeper-lying role in future, and went close in the second half after a driving run forward. </p>
<h3 id="IDSYql"><strong>Yakou Meite: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="FP5xdZ">Better in the first half when he drifted inside from the right wing to link up with Oliveira and get in-behind the Rotherham United defence, but tired in the second half and was brought off for John O’Shea.</p>
<h3 id="HSTI4u"><strong>John Swift: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="6mudwm">Decent if unspectacular afternoon for Swift who had a few pops at goal from range and was involved in a few good moves.</p>
<h3 id="WVw5aa"><strong>Garath McCleary: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="mbTLRe">A much better day for McCleary than he’s had recently, who seemed to be more involved in the final third than usual. His driving run and cut-back for Ejaria’s goal deserves particular praise. When Reading can get him playing like that, particularly on the break, we’ll see the better side of McCleary. </p>
<h3 id="9oIWOM"><strong>Nelson Oliveira: 4</strong></h3>
<p id="aFIQNl">A quiet afternoon for Oliveira, who’ll look back on the open-goal opportunity in the second half with frustration, although he seemed to be caught off balance. Also gave the ball away cheaply - when a break was on - in the build-up to Rotherham United’s goal. 4/10 may seem a tad harsh, but he looked particularly frustrated and ineffective against the Millers, and fluffed his lines when it mattered most.</p>
<h2 id="oT6AZ4"><strong>Subs</strong></h2>
<h3 id="bRlHe9"><strong>John O'Shea: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="SeQ5Sd">Didn’t have any noticeably good impact on the game. Jose Gomes presumably threw him on with the intention of withstanding an aerial barrage, but O’Shea’s lack of mobility were evident in the closing stages. </p>
<h3 id="cYgKKZ"><strong>Callum Harriott: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="0uR669">Can’t remember him doing anything. </p>
<h3 id="1e8GmB"><strong>Modou Barrow: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="sT8EHw">Did really well to nick the ball off the Rotherham United ‘keeper and burst into space, but needed more composure rather than gently rolling the ball with his weaker foot at goal. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="F3aBdX">
<h3 id="47nAFu"><strong>Average: 5.57/10</strong></h3>
<p id="qMXlF0"><em>Who was your man of the match against Rotherham United? Vote below, or </em><a href="https://linkto.run/p/UDBIQ8DD"><em>through this link</em></a><em>.</em></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/2/24/18237251/reading-fc-vs-rotherham-united-player-ratingsBucksRoyal2019-02-23T11:00:00+00:002019-02-23T11:00:00+00:00Reading vs Rotherham United: Match Preview
<figure>
<img alt="Rotherham United v Sheffield United - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uQ-y9sJTaINQDVeTuegoKeaPCH8=/0x0:2217x1478/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63100355/1071726720.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Who’ll come out on top in the clash between the Royals and the Millers?</p> <p id="00jnvB">After last week’s disappointing result to Sheffield United, Reading come home to face arguably their most important game of the season against fellow strugglers Rotherham United. José Gomes has stressed in his comments to the press that his team are up for the challenge and “know exactly how important this game is”. Whoever wins gains a healthy three-point gap and pushes their rivals into the relegation mess. </p>
<p id="srPUY7">So the stakes are indeed massive at this stage of the season. Will Reading’s recent home form help secure victory or will Rotherham add more drama to this relegation scrap?</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="JcdYpQ">
<h2 id="ENFfzA"><strong>Reading</strong></h2>
<h3 id="hhxVlh"><strong>Form: DDDWL</strong></h3>
<p id="gHuFlt">Andy Rinomhota remains sidelined for the Royals through an ankle injury, leaving a massive presence in the middle of the pitch. The academy graduate has been influential this season and his absence leaves a lack of defensive cover for the back four. </p>
<p id="Vedj96">Gomes has managed Rinomhota’s absence by using the more attacking options of John Swift, Ovie Ejaria and Liam Kelly. However, Kelly struggled to make an impact against Blackburn Rovers before coming off injured at Sheffield United. </p>
<p id="6W6Qak">Joint-top goalscorer Jon Dadi Bodvarsson could return to the lineup after playing 45 minutes last Saturday, following on from his short absence from first-team football. The Icelandic forward has not found the back of the net since September but still shares top spot with Yakou Meite. Nelson Olivera will be hoping to replicate his stunning performance against Blackburn to further secure his role as the main striker.</p>
<p id="sastum">Sone Aluko is on the verge of departing to Beijing Renhe who are under the control of Reading owners Dai Yongge. Danny Loader could be the ideal replacement for Aluko after his recent exposure to the first team. Sam Baldock and Anssi Jaakkola are still sidelined while Saeid Ezatolahi and Jordan Obita are ruled out for the season. </p>
<h3 id="HyK0sk"><strong>Top goalscorers: Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Yakou Meite (7)</strong></h3>
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<h2 id="G15LTL"><strong>Rotherham</strong></h2>
<h3 id="MiQcMl"><strong>Form: LDDDD</strong></h3>
<p id="XRDA8j">Rotherham come into this must-win game with very few injury concerns, and Sean Raggett could make a return to the squad after a recent ankle injury. The Millers are behind the Royals on goal difference after a late draw to Sheffield Wednesday, but Paul Warne will be hoping his side can finally earn their first away win of the season against their relegation rivals. </p>
<p id="rssy1m">Rotherham have picked up points against big teams such as Norwich City and Leeds United but have now gone seven matches without a win. The visitors know a win will be crucial to build momentum as they face a tough run with Sheffield United, Norwich and Derby County all to play in March. </p>
<p id="ZutBwj">One to watch will be Michael Smith who is closing in on top goalscorer Will Vaulks with five strikes after impressive performances against Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday. </p>
<h3 id="zmZARu"><strong>Top goalscorer: Will Vaulks (6)</strong></h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Rotherham United v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HB62jWg-n2yuSbDMQTzvjjnqNEo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/14256672/1125094203.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by George Wood/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
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<h2 id="XrBIYB"><strong>Quick-fire facts</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="mfyEdl">The Royals have a 16-match unbeaten run at home against Rotherham stretching back to 1977.</li>
<li id="i60S5C">Rotherham have only managed two wins in their last 27 games (D14 L11).</li>
<li id="9SFa2l">Reading have the third-worst point return at home in the league (18) behind Ipswich Town (15) and Bolton Wanderers (13). </li>
<li id="fy4UnL">The Millers have not won a single away game this season.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 id="a6tJwB"><strong>Prediction</strong></h2>
<p id="fIlZJv">This a must-win game for both sides as the season begins to close and games are drying up to save themselves. The Royals have the better form coming into the game but will be extremely disheartened after the United thrashing. </p>
<p id="FpDBBg">Home advantage will also be key as Reading have picked up the most crucial points at the Mad Stad. Rotherham will be throwing everything at this game so expect fiery tackles and a chaotic scramble for every chance. I can just see the home side edging this if they control the game from the start and bury early chances. </p>
<p id="VIizGx">But as we know Reading are very unpredictable when it comes to must win games!</p>
<h3 id="fYX2XV"><strong>Reading 2-0 Rotherham</strong></h3>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/2/23/18236739/reading-fc-vs-rotherham-united-match-previewCJ_Ballard72019-02-23T10:00:00+00:002019-02-23T10:00:00+00:00Scouting Report: Clash Of Styles Between Royals And Millers
<figure>
<img alt="Manchester City v Rotherham United - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YFCwc9oo13nQCPUybU8orBYzoBw=/24x0:5118x3396/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63097626/1078203956.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Insight into the opposition ahead of a huge relegation six-pointer. </p> <p id="m_1519871456862037035docs-internal-guid-9f3b46be-7fff-0db2-fbf9-fa84c22c8a8b">Reading host Rotherham United this weekend, and it is a massively important game for both teams - a loss for either side will hugely damage their chances of survival in the Championship. It is a relegation six-pointer, and if either team wishes to stay up this season then they need to come away with the three points this weekend. </p>
<p id="qYJEgs">One area that the Royals have really struggled with so far this season has been defending set-pieces, and they may be in for another long afternoon if they give the Millers too many opportunities to lump the ball into the area. Paul Warne’s side have scored 13 goals from set-pieces so far this season (39% of their goals) which is the same amount of goals they have scored from open-play, so this shows how much they rely on dead-ball situations. </p>
<p id="g76KDu">The Royals have struggled against long-ball sides like Millwall and Bolton so far this campaign, and it’s all down to the lack of players who can dominate in the air. Matt Miazga has come into the side and added a bit of height and some assurance when it comes to defending set-pieces, but we still seem to struggle with it. </p>
<p id="rv2vsL">Ironically, the Royals have looked better recently with attacking set-pieces. I know not a lot (if any) have actually come to something, but we look more of a threat as of late and hopefully we can make something of one of them this weekend. </p>
<aside id="FLB1nS"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Further Reading: The Aerial Importance Of Matt Miazga","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/2/21/18233123/further-reading-fc-the-aerial-importance-of-matt-miazga-royals"}]}'></div></aside><p id="8R4bGF">Keeping possession is a real weakness for Paul Warne’s side, and the Royals will need to try and wear them down by keeping control of the game. Warne encourages his full-backs and centre-backs to play long balls as often as possible, hence why they lose possession so often. They average 81 long balls per game and 211 short passes, with an average possession of only 44%.</p>
<p id="NLQTVn">In contrast, the Royals average 70 long balls per game and 365 short passes, and a possession rate of 50.5%. Jose Gomes’ new possession-based style of play will therefore go up against a very different brand in Paul Warne’s, so hopefully it will end up well for the home side.</p>
<p id="bNYRIv">Time for my prediction, and I am going to go for 2-1 to the Royals. I am quietly confident of getting the win, but I can’t see us keeping a clean sheet. Hopefully the fans can get behind the boys and help create some breathing space between us and the bottom three. </p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/2/23/18236723/scouting-report-rotherham-united-home-reading-fc-royalsTom Amies