The Tilehurst End - Reading v Burnley - Complete CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2014-05-03T16:43:32+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/54388892014-05-03T16:43:32+01:002014-05-03T16:43:32+01:00Reading 2-2 Burnley: Make, Break, Heartache
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<p>The equation was simple - if Reading won, they were in the playoffs. A draw would have been enough if Brighton couldn't beat Nottingham Forest, but in second-half injury time, relief turned to heartache, as Leonardo Ulloa nodded in to snatch the play-off dream from the Royals.</p> <p><b>Reading: McCarthy; Gunter, Morrison, Pearce, Obita; McCleary, Akpan (Taylor 55), Leigertwood, McAnuff; Le Fondre (Robson-Kanu 57), Pogrebnyak</b></p>
<p>A working title for this report was "Playoff Dreams Officially Over", as a fair few decisions from referee Mick Russell seemed peculiar to say the least. One such moment came in the very first minute, as <span>Pavel Pogrebnyak</span> powered in a shot from the top of the box which appeared to be handled by Burnley skipper Jason Shackell. Garath McCleary blazed the follow-up over, but the fact that six Royals players surrounded the ref after the incident said much about the decision. Spurious appeals can be rightly waved away, but such conviction in the shout seemed to signify that Russell had got this one wrong. Perhaps because it was within the first 45 seconds, perhaps because he felt it was ball to hand, but it was the first in a line of decisions that went against the Royals. Of course, the reason that Reading missed out isn't just the ref - something that will be discussed over the coming weeks, no doubt.</p>
<p>Still, the home side managed to grab the lead after fifteen minutes. The lively Danny Ings had a shot deflected for a corner, and from the resulting set-piece, Obita cleared to find Le Fondre near the halfway line. The striker released <span>Jobi McAnuff</span> over his shoulder, and the Jamaican bore down on goal. <span>Chris Gunter</span> was running up in support, and McAnuff tried to find him with his cross, but Kieran Trippier got the first touch and deflected into his own net. Joy for the Royals, and the requirement was simple: hold on.</p>
<p>But that lead lasted five minutes. <span>Alex Pearce</span> fouled Ings on the right-wing, and before Reading could get reorganised, the Clarets were level. A quick free-kick found Dean Marney, who drilled low into the box - eventually the ball fell to Scott Arfield, who fired home from twelve yards. That didn't dampen the Royals' spirits though, and McAnuff nearly regained the lead in the same manner as the first, but from the other wing. This time, the Burnley leg deflected the cross onto the post. Small margins.</p>
<p>And two minutes later, the match was turned on his head. Marney found Ings at the top of the box, and he turned and fired one into <span>Alex McCarthy's</span> bottom left corner for the lead. The Clarets could have added a couple more before half-time - another raid down Reading's left saw <span>Mikele Leigertwood</span> clear a goalmouth scramble. The in injury time, Pogrebnyak was pushed over, the foul wasn't given, and a clearance saw Ings bearing down on goal. McCarthy saved the Royals just as so often this season with a fine save, and Alex Pearce cleared the danger. With Brighton losing at <a href="https://www.inthetopone.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nottingham Forest</a>, amazingly - just like the last few months - Reading were still clinging onto Wembley dreams.</p>
<p>---</p>
<p>The first moment of interest in the second half came after about ten minutes, as Le Fondre chased down a long ball. Tom Heaton came to collect, and caught the ball extremely close to, if not outside, the edge of his box. Naturally the Royals fans were incensed. Russell had finally booked a Burnley player too after taking Hope Akpan's name down for a bodycheck, whilst ignoring a few from the Clarets that were equally worthy of yellow. The frustration turned to joy once again as McCleary saw a clearance fall to him just outside the box, and hit a wonderful volley past the flailing Heaton, who certainly couldn't hold that one. With Brighton having equalised at Forest, that goal was vital.</p>
<p>A draw was enough as it stood, but there was no sign of sitting back and hoping for results to stay the same way. A win made sure of it for Reading, and quite how the Royals didn't go in front was beyond my eyes. McCleary got free down the left and squared to find Pogrebnyak free on the penalty spot. His placed shot was destined for the bottom corner, and Reading were destined for play-off drama... until Jason Shackell appeared from nowhere to clear off the line. A minute later, <span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span> released McCleary with a delightful through-ball, but Heaton managed to get just enough on the shot to force a corner.</p>
<p>The match headed into injury time, and Reading were pressing for the winner, albeit not quite as hurriedly. That was until Sal Bibbo appeared from the dugout, frantically waving Alex McCarthy forward for a corner. The news quickly spread around the Madejski Stadium. Brighton had scored. Obita delivered the set-piece and another goalmouth scramble ensued, but the Clarets defence held firm. The Royals threw men forward, eager to grab that last-minute winner, but nothing came of their efforts. The final whistle blew, signifying the end of our promotion dreams, and the players lay dejected on the floor.</p>
<p>There was just enough time for a wave of spontaneous cheering to go around the stadium, coupled with pitch invasion. Had Forest equalised in the last-minute? No. No they hadn't. But for those few seconds, it seemed as though the stars had aligned again. Full-time at the City Ground, and the Seagulls had snuck past the Royals on the final day - despite what those on the pitch thought. Seventh is no disaster, but when just one point and one goal separate you from the playoffs, that heartache is even more painful.</p>
<p>---</p>
<p>The debrief to this season will continue all summer, but like I said when I commented on the referee earlier in the report, there's nobody to blame but ourselves. Ultimately, Reading didn't accumulate enough points over the course of the season to ensure their participation in the playoffs. One draw into one win (Yeovil at home, against eight men; Millwall at home, against ten men; the list goes on). Even one loss into one draw would have sufficed - the Royals have scored far more than Brighton this campaign, and would have had a better or equal goal difference - and losses to Blackburn, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/sheffield-wednesday" class="sbn-auto-link">Sheffield Wednesday</a> and Bournemouth could have been enough.</p>
<p>The common denominator? The matches listed above all took place at the Madejski Stadium, the bowl we used to call a fortress just two seasons ago. The Royals won just eight matches at home all season - one third of their contests - that's the lowest amount of anyone in the top fourteen. Ironically, draws against Leicester and Burnley -and a victory against Middlesbrough - weren't shabby results at all, but they were too little too late. And to see Reading finally put results together, and indeed good performances, will be spiriting to the fans; however, consistency is the key in a 46 match season, and results just didn't come.</p>
<p>Onwards to next season, and who knows what will happen this summer. The dreams of Russian roubles have disappeared, and even reality is something which nobody is certain of at the moment. Positivity is there - the youth side have had a remarkable campaign, and one homegrown player (<span>Jordan Obita</span>) took home the Player Of The Season award, with the whole squad there to support the top three on the pitch. But with contracts up for renewal, financial uncertainty, and interest from other clubs, nobody knows who will be walking out onto the Mad Stad turf next term.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2013-14-match-reports/2014/5/3/5677890/reading-2-2-burnley-make-or-break-game-ends-in-heartachejonnafon2014-05-03T14:20:00+01:002014-05-03T14:20:00+01:00Flash report: Reading draw, Brighton win.
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<figcaption>Upset: Adkins will have to rebuild and go again next season | Jordan Mansfield</figcaption>
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<p>A last-gasp Brighton goal means Reading miss out on the play-offs having only managed a 2-2 draw against Burnley at the Madejski Stadium.</p> <p>Things got off to a rapid start at the Madejski as a shot from Pogrebnyak looks to have been hand-balled, but nothing was given.</p>
<p>The bright start was rewarded as a cross from the right hit Trippier and deflected into the net, giving the Royals the lead they had hoped for.</p>
<p>However, things were soon flipped upside down as Burnley scored twice through Arfield and Ings.</p>
<p>McCleary scored an absolute screamer in the second half, before the Royals piled on the pressure in an attempt to seal the win.</p>
<p>Burnley held firm and cleared a number of shots off the line.</p>
<p>Reading looked to have sealed their play-off spot right into the 90th minute, before Brighton sealed a last-minute 1-2 victory over Nottingham Forest, and snatched the coveted 6th spot from Reading in the cruelest manner possible.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay tuned to The Tilehurst End for a full match report, player ratings and 5 things in the coming days...</i></b></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/5/3/5677744/flash-report-reading-draw-brighton-win-season-endsRoyal Hoops2014-05-02T14:16:46+01:002014-05-02T14:16:46+01:00TTE Podcast Extra with the Reading Post: May 2
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<p>Wimb &<a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/" target="new"> Get Reading's</a> Charles Watts return to preview tomorrow's game with Burnley including all of the key team news as well as who they think will win the player of the season vote,</p> <p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100" data-link="http://www.podbean.com/media/player/audio/postId/5146410?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthetilehurstend.podbean.com%2F2014%2F05%2F02%2Ftte-podcast-extra-with-the-reading-post-may-2%2F" src="http://www.podbean.com/media/player/audio/postId/5146410?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthetilehurstend.podbean.com%2F2014%2F05%2F02%2Ftte-podcast-extra-with-the-reading-post-may-2%2F" id="audio_iframe"></iframe></p>
<p><a href="http://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/mf/web/u73qpd/TTEPodcastExtraMay2Final.mp3">Download this episode (right click and save)</a></p>
<p>You can <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/tilehurst-end-reading-fc-podcast/id683251263" target="_blank">subscribe to both the main podcast and the extra podcast in iTunes here,</a>while for options on how to download and listen via other devices you can <a href="http://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/2014/05/02/tte-podcast-extra-with-the-reading-post-may-2/?token=303004575712170448626558bcc361af" target="_blank">visit our podbean page here.</a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/5/2/5674774/the-tilehurst-end-podcast-extra-with-the-reading-post-may-2The Tilehurst End News Desk2014-05-02T13:58:51+01:002014-05-02T13:58:51+01:00View From The Town End: Burnley
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<figcaption>Chris Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>So it's nearly here..... Tomorrow Reading will have the chance to secure their place in the play-offs but to get there they'll have to get past Burnley who are already planning for life in the Premier League. To get some more information on tomorrow's opponents we spoke to Jamie Smith from Burnley blog <a href="http://nonaynever.net/" target="new">NoNayNever.</a></p> <p><b>Congratulations on the promotion! How has Sean Dyche turned a team tipped for relegation into a team destined for the Premier League?</b></p>
<p>Thanks! There hasn't been a secret shortcut. Phenomenal amounts of hard work, a strikeforce that was thrown together and immediately gelled, an incredibly solid defence and a touch of luck with injuries have all played a part. Everyone has played their part and Dyche has held everything together - he's been the glue of the season with his "one game at a time" mentality making sure we never got complacent.</p>
<p><b>A lot has been made about the contibution of Danny Ings and Sam Vokes but who else has been key to your rise?</b></p>
<p>You can't argue with a pair of strikers that have scored 20 goals each, but it's genuinely a bit unfair to single people out. BUT, since you asked, David Jones has been an unsung hero, a vital cog in our heavy pressing in midfield, while fellow free transfer Scott Arfield has scored a handful of key goals. At the back, Jason Shackell and Kieran Trippier have been outstanding. But it's not as if anyone has let us down all season - everyone has made an important contribution at some point.</p>
<p>There are no passengers.</p>
<p><b>Your last Premier League stint only lasted a season, do you think you'll be able to avoid a quick return to the Championship?</b></p>
<p>If Dyche stays and we make the right additions, we have every chance of staying up. Last time our chances faded badly when Owen Coyle walked out.</p>
<p>Look at the Premier League - Newcastle are ninth and they've been terrible for months. But the reality is we'd all take finishing 17th on goal difference right now.</p>
<p><b>Burnley beat Reading 2-1 at Turf Moor earlier this season, what did you make of the Royals that day and from what you've seen since?</b></p>
<p>Reading probably lacked a bit of spark, maybe that's what's held them back a little bit this season. But we did what we've done to teams all season - made them look ordinary. Nigel Adkins is a good manager, but we're a special team.</p>
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<p><b>Any players you're not looking forward to facing on Saturday?</b></p>
<p>Not really (sorry).</p>
<p>We've got the best defence in the league and haven't conceded in our last three. But I do rate a few of your players - McCleary, Le Fondre, McAnuff in particular - they're very good Championship players.</p>
<p><b>Any particular Burnley players who you think will have joy against Reading?</b></p>
<p>Danny Ings hasn't been in the best of form recently but I reckon that IF he gets one he could get his first hat-trick. Michael Kightly is flying and has scored in the last three games, which we've won. If you lump it for Pogrebnyak, Michael Duff will head that ball away all day long.</p>
<p><b>Score prediction.</b></p>
<p>Our lads could be forgiven for being on the beach mentally, but we can get to 95 points with a win, making even more club history. I wouldn't really be arsed if we lost if it kept Blackburn out of the play-offs. But we'll probably get at least a draw. 1-1?</p>
<p><b>Finally who are you tipping to join yourselves and Leicester in the top flight next season?</b></p>
<p>It's a tough call.</p>
<p>Derby are obviously the best team by a distance and have good momentum - they're the ones to beat. QPR's squad is the best on paper and if it comes together they could be hard to stop, especially with Charlie Austin back. Wigan have been excellent under <span>Uwe Rosler</span> and can't be discounted either. Reading would be rank outsiders if they do finish sixth, but you never know what can happen.</p>
<p>I'll go for Derby.</p>
<p><i>Thanks again to Jamie and you can follow NoNayNever on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/NoNayNeverNet" target="_blank">@NoNayNeverNet</a></i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/5/2/5674638/view-from-the-town-end-readingfc-burnleyThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer2014-05-01T13:41:01+01:002014-05-01T13:41:01+01:00Reading's record in end of season deciders
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<figcaption>Richard Heathcote</figcaption>
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<p>So Saturday's game with Burnley sees Reading needing a win to secure a play-off place. While a draw or even a defeat might be good enough, only three points will make certain of the top six, so how have Reading done when the pressure has really been on the line?</p> <p>I debated throwing in play-off ties here but ultimately we've <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2011/05/16/reading-fc-in-the-play-offs-a-look-back-20082009" target="_blank">covered the play-off history</a> of the club before, plus I'm not tempting fate at this stage!</p>
<p>Instead I've decided to simply look at occasions when Reading had something meaningful to compete for on the last day of the league season. By meaningful I mean matters of promotion, relegation and in one instance European qualification, dating back to our Division 2 title win in 1994.</p>
<p><b><u>2001/02 (Third Tier) - v Brenford (A) Win or Draw required for automatic promotion.</u></b></p>
<p><b>The Scenario</b></p>
<p>Alan Pardew's Reading had led Division Two for most of the season only to see a run of eight draws in nine games hand the title to Mark McGhee's Brighton. Worse still, Steve Coppell's Brentford had closed the gap to a single point, setting up a crunch game between the two sides at Griffin Park. Reading knew they would be promoted with a win or a draw, while only all three points would see Brentford make the top two.</p>
<p><b>What happened?</b></p>
<p>In a cagey game Reading fell behind to a goal early in the second half through Martin Rowlands, leaving them just 39 minutes to score a goal to avoid the play-offs.</p>
<p>With Reading pouring forward, Pardew threw on Jamie Cureton and just 13 minutes from time the former Bristol Rovers man popped up to score a goal that will live long in the memory of the couple of thousand Reading fans in the ground and the 5,000 or so watching via big screen back at the Madejski Stadium. The game ended 1-1 and Reading were duly promoted as runners-up, while Brentford would miss out in the play-offs.</p>
<p><b>Result</b></p>
<p><b></b>Success</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MqJJO9sGxFA" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>**********</p>
<p><b><u>2003/04 (Second Tier) - v Watford (A) Win needed, plus results elsewhere for play-offs.</u></b></p>
<p><b>The Scenario</b></p>
<p>Alan Pardew's departure to West Ham had derailed a season that had shown significant early promise. Kevin Dillon and then Steve Coppell attempted to steady the ship but a run of just four wins in 14 games during the middle of the season had severely dented any promotion hopes.</p>
<p>However a late rally that included earning 7 points from 9 took them into a game at Watford knowing that they could still earn a play-off spot if they won and a fair few other results went their way.</p>
<p><b>What Happened?</b></p>
<p>Reading couldn't break down a stubborn Watford team who despite being eight places behind the Royals, managed to pick up a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from an 18-year-old Ashley Young.</p>
<p>Ultimately the result was made redundant by scorelines elsewhere but Reading still failed to do their part and missed out.</p>
<p><b>Result</b></p>
<p>Failed</p>
<p>**********</p>
<p><b><u>2004/05 (Second Tier) - v Wigan (A) Must better West Ham's result for play-offs.</u></b></p>
<p><b>The Scenario</b></p>
<p>Reading travelled up the JJB Stadium knowing that they had to better West Ham's result against Ipswich at Upton Park to secure a play-off place, a task made that much harder knowing Wigan themselves needed to match Ipswich's result to seal automatic promotion.</p>
<p><b>What Happened?</b></p>
<p>A <span>Jason Roberts</span> inspired Wigan romped to a 3-1 win, while West Ham got past Ipswich to compound Reading's misery. Steve Coppell's side rarely looked in the game and it was only a late consolation goal from Steve Sidwell that made the scoreline respectable.</p>
<p>In the long-term, Coppell would say that watching Wigan celebrate that afternoon helped inspire the team, with the majority of the players that day playing key roles as Reading stormed to the title the following season.</p>
<p><b>Result</b></p>
<p>Failed</p>
<p>**********</p>
<p><b><u>2006/07 (Top Tier) - v Blackburn (A) Better Bolton's result to qualify for UEFA Cup</u></b></p>
<p><b>The Scenario</b></p>
<p>Reading's first season in the Premier League was like a dream as Steve Coppell's side cruised to safety and by the end of the campaign were in with a shot at the UEFA Cup (as much as Coppell protested his side didn't want it!). A shock home defeat to already relegated Watford had dented our European hopes but we travelled to Ewood Park knowing that bettering Bolton's result would see us qualify for Europe for the first time.</p>
<p><b>What Happened?</b></p>
<p>Reading fell behind three times but on each occasion fought back to draw level, with goals from Seol Ki-Hyeon, Kevin Doyle and Brynar Gunnarsson taking it to 3-3 with 13 minutes to go. On inflatables day, the travelling masses thought they'd got the winner they so badly needed when Ivar Ingimarsson headed home, but sadly it was ruled out for a push.</p>
<p>Bolton's draw with Villa meant that Reading missed out by just a solitary point and we haven't been anywhere near Europe since.</p>
<p><b>Result</b></p>
<p>Failed</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Yu35VayYfME" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1398843579115"></p>
<p>**********</p>
<p><b><u>2007/08 (Top Tier) - v Derby (A) Better Birmingham & Fulham's results to stay up</u></b></p>
<p><b>The Scenario</b></p>
<p>Reading's second season in the Premier League proved far harder than the first as the Royals slumped into relegation trouble in the closing weeks of the campaign. In the end their destiny was out of their own hands and they travelled to Derby knowing that they had to win and hope results for Fulham and Birmingham went their way.</p>
<p><b>What Happened?</b></p>
<p>For once, Reading actually held up their end of the equation, taking all three points in some style with a 4-0 win at Pride Park, with James Harper, Dave Kitson, Kevin Doyle and Leroy Lita all getting on the score sheet. Sadly Danny Murphy's goal against a Portsmouth side with one eye on the FA Cup final (and one eye on the fact they'd be in League Two within five years...) would earn Fulham a 1-0 win and ensure they'd stay in the league at our expense.</p>
<p><b>Result</b>: Success but ultimate failure.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XUg89dmUqlA" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>**********</p>
<p><b><u>2008/09 (Second Tier) - v Birmingham (H) Win v Birmingham and Sheff Utd to drop points for automatic promotion.</u></b></p>
<p><b>The Scenario</b></p>
<p>Much like in 2002, Reading had thrown away a promising position in the closing weeks of the season, as they couldn't seem to buy a win at home. However, two late season away wins at Derby and Norwich plus helpful results elsewhere conspired to produce a scenario that would see Reading finish second if they beat Birmingham at home and saw Sheffield United drop points at a <span>Neil Warnock</span> led Crystal Palace.</p>
<p><b>What Happened?</b></p>
<p>Alex McLeish's Birmingham took the lead thanks to a Marcus Hahnemann gaffe and were 2-0 up thanks to <span>Kevin Phillips</span> on the hour mark. While Marek Matejovsky cut the gap, Birmingham held on to spark a promotion party in the away end at the Madejski. Sheffield United couldn't beat Palace, meaning a win would have seen Coppell's side promoted but ultimately they fell into the play-offs where they'd lose 3-0 on aggregate to Burnley.</p>
<p><b>Result</b></p>
<p>Failed</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PLVmLIVpaIs" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>**********</p>
<p><b><u>Overall</u></b></p>
<p>it's sad to say but looking back on those six occasions, Reading have only got the business done twice with one result ultimately meaning nothing and the other only a draw. In fairness wins at Wigan and Watford would still have counted for little but the failure to beat Blackburn and Birmingham proved costly.</p>
<p>While the above may paint a gloomy picture, Reading have got a history of winning crunch games in the final days of a campaign. The West Ham and Southampton away games in 2012 spring to mind for a start and a lot of those players are still involved with the club heading into Saturday's decider.</p>
<p>Ultimately the failure of a Reading side 10 years ago to get the job done won't factor into the players' mindset but it might well cause a few nerves in the stadium.....</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/reading-history-2/2014/5/1/5667404/readingfc-blog-when-it-comes-to-the-crunch-record-in-do-or-die-gamesWimb2014-04-30T12:44:52+01:002014-04-30T12:44:52+01:00Play-off Decider Picked for TV
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<figcaption>Chris Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>Sky Sports have selected Reading v Burnley, as well as Brighton v Nottingham Forest, for their final day TV coverage.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23readingfc&src=hash">#readingfc</a> v <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23burnleyfc&src=hash">#burnleyfc</a> will be live on Sky Sports this weekend. Kick-off is 12.15pm.</p>
— Jonathan Low (@jonathanl50) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonathanl50/statuses/461454256445595648">April 30, 2014</a>
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<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Super Saturday from the Championship this weekend - <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23readingfc&src=hash">#readingfc</a> v <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23twitterclarets&src=hash">#twitterclarets</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23nffc&src=hash">#nffc</a> v <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bhafc&src=hash">#bhafc</a> on Sky - huge play-off battle</p>
— Jonny Fordham (@JonnyFordham) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonnyFordham/statuses/461456655964971008">April 30, 2014</a>
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<p>Reading Football Club take to the pitch in a last-ditch attempt to cement their play-off place this weekend, and already-promoted opponents Burnley will be doing everything they can to end the season on a high note.</p>
<p>This Saturday at 12.15pm, Sky Sports will be televising the game—and if we win, the play-offs will be cemented.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>If <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23readingfc&src=hash">#readingfc</a> finish 6th: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23dcfc&src=hash">#dcfc</a> (H) Thurs 8th @ 7.45, (A) Sun 11th @ 5.15. Finish 5th : <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23QPR&src=hash">#QPR</a> (H) Fri 9th @ 7.45, (A) Mon 12th @ 7.45.</p>
— Jon Keen (@urzz1871) <a href="https://twitter.com/urzz1871/statuses/461426211869454336">April 30, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>So, if you live abroad, have no money or generally can't get to the game, make sure you tune in to Sky Sports to watch the action unfold.</p>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/4/30/5667680/play-off-deciders-on-tvThe Tilehurst End News Desk2014-04-28T11:48:06+01:002014-04-28T11:48:06+01:00Championship Scenarios- The Final Week
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sniYqWQIZTqyY6y15bW84bbJJhU=/50x0:3950x2600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32248801/485481919.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Clive Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>The final week in the Championship sees a number of issues still to be sorted - including the battle at the bottom and the race for sixth.</p> <h5><span><i>Updated to include Tuesday's matches.</i></span></h5>
<h5>Promotion</h5>
<p>Leicester City and Burnley have already earned promotion.</p>
<p>Leicester won promotion on 5th April - following a series of results. They wrapped up the league title following a 1-0 win over Bolton on 22nd April. They can break the 100 point barrier, if they avoid defeat in their match at home to Doncaster.</p>
<p>Burnley were promoted following a 2-0 home win over Wigan on 21st April.</p>
<h5>Play-Offs</h5>
<p>Derby County are confirmed in the first play-off spot (third), while Queens Park Rangers will finish in fourth position. Wigan confirmed their play-off place - following a 2-0 win over Birmingham on Tuesday night. They travel to Blackburn on the final day knowing they'll be guaranteed fifth place if they match Reading's result.</p>
<p>Reading, who currently occupy sixth spot, face promoted Burnley on the final day knowing that a win will guarantee a play-off spot. Reading will also finish in the play-offs if they equal Brighton's result. Brighton (who face Nottingham Forest) can earn a spot, should they win (and Reading drop points) or draw (and Reading lose). Reading could also finish fifth if they win and Wigan lose.</p>
<p>Blackburn Rovers face Wigan on the final day - needing both Reading and Brighton to lose and to overcome a seven goal swing.</p>
<h5>Relegation</h5>
<p>Following Friday nights defeat to Brighton, Yeovil were relegated to League One with a game to spare. As are Barnsley, having been defeated 3-1 to Middlesbrough on Saturday while needing a win.</p>
<p>The final relegation place is currently occupied by Birmingham, who have a solid -16 goal difference and a game in hand, but sit on 43 points. Doncaster Rovers sit above them, and with a final day trip to Leicester ahead they only need to better Birmingham's result to survive.</p>
<p>Birmingham travel to Bolton with their fate out of their own hands, but it is in Millwall's as they host Bournemouth. Earning a late point at QPR keeps their head above water, on 45 points and a win will see them stay up.</p>
<p>As are Charlton survived the drop following a 3-1 win over Watford on Tuesday. They travel to Blackpool, the Seasiders themselves aren't safe, on 46 points with a vulnerable goal difference and needing a point to ensure survival.</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/4/28/5655910/championship-scenarios-the-final-weekClyde1998