The Tilehurst End - Reading v Wolves: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2017-03-03T15:45:01+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/66142462017-03-03T15:45:01+00:002017-03-03T15:45:01+00:00Key Battles: Reading v Wolves
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<figcaption>Will this man cause Chris Gunter more problems? | Michael Steele/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A massive game at the Madjeski as Reading look get back to winning ways and continue their push for promotion. Here are the key battles. </p> <h3><span><span>Chris Gunter</span> vs Helder Costa</span></h3>
<p>The Portuguese man who initially signed on loan from his native side Benfica in the summer, is arguably Wolves' best player and one of the best in the Championship.</p>
<p>So far this season Costa has scored ten goals in 34 appearances in all competitions, including one in his sides win at Stoke in the third round of the FA Cup.</p>
<p>Out of the ten goals scored, eight of them have been scored in the league. That's the same amount as Yann Kermorgant and one less than <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/">Fulham</a> striker Chris Martin.</p>
<p>Performances such as the one against Liverpool in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> fourth round, persuaded the Wolves board to make Costa's stay a permanent one, with the club spending a club record £13 million to secure his services.</p>
<p>Costa also has nine assists in all competitions along with his goals, meaning that he will need be a marked man when Wolves visit the Madjeski.</p>
<p>Looking to keep talented winger quiet will be Chris Gunter, the right back has struggled in recent weeks firstly against Huddersfield and then against Brighton last time out.</p>
<p>Gunter has played poorly against talented wingers throughout the whole of this season and he'll be up against a another brilliant young midfielder.</p>
<p>The right back therefore has to stop standing off his man and contain him, furthermore Gunter must also stop the crosses from coming into the box, which is another area that Gunter has struggled in.</p>
<p>If the Welshman can stop one of the best young players in the Championship, then it should provide the confidence for his side to kick on and win the three points.</p>
<p>Here's a video demonstrating just how good Costa is.</p>
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<h3><span>Danny Williams vs Dave Edwards</span></h3>
<p>The 31-year-old plays in the heart of the midfield three that his side like to play.</p>
<p>So far this season Edwards has found the back of the net nine times in 30 Championship appearances and the attacking midfielder also has three assists to his name.</p>
<p>The Welshman will be looking to spearhead attacks for his team with his passing and vision, something that can cause any defence problems.</p>
<p>It will therefore be Danny Williams' job to stop Edwards from dictating the play and supplying wingers Helder Costa and Andreas Weimann, along with striker Jon Dadi Bodvarrsson, with chances to create and score.</p>
<p>Williams is known for his ability to break play up through his physical approach and will be hoping to use this to full effect when the sides meet.</p>
<p>If the American can do this then this will be a huge plus for Reading, as they'll be stopping Wolves' main man in midfield from inflicting any damage to this Reading side.</p>
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<h3><span>Yann Kermorgant vs Daniel Batth</span></h3>
<p>The centre back is the captain of the Wanderers and has appeared in all, but two Championship games.</p>
<p>Batth is one of the current longest serving members of the Wolves team having made 182 appearances for the Championship club since his move from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/sheffield-wednesday">Sheffield Wednesday</a> back in 2011.</p>
<p>The defender is one Wolves best players with his no nonsense defending and passion for the Wanderers shirt.</p>
<p>However the centre half has endured a tough season with his side conceding 36 goals so far this season and has only kept seven clean sheets.</p>
<p>It is why that despite the quality that Wolves posses the Midland club are in 20th place, two points above the relegation zone.</p>
<p>Centre forward Yann Kermorgant will looking to take advantage of a leaky Wolves defence, the Frenchman is the Royals joint top goal-scorer with eight goals.</p>
<p>However in the last two games Kermorgant has lacked the service that is required from him to have an impact.</p>
<p>The game against Bristol City away demonstrated that with the right service, the striker can be lethal with his finishing.</p>
<p>This is something that the Royals will need to utilise, if they are come away with three points and get their promotion push back on track.</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/3/3/14788520/key-battles-reading-fc-v-wolverhampton-wanderersjacks19962014-10-01T07:00:02+01:002014-10-01T07:00:02+01:005 Things - Wolves
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins</figcaption>
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<p>Reading's game with Wolves at the weekend saw the two sides play out an entertaining 3-3 draw. Bucks Royal brings us his 5 key talking points from the match. </p> <p><b>This side has come a long way...</b></p>
<p>One thing that really sticks out for me is just how much this side has changed in only a few months. Of the eleven that started against Wolves on Sunday, only four of those were in the starting line-up to face Burnley at the beginning of May. That day, Reading lined up in a standard 4-4-2 formation with Morrison in the defence, Le Fondre pairing Pogrebnyak up front, and the Jamaican duo of McAnuff and McCleary providing the width. In the time between those matches, we've seen regulars like McCarthy, Morrison, McAnuff and Le Fondre all leave the club, and second top-scorer <span>Pavel Pogrebnyak</span> relegated to the bench for much of this season. Against Wolves, the set-up was completely different, with recent additions Norwood, Cox and Murray some of the key cogs in a noticeably renovated machine. What's more, the alterations that Nigel Adkins has been able to make with formerly more minor squad members has been telling - <span>Adam Federici</span>, <span>Michael Hector</span>, <span>Hope Akpan</span>, <span>Jake Taylor</span> and <span>Nick Blackman</span> have all been first team regulars this season despite making comparatively few appearances last term. Add to that the major tactical switch from a McDermott-esque 4-4-2 to an Adkinsian 4-2-3-1 and the whole dynamic changes even further.</p>
<p><b>A Tale of Two Technical Glitches...</b></p>
<p>Sunday was a bad day for the Madejski Stadium technical department, with the 17,454 attendees first blasted by an ear-splitting PA system, and then treated to a very distinct lack of goal music. The latter has been received unsurprisingly positively in the recent days, with the overwhelming Twitter crowd majority assuring the club that no one wants goal music at all... despite the latest poll (with the biggest available survey audience) of the Reading fanbase showing a clear majority in favour. The former was arguably a blessing in disguise, jolting awake a Mad Stad crowd being put to sleep by a relatively dull game and the weekly Sunday-morning hangover. Speaking of hangovers...</p>
<p><b>Sloppy defending...</b></p>
<p>If the crowd seemed sluggish during the game, Reading's defence was even more so. So far this season, Nigel Adkins' backline have conceded a whopping fourteen goals in the league, a statistic that far from suggests promotion next May. All three of Wolves' goals can be put down to slack Reading defending - Guthrie losing the ball and Pearce failing to block a cross for their first, a hashed clearance from Obita for their second, and an avoidable set-piece goal for their third. Messrs Hector, Taylor and Murray may have been able to bail out the defence on this occasion (and recent weeks have shown us to have an admirable goal threat, especially at home), but conceding sloppy goals on a regular basis will be costly.</p>
<p><b>A lack of width...</b></p>
<p>One of the things that Reading have always been able to do well in recent years is attacking with width. We've won the Championship twice in recent years with the likes of Convey, McAnuff, Little and Kebe as key players in those teams. However, looking at our play on Sunday afternoon, there seemed to a distinct lack of it. Last season, Messrs McCleary and McAnuff were a constant threat on each wing, with Gunter and Obita having license to support and overlap them constantly. But against Wolves, despite having decent games in my opinion, Taylor and Blackman cut inside and supported Cox and Murray, with Obita and Gunter staying in relatively withdrawn positions. For me, whatever system we play under Nigel Adkins, the pace and skill we have out wide will always be a key weapon in our arsenal, but I didn't see us exploit it on Sunday.</p>
<p><b>Murray and Cox shine as a duo</b></p>
<p>On the flipside, the partnership developing between Glenn Murray and Simon Cox looks to be working a treat. With Murray leading the line as a strong frontman skilled at keeping the ball on the deck and linking up the play with Cox in the hole, there's a real threat through the middle in this team. Particularly on Sunday, we looked to be at our best with the latter making the most of his free role in the team, dropping deep to receive the ball before driving forward with the ball at his feet. The second goal was a great example of that - Cox running at the Wolves' defence before cleverly playing in Taylor to beat the goalie. We haven't had someone like Cox to play in that role in recent years, and it seems to be working a treat. The £600k we reportedly paid for him in the summer already looks like a bargain.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/10/1/6874715/5-things-wolvesBucksRoyal2014-09-29T21:47:42+01:002014-09-29T21:47:42+01:00Reading 3-3 Wolves: A Statistical Review
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<figcaption>Chris Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>The half time substitution of Danny Guthrie on for Hope Akpan seemed to swing Reading's game against Wolves to the visitors' benefit. Will Jones looks at where Nigel Adkins went right and wrong tactically in another exciting clash at the Madejski Stadium.</p> <p><span>So far this season Reading have shown a marked improvement in their passing game. The arrival of Wolves though was always going to test Nigel Adkins’ confidence in his team’s ability on the ball.</span></p>
<p>The League 1 champions not only boasted the league’s best defence but were also the team with the most completed passes. In the past such an opponent would have seen Reading surrender possession, get men behind the ball and look to make the game as tough as possible for their more skilled rivals.</p>
<p>For the first 30 minutes that was how the game unfolded, as Wolves’ passing ability saw them dominate the passing statistics against Reading's 4-4-2 formation: 147 passes (81% success rate) compared to the Royals who attempted 90 passes (71% success rate).</p>
<p>Reading though looked to press their opponents high up the pitch meaning that despite having more possession Wolves were unable to get into a real rhythm.</p>
<p>Of course the most important statistic was the score line, with Reading taking the lead. But Nigel Adkins was clearly worried about Wolves dominance of possession so switched to a diamond formation: with Norwood at the base and Cox at the pinnacle of the midfield four.</p>
<p>This move changed the game, and for the 15 minutes before half time it was Reading who controlled the game with 101 passes (87% success rate) compared to Wolves’ 66 passes (84% success rate).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/5080374/30-HT.png"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/5080374/30-HT_medium.png" class="photo" alt="30-ht_medium"></a> <br id="1412021201232"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Both teams passing in the 15 minutes before half time</b></p>
<p><span>Despite this, Adkins still felt the need to bring on Danny Guthrie for Hope Akpan. The statistics show that the Nigerian Scouser can count himself unlucky to be sacrificed.</span></p>
<p>He had responded well to the change to the diamond, only misplacing one of his 11 passes and playing much further forward than in the opening 30 minutes. In total Reading’s diamond midfield made 53 passes in the last third of the half with all four players getting on the ball: Simon Cox 8 passes, Oliver Norwood 17 and Jake Taylor 17.</p>
<p>The fact that Reading conceded twice in less than ten minutes after their half time substitution would seem to suggest Adkins made a mistake. A move to a diamond may have helped Reading gain control of possession but it also surrendered the wings to the opposition. Kenny Jackett clearly told his team that at half time, as his team’s first two goals came from attacks out wide.</p>
<p>The heat map below show how Wolves started the second half looking for inspiration from Mali international Bakary Sako who lined up on their left hand side. This was also the side of the pitch that Guthrie was covering on the right hand point of Reading's diamond midfield.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/5080406/Wolves_45-60.png"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/5080406/Wolves_45-60_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Wolves_45-60_medium"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Wolves heat map 45-60 mins</b></p>
<p>Recently back from injury, it was perhaps not surprising that it took Guthrie time to get to grips with the game. In his first 15 minutes on the pitch he managed just three passes and not a single tackle or inception.</p>
<p>The Guthrie substitution seems to be a case of Adkins being too eager to change his team. Guthrie is undoubtedly a more technical player than Akpan but Adkins may have been better served placing more faith in his team (and Akpan) and waiting to see how Wolves responded to his successful move to a diamond.</p>
<p>One impact of bringing on Guthrie was that the workload was shared far less amongst Reading’s midfield. In the 23 minutes before Cox was replaced by Jamie Mackie, Norwood made 17 passes at the base of the diamond, Guthrie 12 (showing that he did eventually get into the game), Cox 9 at the top, and Taylor just 2 passes.</p>
<p>Given these statistics it is perhaps not surprising that Cox and Taylor were substituted. Bringing on Mackie, and then Kuhl, saw Adkins make his third tactical change this time to 4-2-3-1 with Norwood playing further forward.</p>
<p>Once again the statistics show Adkins was able to change the game to Reading’s benefit. As the graphics below show, the move saw Reading regain momentum and move the game away from their third of the pitch.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/5080334/45-70.png"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/5080334/45-70_medium.png" class="photo" alt="45-70_medium"></a> <br id="1412020528908"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Action zones 45-70 mins</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Action zones 70-90 mins</b></p>
<p><span>Sunday’s game was certainly a real test for Reading. Before the game my fellow statto @jonnyscott862 had remarked that this game would show whether Adkins had faith in his team’s passing abilities. The changes he made showed he now feels his team can pass and control the game even against the best passing team in the league.</span></p>
<p>Gone are the days when Reading would line up in a 4-4-2 no matter who they were playing. In this game alone Adkins used three different formations and asked six of his players to play in more than two positions.</p>
<p>Bringing on Guthrie was an example how such tinkering can potentially cause problems but on the whole it can only be promising that Reading were able to be so tactically versatile and confident on the ball.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/29/6868627/reading-v-wolves-a-statistical-reportWilliamOwain2014-09-29T15:13:25+01:002014-09-29T15:13:25+01:00Reading v Wolves video highlights<iframe width="1280" height="720" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/53f_YJaqP4A" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Video highlights from our 3-3 draw with Wolves.</p></p></div>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/29/6863489/reading-v-wolves-video-highlightsWimb2014-09-29T08:00:02+01:002014-09-29T08:00:02+01:00Reading 3-3 Wolves: Player Ratings
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts</figcaption>
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<p>Six goals shared equally on a sunny Sunday afternoon saw Reading play out a thriller in front of a live TV audience. Bucks Royal brings us his player ratings from Reading's home clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers. </p> <p><b>Adam Federici: 6</b></p>
<p>Didn't have as much to do for the 90 mins bar picking the ball out of his net three times. None of the goals could in truth be blamed on the big Australian, with defensive faults elsewhere exposing the Reading goal. Made a very smart save early on to keep the game level at 0-0.</p>
<p><b>Chris Gunter: 6</b></p>
<p>A quiet but steady game for the Welshman, who didn't have as much license to roam forward in the game.</p>
<p><b>Alex Pearce: 6</b></p>
<p>Perhaps more shaky than usual but not a great deal so. At times struggled to deal with Clarke in the second half, but generally managed to keep the Wolves forwards under control. A misplaced headed clearance at 2-3 gifted the visitors a corner when he was under little pressure.</p>
<p><b>Michael Hector: 6</b></p>
<p>He'll be glad to have his first Reading goal under his belt, a bullet header from close range that left Carl Ikeme with no chance. Comfortable in possession throughout and dealt well with Wolves pressure.</p>
<p><b>Jordan Obita: 5</b></p>
<p>Much like Gunter, Obita also struggled to make headway down the left flank to deliver crosses for Murray and Cox. A pretty tidy game for the youngster, but he gifted Wolves a second with a clearance that went straight to Evans in the penalty box.</p>
<p><b>Oliver Norwood: 7</b></p>
<p>A tidy game for Norwood who kept the ball effectively but didn't have as much influence as he's had in recent weeks. Lashed a well-hit shot just over the bar at the start of the second half.</p>
<p><b>Hope Akpan: 5</b></p>
<p>Tried to repeat his role in recent weeks of breaking up play and keeping things simple, and to an extent succeeded. That said, he was caught in possession various times due to Wolves' tight pressing game, and was subbed at half time. Scuffed his only effort on goal giving Ikeme a comfortable save.</p>
<p><b>Nick Blackman: 6</b></p>
<p>Although end product was mostly missing, Blackman had a pretty bright afternoon, running at the Wolves' defence repeatedly. Arguably looked more effective in the second half when playing out wide on the left. Blasted a free-kick well over the bar in the dying seconds.</p>
<p><b>Simon Cox: 7 (My Man of the Match)</b></p>
<p>For me, Cox was one of Reading's brightest players when he was on the pitch. Playing in the no.10 role behind Glenn Murray, Cox dropped deep when needed and was creative in attack. Went close twice early on with a header and a drive from distance, and was instrumental in Taylor's equaliser. His second half substitution for Mackie was bizarre if it was a tactical one.</p>
<p><b>Jake Taylor: 6</b></p>
<p>How well Taylor did on Sunday has split opinion on the Tilehurst End following the game. To me, he didn't have a lively game at all, failing to give Obita much support out wide in his 70-odd minutes on the pitch. That said, he was relatively tidy in possession and kept things simple. Repeatedly drifted inside into a central position, especially in the first 30 mins. His goal was well taken, sliding the ball past Ikeme gracefully.</p>
<p><b>Glenn Murray: 7</b></p>
<p>Good holdup play from the new frontman but was largely uninvolved with the game. Bright in the first half in linking up with Cox, but isolated for much of the rest of the game. A very tidy finish at the very end of the game sealed a point for Reading.</p>
<p><b>Substitutes</b></p>
<p><b>Danny Guthrie: 4</b></p>
<p>A pretty average, uninspiring game from a player that looked like someone that has been struggling with injury. Gave the ball away for Wolves' equaliser and did little to affect the game from there on in. He needs game time, but this was a flat performance from someone you'd expect more from.</p>
<p><b>Jamie Mackie: 5</b></p>
<p>He'll get an assist for his part in Murray's goal, but Mackie also failed to have much of an impact on the game.</p>
<p><b>Aaron Kuhl: 6</b></p>
<p>Yet again, he looked calm and intelligent in possession, anchoring the midfield effectively and providing good cover for the back four.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/29/6859579/reading-v-wolves-player-ratingsBucksRoyal2014-09-28T20:22:45+01:002014-09-28T20:22:45+01:00Reading 3-3 Wolves: Match Report
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<figcaption>Simeon Pickup</figcaption>
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<p>Reading returned to the Madejski to play out a six-goal thriller with high-flyers Wolverhampton Wanderers. Bucks Royal gives us his match report from the game. </p> <p>Reading made two changes to the side that was beaten 1-0 at Hillsborough eight days earlier, with the now fit Adam Federici and Michael Hector returning for their temporary replacements Mikkel Andersen and Jake Cooper, who both dropped to the bench. Former Royals Scott Golbourne and James Henry lined up for the visitors.</p>
<p>The opening fifteen minutes were relatively uneventful, with the game refusing to spark into life, but both teams had opportunities to open the scoring. For the Royals, Simon Cox went close with a flicked header from Jordan Obita's cross and a drive from distance, with Wolves' George Saville forcing a good save out of the returning Adam Federici before that.</p>
<p>The deadlock was broken on 19 minutes following a very well worked corner routine involving Obita and Norwood. Obita took short a corner from the right, using Norwood as support, before getting the ball back. The Northern Irishman then picked the ball up again in space on the right before whipping a pacey cross onto the head of Hector who bulleted home the first goal of his Reading career.</p>
<p>Despite looking relatively comfortable for the rest of the first half, Reading were unable to build on their lead. Simon Cox was linking up well with frontman Glenn Murray, who lashed a shot off target following a clever break. Hope Akpan also scuffed a shot comfortably into the arms of Carl Ikeme. So far, so good.</p>
<p>Nigel Adkins made one half-time change, replacing Hope Akpan with Danny Guthrie in a straight swap in midfield. Oliver Norwood had the first chance of the second half, arcing a 30-yard drive narrowly over Ikeme's crossbar in what wasn't far away from being a spectacular goal.</p>
<p>But the 51<sup>st</sup> minute brought with it a whirlwind spell of play that turned the game on its head several times over. Danny Guthrie gave the ball away in the middle of the park before Bakary Sako drove a low cross into the Reading six-yard box for James Henry to slot home at the far post. Wolves were in the ascendancy, and they completed a remarkable (yet short lived) turnaround a few minutes later. Jordan Obita, failing to clear his lines at the back, could only find Evans with a hashed clearance that the Wolves player delightfully pounced on.</p>
<p>Seeing a hard-earned lead slip away in a flash can always have a bad effect on a team, especially considering the nature of the two goals - sloppy defending meant that the Royals gifted the visitors a lead. But to Reading's credit, they did not let their heads drop. From the restart, Simon Cox went on a marauding run forward before playing in Jake Taylor, who slid a cool finish into the back of the net.</p>
<p>Much of the second half was a low-key affair, with both sides struggling to make clear-cut chances. Nigel Adkins made two changes in that time, replacing Simon Cox with Jamie Mackie and Jake Taylor with Aaron Kuhl. Cox had up to that point been impressive, linking up well with Murray and turning provider for Reading's equaliser. On 73 minutes, Kuhl was introduced to shore up a midfield area that Wolves were starting to exert influence over, with Reading switching to what appeared to be a 4-3-3 formation, with Blackman and Mackie either side of Murray.</p>
<p>It was looking like the game would gradually wind down into a 2-2 draw, but Wolves retook the lead with a few minutes to go. A corner was swung into the box from the right, with the ball being bundled just over the line. But the Royals yet again refused to lie down, drawing level yet again through the on-loan Glenn Murray whose deflected strike from the edge of the area flew past Ikeme to seal a point for Reading.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/28/6858213/reading-3-3-wolvesBucksRoyal2014-09-28T11:17:50+01:002014-09-28T11:17:50+01:00Reading 3-3 Wolves - Full Coverage
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<figcaption>Scott Heavey</figcaption>
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<p>Time to get back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats. Today it's the visit of high flying Wolves and here you can join in with your thoughts on the before, during and immediately after the game.</p> <p>A bit end-to-end now; Akpan shoots into the keepers arms after Wolves were worrying Reading around their area. The away team come up the other end, and a corner sees a shot go comfortably wide. 5 to go to H/T.</p>
<p>******</p>
<p>Reading are pressing high, winning the ball, and being comfortable in possession "a fautless performance" says the Sky Sports commentator. Wolves playmaker McDonald is being strangled whenever he gets on the ball.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p>CLOSE: Murray ('23)</p>
<p>Glenn Murray turns a defender, and it seemed like a handball shout- until Murray powers towards goal. Cox offers a pass into a one-on-one but Murray is straight at goal and fires just wide from 25 yards.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p>That's Hector's first goal for the club! Wolves respond with a corner and Reading settle back into a comfortable stroll.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p>GOAL: 1-0 Reading (Hector '18)</p>
<p>An Obita corner goes short to Norwood, who lays back to Obita. The left-back gets crowded and a simple pass to Norwood gives him the entire South-West corner to take his time and pick a cross to the near-post. That's where Michael Hector heads home into the bottom corner, great stuff- sloppy from Wolves.</p>
<p>*******</p>
<p>Reading: Federici, Obita, Pearce, Hector, Gunter, Akpan, Norwood, Taylor, Blackman, Cox, Murray</p>
<p>Subs: Andersen, Cooper, Kuhl, Pogrebnyak, Mackie, Long, Guthrie</p>
<p>******</p>
<p>For a full preview of today's game you can check out<a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/26/6849019/reading-v-wolves-match-preview/in/6614246" target="_blank">Phil's always excellent preview.</a></p>
<p>While for those of you into your stats, <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/27/6850413/reading-v-wolves-stat-pack-preview" target="_blank">here's today's stat pack.</a></p>
<p>We got the Wolves perspective on the game from <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/27/6853281/view-from-the-town-end-wolves/in/6614246" target="_blank">Tom, from Wolves Blog.</a></p>
<p>Plus if you're short of pre-game listening here's our <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/26/6850033/the-tilehurst-end-podcast-extra-september-26" target="_blank">latest TTE Podcast Extra.</a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/28/6856359/reading-v-wolves-live-match-thread-instant-reactionThe Tilehurst End News Desk2014-09-27T12:44:01+01:002014-09-27T12:44:01+01:00Reading v Wolves: Stat Pack Preview
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nMVdlgGhwPbRjRDPMWXMvU4RSxE=/0x179:4000x2846/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/40210734/453874642.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Justin Setterfield</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The old gold of Wolves will be seen at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday for the first time since 2010. @jonnyscott862 takes us through what we should expect from the League 1 champions.</p> <p>A team that has failed to score in its last two games coming up against a team with the stingiest defence in the league. Overcoming this stubborn Wolves defence is the challenge this weekend, they have only conceded 3 goals in 8 league matches so far this season - a phenomenal statement on their return to the league.</p>
<p>Do not let the appearance of a solid defence fool anyone about the strength of this Wolves attack, though, so far they have managed to create 88 chances, the 6<sup>th</sup> highest in the league, of which they have stuck away 8. Reading, on the other hand, have created 64 chances, the 3<sup>rd</sup> worst in the league, and stuck away 11. We have a strangled, albeit clinical, attack coming up against a very impressive defence; and a productive, albeit wasteful, attack coming up against, well, a defence that shipped four against Forest.</p>
<p>The tricks of Bakary Sako will be a test for whatever full back lines up against him, although going by this heat map it seems that he is being given the free reign of the pitch. We can expect a lot of Wolves' play to come through him.</p>
<h5><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/5066684/sako.png"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/5066684/sako_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Sako_medium"></a></h5>
<p><span><b>Bakary Sako Heat Map</b></span></p>
<p>Another player to watch out for is former Reading left back Scott Golbourne, who has played more key passes in the league than any other defender. This is not just a defensive back line, but one with some teeth as well.</p>
<p>Wolves line up in a similar 4-2-3-1 as Reading, with deep lying midfielder Kevin McDonald operating the quarterback role and the formidable form of Nouha Dicko acting as the attacking spearhead. They thrive on possession and passing, with a league high possession average of 55% and more successful passes than any other team (over 1100 more than Reading, incidentally), Kenny Jackett looks to have put together a frighteningly efficient team.</p>
<p>I don't think this is going to be a cracker, Wolves have tended to win by small margins, and I worry about our attack, but it is going to be an interesting marker on how Adkins wants this team to develop. Will Reading turn up intent on playing Wolves at their own passing game, or will Adkins tell them to play it long and exploit marauding fullbacks? Whatever tactic he employs will be a statement of faith, or lack thereof, in this current crop to play out his style of football.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Stat Pack</h3>
<h5>League Records</h5>
<h3></h3>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;"> </p>
<table width="677" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 7643; width: 157pt;" width="209"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2852; width: 59pt;" span="6" width="78"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt; width: 157pt;" class="xl25" height="20" width="209"></td>
<td style="width: 118pt;" class="xl27" colspan="2" width="156">Won</td>
<td style="width: 118pt;" class="xl27" colspan="2" width="156">Drew</td>
<td style="width: 118pt;" class="xl27" colspan="2" width="156">Lost</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl25" height="20"></td>
<td class="xl26">Reading</td>
<td class="xl26">Wolves</td>
<td class="xl26">Reading</td>
<td class="xl26">Wolves</td>
<td class="xl26">Reading</td>
<td class="xl26">Wolves</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl25" height="20">Against top half of the table</td>
<td class="xl24">2</td>
<td class="xl24">2</td>
<td class="xl24"></td>
<td class="xl24">1</td>
<td class="xl24">2</td>
<td class="xl24"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl25" height="20">Against bottom half of the table</td>
<td class="xl24">2</td>
<td class="xl24">3</td>
<td class="xl24">1</td>
<td class="xl24">1</td>
<td class="xl24"><br></td>
<td class="xl24">1</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl25" height="20">When scoring first</td>
<td class="xl24">4</td>
<td class="xl24">5</td>
<td class="xl24"></td>
<td class="xl24"><br></td>
<td class="xl24"></td>
<td class="xl24"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl25" height="20">When conceding first</td>
<td class="xl24"></td>
<td class="xl24"></td>
<td class="xl24">1</td>
<td class="xl24">1</td>
<td class="xl24">3</td>
<td class="xl24">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;"> </p>
<h5>Summary</h5>
<h5></h5>
<p style="font-weight: normal;"> </p>
<table width="335" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 6546; width: 134pt;" width="179"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2852; width: 59pt;" span="2" width="78"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt; width: 134pt;" class="xl24" height="20" width="179"></td>
<td style="width: 59pt;" class="xl25" width="78">Reading</td>
<td style="width: 59pt;" class="xl25" width="78">Wolves</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl24" height="20">Average Possession</td>
<td class="xl25">51%</td>
<td class="xl25">55%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl24" height="20">Average Successful Passes</td>
<td class="xl25">287</td>
<td class="xl25">430</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl24" height="20">Goals from Open Play</td>
<td class="xl26">7</td>
<td class="xl26">4</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl24" height="20">Goals from Counter Attacks</td>
<td class="xl26">0</td>
<td class="xl26">0</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl24" height="20">Goals from Set Pieces</td>
<td class="xl26">3</td>
<td class="xl26">3</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl24" height="20">Penalties</td>
<td class="xl26">1</td>
<td class="xl26">0</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl24" height="20">Own Goals</td>
<td class="xl26">0</td>
<td class="xl26">1</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl24" height="20">Clean Sheets</td>
<td class="xl26">3</td>
<td class="xl26">5</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15pt;" class="xl24" height="20">Total Yellow/Red</td>
<td class="xl25">12/0</td>
<td class="xl25">7/0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="font-weight: normal;"> </p>
<h5>Top Goalscorer</h5>
<h5></h5>
<p style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Reading: </b>Simon Cox - 4 in 8 matches</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Wolves: </b>Bakary Sako - 3 in 8 matches</p>
<h5>Most Assists</h5>
<h5></h5>
<p style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Reading: </b>Jordan Obita - 2 in 8 matches</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Wolves: </b>Nouha Dicko / Scott Golbourne / James Henry / Kevin McDonald / <span>Rajiv van La Parra - all 1 </span></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/27/6850413/reading-v-wolves-stat-pack-previewjonnnyscott862