The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 1-0 Preston North End: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2019-10-21T10:00:00+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/206848722019-10-21T10:00:00+01:002019-10-21T10:00:00+01:00View From The Dolan: Middle-Class Food And Stylish Bowen
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<img alt="Soccer - Sky Bet Championship - Reading v Middlesbrough - Madejski Stadium" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f1tBSWHckJF7aftAWgtQdJKr8Os=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65514341/699260694.jpg.0.jpg" />
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<p>A fans-eye view of all the goings-on during Reading's dramatic late win over Preston. </p> <p id="BwZrpu">The Preston North End game marked my first game ‘back’ since mid-August when we obliterated Cardiff City. The absence was down to a deadly combination of stag dos, weddings and down right lethargy to go, which resulted in the longest time away from not seeing games in my 27 years as a fan.</p>
<p id="dhjCeB">After the Cardiff game, I was quick to text friends and loved ones about the fact that we were “definitely going up” and that George Puscas was “100% the greatest player to ever play Championship/Division One football”. I already knew that Jose Gomes was the most handsome man in football, but I loved him even more after this downright annihilation of a fellow promotion chaser. </p>
<p id="mc5g8W">How delighted I was then when this theory collapsed like a warm Easter egg in the ensuing weeks, which saw us go from certain title winners to definite relegation candidates, leaving us (I say ‘us’, but I mean the board) no choice but to sack the man we all loved unconditionally and bring in our sporting director - surely a first for any club in England and probably any club that wasn’t from Italy.</p>
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<img alt="Reading v West Bromwich Albion - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XXovTo0VZIdeYvsjF85u4huiEmU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18334200/1138766404.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by James Williamson - AMA/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jose looking as handsome as ever</figcaption>
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<p id="Syb6Sb">Either way, the Preston game gave me a chance to rekindle the optimism, reset the clock and get back to my team. One of the best things to happen this season is the introduction of Blue Collar Food: a local company that have lots (and I mean lots) of different food options around the ground on match day. I find myself eagerly checking social media in the days leading up to home games for updates on the menu offerings rather than injured players and availability. </p>
<p id="l9LwEm">The Cardiff game allowed me to try something different in terms of matchday fare. I hadn’t bothered before then as it was too hot to eat, instead choosing a diet of mid-strength lager and crisps (God I love the summer). But Cardiff was on a Sunday and I felt I should mark it in some way. And how I marked it! I’m not ashamed to say that I enjoyed the best meal I’ve ever had at a football ground, possible ever. It was a vegan (so 2019!!) Buddha bowl, presented to me with a sustainable, wooden fork, lashings of guacamole (I’m soooo middle class) and a delightfully warming chilli sauce. It also had some beans, rice, spring onions and tortillas. Oh. My.</p>
<p id="fcUrIr">For Preston though, nothing took my fancy. I was preoccupied with Mark Bowen and what he’d be wearing. Would it be a full suit? A tracksuit and boots? Casual wear a la Pep? Would he have a stupidly long club coat on? To my delight, he seemed to be wearing a combo of two styles. This man. </p>
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<img alt="Reading v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship - Madejski Stadium" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/shv7Qaf_k8QT9M17-dJeOVJRaXw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19303174/1176875361.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Zac Goodwin/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The best picture of Mark Bowen’s style that we have the rights for </figcaption>
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<p id="3sljkP">So I settled for a coffee from easily the best coffee house in Reading, Anonymous Coffee, and a peanut butter and chocolate bar from a famous American confectionery giant which I won’t name here, bought from the garage on Berkeley Avenue en route.</p>
<p id="v5Rlmn">To the game then. Reading seemed more direct, in the same way that trains are when travelling from station to station. Unlike the aforementioned trains, Reading lacked an end product and failed to break the deadlock of a very resilient, stubborn and Northern defence. They had chances, but didn’t take them. Preston’s ‘game management’ was being met with lots of tutting and shaking of heads from the home fans, something that no doubt didn’t go unnoticed among the more experienced Preston players who clearly thought they should tone it down in the second half for fear of a middle-class riot.</p>
<p id="rAi5Am">The ‘tactics’ from Preston only intensified in the second half and the tuts developed into ugly boos and a crescendo of moaning and complaining. Incredibly intimidating for the Preston players who I’m sure won’t experience a more hostile atmosphere until they travel to somewhere like Fulham with their ‘neutral’ stand.</p>
<p id="dSH7Bn">As the second half wore on, I found myself regretting my catering choices. I was hungry. Not just for three points, but for a proper meal. I contemplated heading down to the concourse, but remembered the fare on offer down there. Pies, some sort of chicken burger and Haribo. Bloody Haribo. Who in their right mind goes to footie and asks for Haribo? </p>
<p id="G3BcS9"><em>Editor’s note: I love Haribo.</em></p>
<p id="9QRNz7">I stuck it out, much like the Reading defence, and waited. As the game reached its climax, a whopping eight minutes was held aloft by the fourth official, an event met with polite applause, but also murmurings of the “car park will be awful” and “God sake, ‘You’ve Been Framed Gold’ is on at 5pm”.</p>
<p id="W5fSuK">Cue 98 minutes. Jordan Obita decided to strike the ball from 98 yards away which the Preston keeper did well to parry. The ball fell to the third best American to ever play for the Royals and smack: 1-0. Limbs from everyone. Except of course, the very fans that Miazga decided to go and see in the family section of the Eamonn Dolan Stand. From the replays this morning, you can very clearly see one gentleman mouthing to Miazga “please be careful, my son’s Nintendo Switch is in his Joules backpack on the floor right by your feet”. Luckily, Rafael arrived to drag everyone back on to the pitch and so catastrophe was avoided.</p>
<p id="LWAJNv">Three points in the bag, a dogged, more direct performance and a valuable lesson for me: always eat the Souvlaki at the game.</p>
<p id="x26f0P">Urrrzzzzz!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/21/20923281/view-from-the-dolan-stand-preston-north-end-reading-fcBen from B132019-10-20T15:11:13+01:002019-10-20T15:11:13+01:00Quick Takes: You Ess Ay, You Ess Ay!
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<img alt="Reading v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship - Madejski Stadium" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6FgeKqZGyIw_yzxWPupZN2Q6jrU=/0x0:2671x1781/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65510466/1176877833.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Zac Goodwin/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Long live the ‘Ding.</p> <h3 id="YteLOc"><strong>The plot</strong></h3>
<p id="tuwFxg">How about THAT?! Up until the 98th minute, Jose was very much in our minds (still miss you dude). One American goal was all it took, and Jose was seemingly an afterthought. Gone was the sentiment of the past week as Bowen somehow managed to drag everyone under his wing, kudos for that. While we still have very little idea as to this club’s identity right now, this was a big three points for the Royals. At home. In front of the Loyals. Against a very good side.</p>
<p id="fKC8ql">The performance didn’t look much different to Jose’s men in all honesty. Determination, desire and a strong second-half performance. Wasn’t pretty, but we can’t have everything. It’s a good model as long as you don’t fall behind early. Unfortunately that happened one too many times under Jose. Is it sustainable? Probably not, but Bowen has the next few weeks to build his own blueprint to the top. </p>
<p id="xpDobn">Bottom line is the players are evidently united throughout it all. This is a new era. The Mark Bowen era. And so far, it’s an unbeaten one.</p>
<h3 id="XKkf7F"><strong>The ‘Brian McDermott Appreciation’ Player of the Game</strong></h3>
<p id="ikhAhP"><strong>Matt Miazga</strong></p>
<p id="y38Tda">Wave that American flag. After a 2-0 loss to Canada last week (Christ almighty), who knows what state of mind that young Patriot was in. But who cares. The boy turned up and delivered the goods. Miazga, we adore thee. USA, USA, USA.</p>
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<img alt="Reading v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship - Madejski Stadium" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2yg9c2zP46lGWY_jqFn7Wj1BcW8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19303308/1176877841.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Zac Goodwin/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="4A7cB0"><strong>Other Notes</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="URXy3y">MB after the game: “I said at half time I’d settle if it’s 0-0 after 70 minutes. The fans get behind the team a lot in the final 10/15 minutes so I always felt we’d be in the ascendancy going into the back half.”</li>
<li id="yACx8p">Ends a run of six games without a win in which the scoring record read: Scored three, Conceded 11.</li>
<li id="7neegO">Liam Moore completed his 150th appearance for Reading. No better way to mark it than with a win, and how about that reaction to the goal? He’ll have a lot to do with any feel-good factor returning to the MadStad in the coming weeks.</li>
<li id="5g2uHH">Rumour has it Rafael is still running through RG2 so if anyone spots him can you stop him and tell him the gaffer’s looking for him. Cheers.</li>
<li id="FDFdWq">Up next for Royals, a TV broadcast trip to West London to face off against QPR who are coming off their own win over Hull City. KO 7:45pm, live on Sky Sports Main Event (Yep, Reading on the TV!)</li>
</ul>
<p id="7lyBOb">Now let’s sit back, breathe, get irrationally lost in the hysteria and act like we’re the best club in the world for a couple of days.</p>
<p id="3zH0Tj">Long. Live. The ‘Ding.</p>
<h3 id="h58tUc"><strong>Tunes</strong></h3>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/20/20923228/you-ess-ay-you-ess-ay-reading-fc-royalsThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer2019-10-20T14:23:03+01:002019-10-20T14:23:03+01:00The Tilehurst End Podcast Episode 206: Take A Bow
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<p>Marc and Jonny discuss Mark Bowen’s winning start to life in the Mad Stad dugout</p> <div id="oj1UEf"><iframe title="The Tilehurst End Podcast Episode 206: Take A Bow" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/qn6n9-c3fee5?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>
<p id="CVDj6w">Mark Bowen began life as Reading FC manager with the latest of late wins against Preston on Saturday, Matt Miazga firing home the vital 97th minute winner.</p>
<p id="zW0MVl"><em>The Tilehurst End Podcast </em>reconvenes after an eventful international break to discuss how the Welshman switched things up to earn the points in an honestly pretty drab affair with the play-off contending North End.</p>
<p id="zh0EAh">Jonny Williams joins Marc Mayo on this week’s show, which is split up by some new interludes recorded by legendary Madejski Stadium announcer Paul Allen, with your questions answered in the Mailbag, the nature of Bowen’s arrival discussed in Newsbites, and two tricky trips considered in Big Match Preview.</p>
<p id="X4Lji9">The Tilehurst End Podcast can be taken in via <a href="https://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/"><strong>PodBean</strong></a>, Acast, <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&xcust=xid:fr1571576675047ceb" 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="liKyUz">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>
<p id="J2aNW0"><a href="https://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/mf/play/xfgs38/Episode_206.mp3"><strong>Download the show</strong></a>.</p>
<h2 id="rOp31Q">Show Order</h2>
<p id="v0fUUh">Recap - <strong>03:06</strong></p>
<p id="oq79JB">Mailbag - <strong>20:48</strong></p>
<p id="ZC4gAH">Newsbites -<strong> 26:31</strong></p>
<p id="ab2VRX">Big Match Preview - <strong>42:29</strong></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/20/20923214/reading-fc-podcast-tilehurst-end-mark-bowen-prestonMarc Mayojonnafon2019-10-20T12:13:16+01:002019-10-20T12:13:16+01:00Reading 1-0 Preston: What A Difference A Goal Makes
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<img alt="Reading v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship - Madejski Stadium" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n0UmdoFnaZyXavTyLtTVVYjXrmc=/0x0:3381x2254/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65509842/1176877846.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Zac Goodwin/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Matt Miazga’s last-minute goal proved decisive for new manager Mark Bowen. </p> <p id="PWUfUh"><strong>96 minutes</strong>: Reading are heading for a dull and unimpressive, albeit creditable 0-0 draw at home to third-placed Preston North End.</p>
<p id="PUlZia"><strong>Full time</strong>: Reading have made the perfect start to the Mark Bowen era.</p>
<p id="SawBkE">What a difference a goal makes. Matt Miazga’s last-gasp, close-range finish after Declan Rudd fumbled Jordan Obita’s piledriver put an awful lot of gloss on what had until then been an underwhelming afternoon. Although Reading showed the defensive composure they’d so often lacked under Jose Gomes, there was a distinct inability to work the ball through midfield and create chances - neither of which had really been problems under the last manager.</p>
<p id="UTn1ej">And yet, results are results. All of us would have taken any win available going into the match, and Reading duly came up with a scrappy 1-0 victory. As Tom noted in his <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/17/20918862/stats-corner-new-managers-and-1-0-wins-reading-fc-royals-mark-bowen-jose-gomes">latest Stats Corner column</a>, that scoreline both eluded Gomes and has been a constant for Reading managers in their opening matches since we were last relegated from the Premier League.</p>
<p id="ieifWI">It’s also a result that Reading were in dire need of - our third of the season and one that lifts us to the dizzying heights of 19th, two points above the bottom three. Losing to Preston would have put us on eight points - two places and one point above 24th-placed Barnsley. </p>
<p id="ABpXf4">On the face of it, Reading did all they needed to do: they got three points on the board to start off Bowen’s managerial spell in positive fashion. However, the result aside, the game left a lot to be desired, and gave Bowen plenty to ponder in the coming weeks.</p>
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<img alt="Reading v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship - Madejski Stadium" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bZ1KbgX-FVObPUKkurnnwp1fntc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19303211/1176875359.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Zac Goodwin/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="bQxVRY">Despite the previously mentioned defensive strengths - admittedly against a very poor Preston North End side - the rest of Reading’s game was very poor. The Royals struggled to get hold of the ball in midfield and either keep it well for extended periods or work it forward to create chances, with the front two of George Puscas and Yakou Meite starved of service in their 70 minutes on the pitch.</p>
<p id="a5LnsD">Normally, it’d only be fair to cut the new manager some slack. After all, it takes time for them to get their ideas across, and teaching a side how to build attacks and create clear-cut chances doesn’t happen overnight. Usually it’s just the result that matters for a new manager.</p>
<p id="Qx8q5t">A great example of this is Paul Clement’s first match in charge: a <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/3/31/17183360/reading-fc-1-0-queens-park-rangers-match-report-royals-rangers">1-0 Good Friday home win over Queens Park Rangers</a>. Reading were far from at their best, and offered little going forwards besides Sone Aluko’s first-half screamer, but nobody cared. The Royals were in dire need of three points by the time Clement arrived, and that’s exactly what he got at the first time of asking. </p>
<p id="P47LbX">But this is a very different case. Reading may have needed a drastic change after Jaap Stam’s sacking to quickly get points on the board, but that wasn’t true after Gomes’ departure. Reading haven’t struggled to create chances this season - in fact we were one of the better sides for it in the division when the last manager was sacked - but we were consistently edged out by sloppy defending and an inability to convert opportunities.</p>
<p id="Qc7UmX">To his credit, Bowen essentially solved both of those issues on Saturday - Reading kept a clean sheet and actually managed to put the ball in the back of the net. But, although there were some bright sparks in Ovie Ejaria (typically magical in the middle) and Andy Yiadom (a constant threat down the right), Reading badly lacked creativity going forwards. </p>
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<img alt="Reading v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship - Madejski Stadium" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4PntwEkgvyt1Qi0fA-xNMHXb9eQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19302092/1176878542.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Zac Goodwin/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="Zh0h4g">To a large extent, this was down to a marked tactical change from Bowen. Particularly during the first half, Reading frequently played direct football, with Rafael and the back three often playing long passes up to the forwards to get them in more quickly. Although it relieved pressure on the defence, it also bypassed our most creative outlets in Ejaria and John Swift and meant the front two had little to work with. </p>
<p id="uH6LA2">In his defence, Bowen <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/20/20923113/mark-bowen-proud-of-his-players-after-opening-win-reading-fc-royals">did admit after the game</a> that such direct football wasn’t his intention, and he did ask his players at half time to get the ball down more and play it forwards on the deck. To be honest though, although Reading improved after the break, I didn’t see a huge improvement. </p>
<p id="MwQexu">Given that <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/16/20915342/what-we-learned-from-mark-bowens-first-press-conference-as-reading-fc-manager-royals">Bowen himself said that his appointment was designed to minimise disruption</a> to the team, I find the abrupt tactical change (whether deliberate or not) rather odd. Reading hadn’t struggled to make chances under Gomes, and Bowen needs to restore that creativity quickly. Finding the balance between that and staying solid at the back will of course be quite the conundrum, and one that perplexed his predecessor. </p>
<p id="czMbFA">At the end of the day though, Matt Miazga’s last-minute poacher’s finish got the Bowen era off to a great start. Given the huge negativity levelled at him earlier in the week, which sometimes went into outright abuse, the value of that goal to the new manager can’t be understated. Indeed, despite the deeply flawed performance, we’ll look back on the game as a gritty victory that was won in the most dramatic of circumstances.</p>
<p id="SeSa0h">What a difference a goal makes.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/20/20922456/reading-fc-1-0-preston-north-endwhat-a-difference-a-goal-makes-royalsBucksRoyal2019-10-20T10:01:00+01:002019-10-20T10:01:00+01:00Mark Bowen Proud Of His Players After Opening Win
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<img alt="Reading v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship - Madejski Stadium" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RNXrwA4YiSuUR08D9n55wVfkvBY=/0x582:3648x3014/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65509689/1176875361.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Zac Goodwin/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The new gaffer’s take on an opening win as Reading boss. </p> <p id="I0uQtg">Mark Bowen’s first game as Reading manager finished with a win after Matt Miazga scored an 98th-minute winner against Preston North End at the Madejski Stadium. The Royals played well and deserved the win overall, but it looked as though they would stay in the bottom three until Miazga knocked the ball home to put us up to 19th.</p>
<p id="xlhkAN">Bowen was a relieved man after the game, he spoke to the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">official club website</a> and <a href="https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-boss-mark-bowen-17111998">GetReading</a>.</p>
<h3 id="rBZJEA"><strong>Bowen on the game</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="4w6aus">“It was a scrappy, stop-start game. From a tactical point of view we wanted to get the ball forward and into their box a bit quicker. But we were probably trying to go from back to front too quickly in the first half.</p>
<p id="DUDkig">“So at half-time I asked them to try to be a bit more patient and take that extra pass. We did that and every player contributed and you get the rewards for what you put in.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="lJbWFb"><strong>Bowen on the players</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="b43HGy">“Every player put in a great shift in for me today. Our back five for example... Matt Miazga had been away with the USA until late in the week, Michael Morrison had missed training earlier in the week with a stomach bug but you can see from the cut to his eye how brave he was this afternoon, the captain Liam Moore led by example of course, Jordan Obita created the goal with a tremendous shot at the end and Andy Yiadom just up and down that right side, so much energy.</p>
<p id="PyWhh5">“I’m proud of the way the lads tackled the game. I gave them lots of information to take on board - you can imagine with a new manager coming in you tend to bombard them with information sometimes and you wonder whether they have been able to take it all on board.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="CAiXU7"><strong>Bowen on being the better side</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="XR5H0u">“Throughout the game I thought we were the better side. We created the more clear-cut chances - albeit those chances were too few and far between - and as the game progressed in the second half I always thought the chances would come.</p>
<p id="sZkhab">“We were the side in the ascendancy for the large part of the game and I thought if any team was going to nick it it would be us. I didn’t think it would take until the last kick of the game!”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="0XggfB"><strong>Bowen on our defensive display</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="YswAbR">“Too many times lately this team have been chasing games, conceding silly goals and then always playing catch-up. But we were very solid defensively. I knew if we could stay at 0-0 until 70 minutes, it’s a special thing about this place when the crowd get going and push the team forward in the last 20 minutes or so.</p>
<p id="ucapIb">“I thought worst-case scenario it was going to be a clean sheet and a 0-0 draw. But sometimes the gods smile on you and you get a last minute winner. The old cliche is, it’s better to be a lucky manager than a good one. And we had that bit of luck on our side today.</p>
<p id="Wxn4kt">“I feel for the fans and the players this season. We believe we’re in a false position. And I knew when I turned up today that the fans would be behind the team and myself and they were, right from the start.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="vwECGb"><strong>Bowen on Miazga’s winner driving us forward for the rest of the season</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="XMZw4f">“I hope so - with last-minute winners you want to say to the lads, you’ve earned it, you can have a day off tomorrow. But we can’t do that - we have catching up to do. We’ll come in tomorrow, see who’s fit because there’s a bit of sickness in the camp.</p>
<p id="INtTxg">“We lost Rinomhota this morning because of it so we have to be mindful of that but we have to recover right. We’ll enjoy tonight but we can’t pat ourselves on the back. We can do that only when we get a run of results and climb the table.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="Pn1Vro"><strong>Bowen on Ejaria’s display</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="7o2qIc">“He always is the stand-out player. We try and get him on the ball as much as we can. He is a huge talent for us but it’s not just him, Swift did well and Pele because he only got the shout at lunchtime.</p>
<p id="7k5y18">“Rinomhota was going to be in the side and there was nothing to choose between the pair of them in my thoughts going into the game. He stepped in and did really well among the other two with that scrappy stuff.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="dlvgak"><strong>Bowen on if the referee had enough control</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="1lhmf7">“I‘m loathe to pinpoint things with referees - there were a lot of people on the floor but it was mostly just mistimed tackles.</p>
<p id="zsRr6O">“I didn’t see any malice in the game. It was a scrappy game but I’m not bothered about that at the moment. I’m sure the fans will forgive me because we got three points on the board.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="mcD9zp"><strong>Bowen on Boye and Joao injuries</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="rOeRGO">“Joao has gone away for a break because he’s going to be another five or six weeks due to a crack on his foot. It’s not a break, more a sprain on top of his foot.</p>
<p id="puBwcX">“Boye has a grade one or two tear on his adductor muscle in his groin so he’s probably out for around three or four weeks.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="sWXBSq"><strong>Bowen on Gunter and McCleary nearing involvement</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="426113">“We had an under-23s game on Friday night and usually there would be an over-spill of players in that but I didn’t want any [senior] players travelling.</p>
<p id="VzBfN0">“We had 23 or 24 players available and I make no apologies for that. We need all hands on deck and everybody together. I want to keep the numbers as much as possible together because everybody is going to play a part.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="kLtDRA"><strong>Bowen on whether he enjoyed the game</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="J55nMP">“I enjoyed it at the end! No, but during the game I was just nervous... because you know what it means to the players and the fans here.”</p></blockquote>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/20/20923113/mark-bowen-proud-of-his-players-after-opening-win-reading-fc-royalssophierfc102019-10-19T20:54:15+01:002019-10-19T20:54:15+01:00Reading 1-0 Preston North End: Player Ratings
<figure>
<img alt="Reading v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship - Madejski Stadium" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ei7sNoszWmlB2QBvSY8H0h1Nat4=/0x0:2047x1365/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65508115/1176878631.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Zac Goodwin/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here’s how we graded the Royals for the first time under new boss Mark Bowen. </p> <h3 id="DuXVWT"><strong>Rafael: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="Rw8pJC">A quiet afternoon for the goalie who had little to do all afternoon. In terms of his distribution I don’t remember him going short (I may well be wrong), with Mark Bowen evidently having asked him to go long each time. His kicking’s OK, but not as accurate as what we’ve had from other goalkeepers in recent seasons. </p>
<h3 id="m8PGoL"><strong>Andy Yiadom: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="h8G3yv">My stand-out performer, Yiadom was a constant threat down the right on an afternoon where Reading largely struggled for ideas going forward. Playing as a right wing-back, Yiadom got both got forward well (whether driving infield or staying out wide) and showed good end product. </p>
<p id="nqxfro">However, he wasn’t as exposed defensively as he has been before, due to Bowen’s wise choice to keep his wing-backs that bit further back than his predecessor did.</p>
<h3 id="eH9BIA"><strong>Matt Miazga: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="YXVVIs">The American’s first goal for the club couldn’t really have come at a better time. He’d been solid at the back throughout the afternoon, but showed his attacker’s instinct to prod home a last-gasp winner after Jordan Obita’s long-range effort had been fumbled by Declan Rudd. Bonus points for jumping into the Eamonn Dolan Stand to celebrate.</p>
<h3 id="SMJnI4"><strong>Michael Morrison: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="MkWOTr">He seemed to be more comfortable generally without the requirement of playing out from the back. Defensively he was imposing all game, playing a big part in shutting out the league’s top scorers, with the highlight of his day being a strong double block in quick succession in the first half to shut out Preston. </p>
<h3 id="VCXefB"><strong>Liam Moore: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="jrOp82">As with his defensive colleagues he was solid defensively, but for me his distribution was a bit erratic. Although one long ball over the top set George Puscas free for a chance in the first half, I recall a few times when he seemed too keen to boot the ball upfield - rather than trying to keep hold of it. </p>
<h3 id="XrKQOj"><strong>Jordan Obita: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="etcVC7">A solid game at left wing-back for Obita, but not as much attacking impact as Yiadom showed down the left. He’s still working his way back from long-term injury though, so hopefully we’ll see that offensive side to his game return over the coming weeks. </p>
<h3 id="LAUHOT"><strong>John Swift: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="gyHV1v">I’m torn on this mark (it was between a 5 and a 6), and I do realise that I’m being a bit harsh, but Swift didn’t seem to react well to the new setup. Bowen both brought Swift deeper (playing pretty much alongside Pele) and got Reading to go long and direct very often - that naturally meant the playmaker would have less time on the ball. But at times like this, when the setup hasn’t been made in his favour, Swift seems to have a habit of losing focus and being that bit sloppier. </p>
<h3 id="sbQmHl"><strong>Pele: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="F7fW0u">He did have a few bright moments, such as putting in a great deep cross that Puscas couldn’t quite convert, but for me he wasn’t good enough in possession. His first touch was often poor and he struggled to get onto the ball and get Reading moving. </p>
<h3 id="vQrfiO"><strong>Ovie Ejaria: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="QMppO3">Reading’s best creative outlet centrally, Ejaria seemed to enjoy playing higher up the pitch than he has done before - with Swift and Pele behind him. The loanee showed off his trademark quick footwork throughout, and could well have won a penalty not long into the second half when he seemed to be taken down after dribbling past three Preston players. Perhaps should have done better with a Yiadom cross later on that he put past the far post. </p>
<p id="7kgOwV"><em><strong>NB</strong></em><em>: Ejaria’s mark originally read 6/10, but was supposed to say 7/10. My bad. </em></p>
<h3 id="gleEIv"><strong>George Puscas: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="lsEdAP">A tough afternoon for Puscas who had little to work with in his 70 minutes on the pitch, although he did have some half chances - volleying over from a tight angle with his weaker foot and being just unable to get enough on a deep cross from Pele. Puscas had plenty of chances under Jose Gomes (which he mostly missed), and Mark Bowen needs to make sure those opportunities keep coming. </p>
<h3 id="ELpPtW"><strong>Yakou Meite: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="JR2EAh">As with Puscas, he didn’t have much service from elsewhere on the pitch, but to be fair he did work hard all round. For me he seemed better in the first half when Reading were that bit more direct. However, he ended the match without any shots at all - admittedly not helped by his teammates but still unlike a striker who does like to get shots away. Playing at home, he probably would have been better served playing out wide where there would have been more room to work in.</p>
<h2 id="GXAQEc"><strong>Subs</strong></h2>
<h3 id="EZ7xCj"><strong>Sam Baldock: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="YU5H71">Presumably only involved at all due to injuries for Lucas Boye and Lucas Joao, he was given 20 minutes at the end of the game. He looked lively in the final third, with the highlight being his first involvement: dropping deep, winning the ball back well, getting free and charging up the pitch. </p>
<p id="3jJ3uL">With Boye and Joao out for at least four weeks each, the next month or so is his chance to prove to new manager Bowen that he can still be an important part of this side. </p>
<h3 id="gLr73v"><strong>Danny Loader: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="IC9mLf">Anonymous, didn’t make anything happen. </p>
<h3 id="bmzyc9"><strong>Charlie Adam: N/A</strong></h3>
<p id="FFWtIl">Not on the pitch long enough to get a grade, but he was on the pitch long enough to bemuse the Preston fans I was with in the bus queue afterwards. “Was that tubby one really Charlie Adam? I thought it was Al Murray!”</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ZNjYNE">
<h3 id="9WYnuk"><strong>Average: 5.92/10</strong></h3>
<p id="bH7Znu"><em>Who was your man of the match? Vote below, or through </em><a href="https://linkto.run/p/G2QDFKJL"><em>this link right here</em></a><em>. </em></p>
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<div style="font-size:1em;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 Preston?</div></div>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/19/20922458/reading-fc-1-0-preston-north-end-player-ratingsBucksRoyal2019-10-19T08:00:00+01:002019-10-19T08:00:00+01:00Reading vs Preston North End: Match Preview
<figure>
<img alt="Preston North End v Doncaster Rovers - FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OREw_4Hf9TBon56E-G8ZckPVf34=/267x0:4269x2668/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65506226/1078650198.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Everything you need to know ahead of a tough game at home for the Royals. </p> <p id="uMKGxO">Reading go into their first game after the international break with a new managerial appointment, but Mark Bowen’s transition from sporting director to manager hasn’t been a popular decision. Could this be the perfect time for Preston North End to come down to Berkshire and take all three points?</p>
<p id="oqrsGS">Concede early on and I have a horrible feeling that the atmosphere at the Madejski Stadium will turn toxic. This may be one of Reading’s most important games in recent history. With a win, attitudes could change. With a loss, well, I don’t even want to think about it.</p>
<p id="PxU9hQ">Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the visit of Alex Neil’s Preston North End.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="y89Vps">
<p id="ifI8OJ"><strong>What? </strong>Championship Matchday 12</p>
<p id="OYOhxQ"><strong>Who?</strong> Preston North End</p>
<p id="P5vczv"><strong>Where?</strong> Madejski Stadium</p>
<p id="qLDlg6"><strong>When?</strong> Saturday 19th October 2019 (3pm KO)</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="O2ww7b">
<h2 id="msdSu9"><strong>League form</strong></h2>
<h3 id="7vFjSY"><strong>Reading: LLDLL</strong></h3>
<p id="occBOK">One point out of a possible 15: that’s where Reading stand at the moment. Will that form change now we have a new manager? I’m not so sure. This appointment is either going to turn out brilliantly or it’s going to be a complete disaster. There’s no inbetween for me, let’s just hope it’s the former, but sadly I think it’s going to be the latter. Please prove me wrong Mark Bowen! </p>
<p id="kvDPdU">John Swift could return to the matchday squad this weekend after serving a one-match suspension for his red card against Fulham before the international break. He has been one of Reading’s best players so far this season and will continue to be an important asset to the squad throughout this season. Hopefully he can stay fit.</p>
<p id="ItNbJc">However, Lucas Joao won’t be available. The striker has been in Dubai in the run-up to the Preston game, and it doesn’t look like he’ll be back in time. </p>
<div id="cu6hFR">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not expecting Lucas Joao to feature for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadingFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReadingFC</a> tomorrow, has been out with fitness coach Rui Santos in Dubai all week and a video on Instagram just now confirms he's still out there.</p>— Marc Mayo (@ThatMarcMayo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThatMarcMayo/status/1185257870138527746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h3 id="7i06bB"><strong>Preston North End: WWDDW</strong></h3>
<p id="X1M41x">Preston’s 18 points out of a possible 24 shows that there’s currently a gulf in class between the two sides. Their 5-1 home win against Barnsley just before the international break will give them great confidence that they will be able to go on and get the victory at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday. If they do win in Berkshire on Saturday, it will only be their second away win of the season. They have won one, drawn two and lost two on their travels so far in this campaign.</p>
<p id="dvSSva">Louis Moult remains a long-term injury woe after damaging his cruciate ligament and won’t be available until 2020. Josh Earl, who has been out of action since August, is also nearing a return to fitness. He will be hoping to make the most out of his loan at League One side Bolton Wanderers, who face an uphill battle to avoid the drop.</p>
<aside id="SYZO1e"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"View From The Town End: Preston North End","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/18/20917685/view-from-the-town-end-preston-north-end-reading-fc-royals"}]}'></div></aside><hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lwDphV">
<h2 id="ycSmgj"><strong>The last meeting</strong></h2>
<h3 id="5qD2Db"><strong>Reading 2-1 Preston North End</strong></h3>
<div id="IkuzYM"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/REmJhjvsCbs?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="tm7Ww9">A fantastic ball from John Swift in to the left channel allowed Mo Barrow to deliver a low cross to the far post for Yakou Meite to open the scoring. A poor backpass from Ben Davies caused confusion between Jordan Storey and goalkeeper Declan Rudd, something which Barrow pounced on to make it 2-0 to Reading by half time. It would have been 3-0 if Ovie Ejaria’s effort wasn’t saved by Rudd.</p>
<p id="9UJ8Tl">Although Jayden Stockley’s injury-time consolation caused a few nerves right at the end of the game for the home fans, it wasn’t enough to prevent a vital Reading win. This pulled Reading four points clear of the relegation zone going in to April’s fixtures.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="g5nLcG">
<h2 id="tYkmvb"><strong>TTE stats</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="UXBJ6M">Reading have won their past three fixtures against Preston North End.</li>
<li id="nefIqu">If the Royals concede on Saturday, they will have kept a clean sheet just 1/6 of their games so far in this league season.</li>
<li id="jvtC8h">Preston North End are unbeaten in their past eight league games.</li>
<li id="RvR0I7">However, they have kept a clean sheet in just one of their five away games this season. This came at St Andrews against Birmingham City.</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="e4LsCi">
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6YiYYc4BUzxeoeBInFhEsDuxzIs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19299867/Preston_cover.jpg">
</figure>
<p id="WNfXgz">With Mark Bowen having featured once for Reading as a player in 1999, Olly went back through the history books for the matchday programme to see who else made just a solitary appearance for the Royals. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="KUuk9Q">
<h2 id="EWgFT0"><strong>Predictions</strong></h2>
<p id="0rYzX7"><em><strong>Likely Reading lineup: </strong></em><em>Rafael, Blackett, Moore, Miazga, Yiadom, Pele, Rinomhota, Ejaria, Boye, Meite, Puscas</em></p>
<p id="vEYXPW">Rafael has been reasonably solid in between the sticks for the Royals this season, despite being at fault for Fulham’s fourth goal earlier on in the month. Tyler Blackett may also be preferred at left back as opposed to Jordan Obita, with Bowen looking to be as defensively solid as possible in the first game. Although Chris Gunter has been brought back in to the first team mix, I still think Yiadom will be preferred over the Welshman.</p>
<p id="QixBFf">Liam Moore and Matt Miazga may also start together in a back four, as they look to regain that great partnership that helped the Royals escape relegation last season. Miazga could prove to be an integral part of the squad this season. Captain Moore also needs to step up to the plate.</p>
<p id="Du7x5S">You must think I’m mad for leaving Swift out of the starting lineup. The first thing that Mark Bowen will be seeking from the side on Saturday is defensive solidity. Playing two central defensive midfielders to protect the back four could really help Reading this weekend. Ovie Ejaria is likely to start in a more advanced position in front of the pair.</p>
<p id="xg1b3a">I also have a feeling that Bowen will opt for width on Saturday to bring something different to the side. Boye and Meite could switch wings on Saturday, giving Reading a different option going forward. Up top, you can’t help but think that Puscas will be given another go as Reading’s marquee signing this summer.</p>
<p id="IwVfIH">Do I think Reading will pick up their first points under our new manager? Not this weekend. Alex Neil’s side are in good form and the atmosphere is unlikely to be joyous at the Madejski Stadium.</p>
<p id="Og2BoJ"><strong>Score Prediction: Reading 0-1 Preston North End</strong></p>
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<h2 id="4xhKlr"><strong>Other Championship fixtures</strong></h2>
<p id="l3Xwxm"><strong>All Saturday 19th October (3pm KO) unless stated</strong></p>
<p id="9jo0On">Cardiff City vs Sheffield Wednesday (Friday 18th September 7:45pm KO)</p>
<p id="wMeFV7">Blackburn Rovers vs Huddersfield Town (12:30pm)</p>
<p id="egvqgf">Barnsley vs Swansea City</p>
<p id="tExi5c">Brentford vs Millwall</p>
<p id="Hnzfup">Charlton Athletic vs Derby County</p>
<p id="MlXo5G">Hull City vs Queens Park Rangers</p>
<p id="pvqQCQ">Leeds United vs Birmingham City</p>
<p id="IPO4Sg">Luton Town vs Bristol City</p>
<p id="cVubFA">Middlesbrough vs West Bromwich Albion</p>
<p id="PTHR6Z">Stoke City vs Fulham</p>
<p id="3sw1AM">Wigan Athletic vs Nottingham Forest (Sunday 20th October 2pm KO)</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/19/20921283/reading-fc-vs-preston-north-end-match-preview-royalsajonesrfc2019-10-18T12:36:13+01:002019-10-18T12:36:13+01:00Tactics Preview: Flexible Preston Full Of Confidence For Bowen’s Bow
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<img alt="Preston North End v Barnsley - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JB6SmDgGcRwUqOZHDIMABGoaYCY=/0x0:3512x2341/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65496366/1179340419.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Jamie takes a look at how Reading’s opponents will set up at the Mad Stad</p> <p id="DNS0Ip">Preston North End have had a fantastic start to the season, sitting third in the table, one point off the top two. Having only lost two games this season, both of these coming in the opening weeks of the season, North End have won all but one of their home games and are the division’s top scorers, with 23 goals (averaging over two a game). However, some key results have come away from home, a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest as well as a victory and clean sheet at Birmingham, proving their credentials as one of the top teams in the league.</p>
<p id="nzAJuH">Impressive three goal hauls against Wigan, Stoke and Bristol City at home (added to their 5-1 demolition of Barnsley just before the international break) are perhaps not the only reason that they have transitioned from an average Championship side to one sitting in the play-off positions however. A total of 12 goals conceded in 11 games (three clean sheets) has given them a solid basis to build on, rarely conceding more than one goal in a game and so going hand in hand with their impressive attacking qualities. Last season, the Lilywhites scored and conceded 67 goals apiece (leaking one more goal than Reading!), so a newfound tightness at the back has only helped their cause this campaign as they look to finally reach those hallowed play off positions.</p>
<h2 id="8K4ol5">Versatility Is King</h2>
<p id="O0YL1n">Preston usually line up in a 4-2-3-1/4-1-4-1 formation, with multiple players who can play in the attacking roles: Sean Maguire, Billy Bodin, David Nugent, Paul Gallagher, Tom Barkhuizen and Louis Moult to name a few. The likes of Maguire, Barkhuizen and Josh Harrop can stretch the play and make use of the wide areas, with Preston not afraid to push bodies forwards in search of goals. Constant team rotation is only proving to be a strength, Alex Neil able to rotate the midfield and forward line from game to game while still getting results.</p>
<p id="If2MpT">Ben Pearson is the only real fixture in the Preston midfield with two of Paul Gallagher, Daniel Johnson and Alan Browne also occupying the central spaces (one of these two usually pushed further forwards). Harrop, Barkhuizen, Potts, Maguire, Bodin, Stockley and Moult all seem to rotate between playing up front and out wide with their 4-2-3-1 versatile enough to switch into a 4-1-4-1 (with Paul Gallagher moving higher up the field) or into a 4-3-3.</p>
<p id="VEOK5L">Preston have found consistency at the back however, Declan Rudd a constant presence in goal, with Patrick Bauer and Ben Davies at centre back. Darnell Fisher and Tom Clarke have both featured at right back (with Alan Browne slotting in there during their last game vs Barnsley), with Rafferty and Hughes both vying for the left back spot, so there has been plenty of competition for places at the back too. </p>
<div id="TLVSP2"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MmVmffujuIE?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="lPfA9v">Thanks to Preston’s goalscoring prowess and the number of attackers they are able to push forwards, there is minimal pressure on the full backs to also push forwards in attack, but at the same time offer another option going forwards while allowing the central midfielders to drop back and offer protection.</p>
<p id="jyuOMI">Perhaps surprisingly, Preston have averaged just over 50 per cent possession this season and like to control the game in the opposition’s half. Most of their games this season have been relatively even, but Preston’s efficiency in front of goal has meant that they have been able to secure victories where not always expected, sometimes scoring from all of their shots on target. </p>
<p id="5k2Lnr">With twelve different goalscorers already this season (six having notched two or more), Reading will be up against a team who can score from all areas of the pitch and pose threats from all over. Top scorer Daniel Johnson in particular has been in fantastic form with seven goals and four assists to his name already this season, the playmaker’s cultured left foot has proven to be efficient from both open play and the penalty spot.</p>
<p id="8Ue6uh">It is yet to be seen how Mark Bowen will line his Royals side up to face North End, and as a team who do not change their formation based on the opposition and are happy to rotate from game to game with each man seamlessly slotting in to the side, the new gaffer could not have asked for a trickier test. However, Preston’s 4-2-3-1 may provide a safe bet for Bowen as matching up to the visitors could solve any potential conundrums in whether to play four or three at the back.</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/18/20920545/reading-fc-preston-tactics-previewjamiewykes