The Tilehurst End - Reading FC v Rotherham: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2014-11-06T18:22:52+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/69141222014-11-06T18:22:52+00:002014-11-06T18:22:52+00:005 Things - Rotherham United
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins</figcaption>
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<p>Reading faced Rotherham United on Tuesday for the first of back-to-back games at the Madejski. Bucks Royal analyses the game with his 5 Things from the 3-0 win. </p> <h3><b>1) ...Bring the vodka and the charlie</b></h3>
<p>Up to Tuesday night, Jamie Mackie's Reading career had been in a positive but limited light. No-one can deny his workrate, but criticism had been levelled over his end product. If Tuesday night proved anything, it's that he has just that. An excellent all-round performance was capped with a smart finish in the first half and an assist for Cox in the second. If he keeps up this form, <span>Garath McCleary</span> could find breaking back into the side harder than first thought.</p>
<h3><b>2) Kelly's Heroes...</b></h3>
<p>When Brian McDermott signed <span>Stephen Kelly</span> in the January <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors" class="sbn-auto-link">transfer window</a> of the 2012/13 season, much-needed experience was injected into the back four. He's had an up-and-down Reading career since, but the former Republic of Ireland international could be making another break into the side. On a night when Reading scored three, kept a clean sheet, Cox and Mackie shone, and Danny Williams finally returned to the starting XI, Kelly's 90 minutes could be one of the biggest positives. There is now real competition for the right-back slot, and competition can go a long way towards inspiring what has been a very leaky defence.</p>
<h3><b>3) The ever-changing face of Reading's left flank...</b></h3>
<p>As I <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/15/6148435/royals-left-in-limbo">discussed a few weeks ago</a>, Reading's left wing has constantly gone under reconstruction. With Hal Robson-Kanu, <span>Nick Blackman</span>, Ryan Edwards, <span>Jake Taylor</span> and now <span>Jordan Obita</span> all having started there this season, it's fair to assume that Nigel hasn't worked out his preferred player for the position. Obita had a bright game on Tuesday, but didn't give the kind of strong performance that nails down his place there in the next game. This sub-plot could run and run...</p>
<h3><b>4) He's one of our own...</b></h3>
<p>It's always nice to see an academy player make it, but Simon Cox goes down as an extra-special case. Two high-quality finishes to see off Rotherham were testament to the achievements of the academy, and the response to each goal was testament to how highly regarded Cox is by the fans. Twice, "He's One of Our Own" rang out from Y26, and twice Cox responded. An emotional link with the fanbase is seen less and less nowadays, but it's clear that we have it with Reading boy Simon Cox.</p>
<h3><b>5) Great Expectations...</b></h3>
<p>My <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/8/21/6051013/5-things-reading-v-huddersfield-town">first 5 Things of the season</a> <span>was the home game against Huddersfield, and then I talked about the expectations that we, as Reading fans, set of the team. Because of well-documented financial problems and an injury plague, it was generally agreed in the summer that this would be a season of rebuilding and making do with what we have. With that in mind, despite a run of half a dozen games without a win, we're still on track for a respectable mid-table finish. Admittedly, I've recently been one backing a change in manager, but Tuesday changed my mind. With the team under pressure, Adkins changed the team around and delivered a solid defensive and attacking performance. If you can't respect that (I'm looking at you, guy at the back of Y26 constantly shouting 'Adkins Out!'), your expectations of this team are probably unrealistic.</span></p>
<h4>#AdkinsIn</h4>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/6/7168565/5-things-rotherham-unitedBucksRoyal2014-11-06T10:00:02+00:002014-11-06T10:00:02+00:00Reading FC 3-0 Rotherham: A Statistical Review
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins</figcaption>
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<p>A confidence boosting 3-0 win, a return from injury for two potentially vital players, and a vital clean sheet. Jonny takes us through the stats of a good night at the Madejski.</p> <p>Something <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014-15-match-reports/2014/11/4/7157813/reading-fc-3-0-rotherham-match-report-mackie-magic-sparks-royals" target="_blank">went right against Rotherham</a> that has been missing over the past month or so, I'd say it was a bit of grit and courage from the manager.</p>
<p>Adkins was criticised at the weekend for dropping Simon Cox and Jamie Mackie from the side in place of <span>Jake Taylor</span> and <span>Nick Blackman</span>, a decision the manager defended on the grounds of Blackburn's centrally-minded style of play. Anticipating that Taylor and Blackman would be more likely to stay central in their play, the manager reckoned that we would have ample midfield force to deal with the Blackburn attack.<a target="_blank" href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/3/7146929/blackburn-3-1-reading-fc-a-statistical-review"> Will's review</a> shows that Adkins may have bargained wrongly here, and the game collapsed when Blackburn noticed Reading's Plan A and reacted in style.</p>
<p>If Adkins was worried about central-minded attacking, then the visit of Rotherham should have had him especially nervous. Of all the teams in the Championship, none have mounted more attacks down the centre of the pitch than the Millers (34%, compared to Reading's 21%). Did we see the same game plan come out, though? Clearly not, as Cox and Mackie received a recall to the side.</p>
<p>This was a Reading team designed to play to its strengths, and not designed as a defensive reaction to the set-up of the opposition. Adkins could have acted even more defensively last night, and, as it turns out, Rotherham played more central than their average (37% compared to an average of 34%). We did not see this side, though, and a brave selection choice bore some sweet fruit. Hopefully we continue to see a proactive Reading in the next few months, and I think we are in a respected enough position as a club to start trying to stamp some of our own identity on games rather than reacting to others.</p>
<h4>Experience Pays</h4>
<p>Two of Adkins' bravest decisions against Rotherham on Tuesday night were to bring in <span>Anton Ferdinand</span> and <span>Stephen Kelly</span> in an attempt to stop the inevitability of conceding three goals. The defensive stats from last night suggest that this may have been a good call, although it is worth remembering that <span>Michael Hector</span> played for the second half, so this is not by any means an indictment of Reading's young defenders.</p>
<p>Rotherham may be the 4th lowest scorers in the division, but don't confuse them for a defensively-minded side because of this. Steve Evans' men sit 7th in the Championship in terms of average shots per game, with Reading sit on lowly 20th. They also play high up the pitch, with a season average of 32% of play in opponent's half; the best in the league. The significance of a clean sheet, then, is not to be understated. Sure, Rotherham may not be clinical (7th in number of shots taken, 20th in number of goals scored), but the fact that Reading limited them to only 8 shots last night (almost 7 below their season average) shows that something went right at the back.</p>
<p>One of the main goals for an experienced defence would be to force attackers away from the goal, and force them into long shots. This season, Reading have struggled in both these departments.</p>
<p>Reading's struggle in blocking crosses this season is hardly a secret: we are second in terms of goals conceded within the 6 yard box. Further to that, Reading have struggled to force offences into shooting long, with only 40% of attempts on the Reading goal coming from outside the box, the 4th lowest in the Championship. Against Rotherham, however, the Reading defence managed to stop any shots at all occurring within the 6 yard box, and 50% of shots came from outside the area. These figures defy our season averages thus far, and suggest that a bit of experience at the back managed to shore up an uncertain defence.</p>
<h4>Not out of the woods yet...</h4>
<p>There's always something to improve on, and this week I have picked up on something that bothered me at the start of the season. Reading are not a balanced team.</p>
<p>Look at the attack zones from last night:</p>
<p><u><b>Reading Attack Zones Against Rotherham</b></u></p>
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<p>It is perhaps unsurprising that more attacks came down the right with the form that Mackie was in, but with our best crosser of the ball, <span>Jordan Obita</span>, out on the left, we will want to bring him into games more in the coming weeks (assuming that he keeps his spot on the wing).</p>
<p><span>Chris Gunter</span> is an easy scapegoat for this imbalance: a right footed player at left back cannot be as effective as a left-footer. This doesn't seem totally fair to me, though, and I lay the blame at the feet of Danny Williams.</p>
<p>Now, I know that he is returning from injury, and I want to go relatively easy on him until he is back to full match fitness, but he struggled to impact the game much, and as the left sided central midfielder (with Norwood on the right), it was his job to bring the left side of the team into play.</p>
<p>Williams made only 26 touches of the ball, compared to Norwood's impressive 77. His passing could also hardly be described as ‘incisive':</p>
<p><b><u>Williams' Passing Against Rotherham</u></b></p>
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<p>As I've said, and as Wimb pointed out in his<a target="_blank" href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/player-ratings/2014/11/5/7157959/reading-fc-v-rotherham-player-ratings"> player ratings</a>, it's not fair to go too hard on Williams, but this performance leaves room for improvement. His passing was accurate, but we will need to see more of the adventurous Danny Williams that we saw at the end of last season if he is to keep the much-improved <span>Hope Akpan</span> out of this squad.</p>
<p>Two positives and something to improve on is always a good way to look at things, and yesterday's match is as statistically impressive as the scoreline suggested. The final word has to go to Nigel Adkins, though: his bold team selection paid off, and we seem to have a much stronger base to push off now compared to the win against Blackpool.</p>
<p style="text-align: right;" align="left"><i>All stats courtesy of Squawka and WhoScored.com</i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/6/7162825/reading-fc-3-0-rotherham-united-a-statistical-reviewjonnnyscott8622014-11-05T14:03:01+00:002014-11-05T14:03:01+00:00Reading v Rotherham: Video Highlights<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uueiozBhEP4" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Mackie opened the scoring, whilst Cox scored twice to down Rotherham at the Madejski.</p></p></div>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/5/7159891/reading-v-rotherham-video-highlightsRoyal Hoops2014-11-05T07:00:02+00:002014-11-05T07:00:02+00:00Reading 3-0 Rotherham: Player Ratings
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<p>So you've had a <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014-15-match-reports/2014/11/4/7157813/reading-fc-3-0-rotherham-match-report-mackie-magic-sparks-royals" target="new">chance to read our match report</a> but how did we rate Reading FC's players during the 3-0 win over Rotherham? Here's our scores and your chance to vote for your player of the match.</p> <h4>
<span>Adam Federici</span>: 7</h4>
<p>A couple of shaky moments from crosses but otherwise a strong performance from our October Player of the Month who made a good save at 1-0 to keep Reading in front.</p>
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<span>Chris Gunter</span>: 6</h4>
<p>Never looked fully comfortable on the left, which is what you'd expect from a right-footed, right-back. Still, Gunter helped keep a rare clean sheet and his evening was only really spoiled by a stupid late booking for time wasting with only a couple of minutes to go and the game dead.</p>
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<span>Alex Pearce</span>: 7</h4>
<p>Strong as ever in the air and seemed to appreciate having a senior player in Ferdinand alongside him once again.</p>
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<span>Anton Ferdinand</span>: 7</h4>
<p>Showed why he's been in the Premier League for most of his career with a calming and tidy performance before having to go off due to injury. Fingers crossed it's nothing serious because Ferdinand looked like he could be a good addition going forward.</p>
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<span>Stephen Kelly</span>: 7</h4>
<p>Tilehurst End Podcast co-host Westie won't thank me for this (and his pre-match text on hearing the news of Kelly's inclusion isn't fit for a family friendly site) but Kelly showed us exactly why, like Ferdinand, he's been a Premier League player for most of his career. He did the simple things well and also helped create our opening goal. I don't think he's a massive upgrade on Gunter, especially long-term but in the short-term it was good to see another calming and experienced head in the back-four.</p>
<h4>Oliver Norwood: 7</h4>
<p>Not quite at his September peak but Norwood had a fine game that saw him put in some good tackles and retain possession effectively. Unlucky not to score with a free-kick in the first-half and helped create Cox's second goal.</p>
<h4>Danny Williams: 6</h4>
<p>This mark might get me a bit of stick but while I thought Williams had a very solid game, this wasn't the Danny Williams who was so influential last spring. The obvious and valid excuse for that is that tonight was his first professional start in six months and in those circumstances he put in a good shift but he still wasn't quite as influential as you'd maybe have hoped. Still, the main thing for the American International was getting some game time under his belt and he got that.</p>
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<span>Jordan Obita</span>: 6</h4>
<p>Obita was given the chance to play further forward and while last year's Player of the Season put in a few delightful crosses, he still looked a bit isolated and off the pace at times. Having a right-footed player behind him in Gunter didn't help but this wasn't a performance that convinced me he's the definitive answer for the left-wing slot.</p>
<h4>Jamie Mackie: 9</h4>
<p>The aforementioned Westie describes Mackie as 'the fan on the pitch' and never was this more evident than tonight as the Forest loanee put in a brilliant shift down the right-hand side. Mackie finally added an end product to his hard work tonight and more than deserved his superb opening goal. His linkup play with both Cox and Murray was also excellent and fingers crossed he's rounding in to top form.</p>
<h4>Simon Cox: 8</h4>
<p>Like most, Cox had a quiet half-hour or so before exploding into life and helping himself to two very well taken goals. You know what you're going to get hard work from Cox but the fact he's already bagged seven goals is very encouraging from a man who usually struggles to get near double figures.</p>
<h4>Glenn Murray: 8</h4>
<p>Reminds me a lot of <span>Jason Roberts</span> during his six months here in the title winning season. He's clever enough to win little free-kicks and distract defenders, while also being strong and skilful enough to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Deserved a goal and I just hope Palace don't beg him to come back in January....</p>
<p>Substitutes</p>
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<span>Michael Hector</span>: 6</h4>
<p>A couple of nervy moments from the half-time substitute but otherwise did what he needed to do.</p>
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<span>Hope Akpan</span>: 5</h4>
<p>Looked hungry when he came on but picked up a silly booking that neutered his game.</p>
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<span>Jake Taylor</span>: NA</h4>
<p>Not enough time to make an impact as the Welsh International came on in the dying moments to allow Cox a standing ovation.</p>
<p><i>So that's how we've rated them but what do you think? Share your thoughts below and vote for your own player of the match.</i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/player-ratings/2014/11/5/7157959/reading-fc-v-rotherham-player-ratingsWimb2014-11-04T23:13:24+00:002014-11-04T23:13:24+00:00Reading 3-0 Rotherham: Mackie Magic Sparks Royals
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins</figcaption>
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<p>Two goals from Simon Cox and a superb opener from Jamie Mackie inspired Reading to a comfortable 3-0 win over Rotherham on a cold and wet night at the Madejski Stadium. </p> <p><i><b>Reading</b>: Federici; Gunter, Pearce, Ferdinand (Hector), Kelly; Obita, Norwood, Williams (Akpan), Mackie; Cox (Taylor), Murray</i></p>
<p>After getting comfortably beaten 3-1 at Blackburn last weekend Nigel Adkins made five changes to his starting lineup including handing a debut to <span>Anton Ferdinand</span> as well as giving first starts of the season to <span>Stephen Kelly</span> and Danny Williams. There were also places for Simon Cox and Jamie Mackie, two omissions at Blackburn that had particularly irritated large parts of the Reading faithful.</p>
<p>All that meant Reading lined up in a 4-4-2 that saw <span>Chris Gunter</span> shifted to left-back, <span>Jordan Obita</span> further forward and Danny Williams partnering Oliver Norwood in the middle of the park.</p>
<p>However for the first 30 minutes of this game those changes seemed to have little impact as Reading put together football that could at best be described as boring and at worst a form of torture for the 13 thousand or so hearty fans huddled inside a freezing Madejski Stadium.</p>
<p>Fortunately while Reading were blunt, so were their opponents who barely forced <span>Adam Federici</span> into a significant save. While Rotherham were certainly tidy in possession, Steve Evan's side also lacked any sort of penetration in the final third, something Reading's new-look back-four would have certainly appreciated.</p>
<p>When a team is low on confidence and ideas you often need a moment of inspiration and that's exactly what Reading got on the half-hour mark. A mistake from the Rotherham defence presented Glenn Murray with the ball 25-yards out, with the Palace loanee finding Kelly out wide. The right-back whipped a cross which was only half cleared and dropped to Mackie who spun magnificently to blast past Millers keeper Adam Colin.</p>
<p>It was Reading's first shot of the game but it sparked Nigel Adkins team into life and just moments later Cox came close to making it 2-0 only for Colin to make a smart save down to his right.</p>
<p>Chris Gunter and Mackie both also had chances to make it two-nil before half-time, while Oliver Norwood whipped in a delightful free-kick from the corner of the box 20-yards out that smashed into the angle before bouncing to safety.</p>
<p>Reading were forced into a change at half-time as Anton Ferdinand was replaced by <span>Michael Hector</span>, with Ferdinand having been visibly struggling from around the time of the first goal.</p>
<p>Rotherham did have a couple of chances to get back in it, but Federici was alert to save at his near post from a corner in one of his few bits of action on the night.</p>
<p>While sometimes you need moments of quality in spells of bad form, you also need a little bit of luck and Reading's second goal combined both those elements.</p>
<p>A long-ball was pinged at the always hard working Murray but instead of jumping for it, the Reading forward was happy to let the Rotherham defender jump all the way over him and miss the clearance. A few weeks ago Murray was penalised for almost exactly the same incident but this week he got away with it and Jamie Mackie collected the lose ball, drove in towards goal and played a lovely ball to Cox who finished smartly to put the game to bed.</p>
<p>The game was well and truly killed off ten minutes later as Norwood's ball found Cox who controlled well, before firing another fine shot past Colin to give Reading their third goal of the night.</p>
<p>Mackie and Murray both had chances to extend the lead even further before the game slowly died out as Reading were content to see out their second consecutive 3-0 home win.</p>
<p>After so many weeks of negatives it's nice to reflect on a night that largely only has positive implications going forward.</p>
<p>While he may have lasted just 45 minutes, Anton Ferdinand showed a composure that's been missing from the defence and Stephen Kelly also showed why he was playing Premiership football for a decade with a composed game on the right (.....sorry Westy!)</p>
<p>Danny Williams tried hard but wasn't quite up to his best, something more than understandable after six months out while the attacking trio of Mackie, Cox and Murray were simply outstanding. I'll save my individual analysis for the player ratings but this was a brilliant effort from Mackie who looked like the star I'd seen terrorise the Royals while wearing Plymouth colours a few years ago. If he keeps up form like this then <span>Garath McCleary</span> is going to find getting his place back tricky.</p>
<p>If you're looking for problems then certainly Reading's defence will face far sterner tests than Rotherham in the coming weeks and while Chris Gunter did OK at left-back, he was visibly reluctant to use his left foot and clearly isn't a long-term solution to the problem.</p>
<p>For me it was also a bit tricky to see a clear game-plan and certainly the first 30 minutes were about as toothless as you could possibly get. Going ahead certainly helped but if Reading go behind I still have to question if they've got a plan B to help them get back into a game.</p>
<p>However those concerns are for another day and this result very much gives Nigel Adkins and his team something to build on, especially with an out of form Charlton turning up at the Madejski Stadium in just four days time.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014-15-match-reports/2014/11/4/7157813/reading-fc-3-0-rotherham-match-report-mackie-magic-sparks-royalsWimb2014-11-04T18:50:35+00:002014-11-04T18:50:35+00:00Reading FC v Rotherham: Live Match Thread
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<figcaption>Jamie McDonald</figcaption>
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<p>Nigel Adkins takes the Royals into this game with more pressure than ever before. Can he get the win that would help alleviate it?</p> <h4>Instant Reaction</h4>
<p>The Royals took a little while to get out of first gear (or take the handbrake off?) but eventually ran out comofortable 3-0 winners a the Madejski Stadium, leaving Rotherham with their heads hanging low.</p>
<p>Keep checking back on The Tilehurst End for more reactions and reviews of the game.</p>
<h4>Major updates</h4>
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<p>Truly horrible opening 23 minutes. Still 0-0 at the midway point of the first half. Things can only get better in this one. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a></p>
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/529731193122865152">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>GOALLLLL!!!! 1-0 to the Royalss!!!!</p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/529732431008792578">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>It's Jamie Mackie who gets it. Lovely turn and finish after Stephen Kelly's cross, Murray had found the full back in plenty of space.</p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/529732551842463744">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>HALF TIME and the Royals lead 1-0 thanks to Jamie Mackie - here he is celebrating his first goal in a Reading shirt. <a href="http://t.co/ZbvvfQmnP0">pic.twitter.com/ZbvvfQmnP0</a></p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/529736719411998722">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Looks like that's Ferdinand's night over then</p>
— The Tilehurst End (@TheTilehurstEnd) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTilehurstEnd/status/529740462316609537">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>GOAL!!! 2-0!! Simon Cox finishes well!!</p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/529743197086695427">November 4, 2014</a><br>
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<p>More superb work from Mackie, baffled his man on the right before cleverly slotting in Coxy. Good finish</p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/529743283703259136">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>GOAL!!! What a hit Simon Cox!!! 3-0!!!</p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/529745324450250753">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Clever pass by Norwood, Coxy controlled it with his back to goal before turning and firing an excellent volley home. Keeper had no chance</p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/529745567950602241">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p><span><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>FULL TIME and it&#39;s a good 3-0 win for the Royals with two from <a href="https://twitter.com/SCoxy31Real">@SCoxy31Real</a>, one for Mackie. Good team display. URZ! <a href="http://t.co/LtoJvLVL41">pic.twitter.com/LtoJvLVL41</a></p>&mdash; Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/529752803196293120">November 4, 2014</a></blockquote></span></p>
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<h4>Team news</h4>
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<p>Reading: Federici, Kelly, Gunter (C), Pearce, Ferdinand, Williams, Norwood, Obita, Mackie, Cox, Murray</p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/529711856462856192">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Subs: Andersen, Hector, Cooper, Akpan, Taylor, Blackman, Robson-Kanu</p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/529711935722643456">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rufc?src=hash">#rufc</a> for tonight: Collin, Richardson, Arnason, Morgan, SKARZ; Pringle, SMALLWOOD, Frecklington, Green; Revell, DERBYSHIRE.</p>
— Rotherham United (@OfficialRUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialRUFC/status/529714116022521856">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Subs for the Millers: Loach, Broadfoot, Bowery, Milsom, Swift, Taylor, Clarke-Harris.</p>
— Rotherham United (@OfficialRUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialRUFC/status/529714260101066753">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
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<h4>Podcast</h4>
<p>In the meantime, make sure you listen to the latest podcast below:</p>
<p><iframe id="audio_iframe" src="http://www.podbean.com/media/player/audio/postId/5357465?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthetilehurstend.podbean.com%2Fe%2Fthe-tilehurst-end-podcast-episode-40-three-unfortunates%2F&skin=1&postId=5357465&download=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&auto=0" height="100" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player"></iframe> <a href="http://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/mf/web/u3sk5m/tte031114.mp3">Download this episode (right click and save)</a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/4/7156197/reading-fc-v-rotherham-live-match-thread-instant-reactionThe Tilehurst End News Desk2014-11-04T14:24:59+00:002014-11-04T14:24:59+00:00Rotherham receive late boost ahead of tonight's game<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/OfficialRUFC/status/529638859622330369">Rotherham receive late boost ahead of tonight's&nbsp;game</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>For plenty more previews and analysis you can head to <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/3/7150081/reading-fc-v-rotherham-full-coverage" target="new">our story stream here. </a></p></p></div>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/4/7154333/rotherham-boost-ahead-of-tonights-gameWimb2014-11-04T13:30:02+00:002014-11-04T13:30:02+00:00Reading FC v Rotherham: 3 Things To Look Out For
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<figcaption>Jamie McDonald</figcaption>
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<p>For the first time since 2005, Reading will face Rotherham United. @mostlybobbins and @WilliamOwain gives us three things to keep an eye out for in tonight's clash with the Millers...</p> <h4>1) The Adkins selection roulette<br>
</h4>
<p>With everything to gain, could Nigel afford to be bold and make some changes to his defence? With both Ferdinand and Hector now available for selection after injury and suspension respectively, could the manager decide to try a totally new centre half partnership? If so, it will be our fourth different pairing in central defence.</p>
<p>If Danny Williams returns to central midfield, this could potentially be our sixth different central midfield pairing of the season.</p>
<h4>2) Rotherham's pressing game<br>
</h4>
<p>One noticeable thing about previous Rotherham games has been high up the field they play. The Millers look to pen their opponents in their own half and their 44.3% of possession, the league's lowest, shows they are more than happy to go long if it gives them the chance to start a counter attack. With this in mind Jamie Mackie will surely return to the starting line-up, with his pace offering a potential threat for balls played behind Rotherham's high line by Oliver Norwood.</p>
<h4>3) Pringle's crisp passing<br>
</h4>
<p>A quick look at WhoScored's characteristics for both teams makes potentially worrying reading for Royals fans. One of Rotherham's strengths is creating scoring chances whilst Reading are weak at stopping opponents from creating chances. So expect the Millers to have chances tonight!</p>
<p>To do that Reading will have to keep an eye out for Ben Pringle. The 25 year old was linked with a move to the Madejski Stadium last season and it is easy to see why. The talented left midfielder has created 49 chances this season, 30 more than any of his team mates. Once again <span>Chris Gunter</span>, presuming he is picked, will be up against the opposition's most dangerous player, let's hope he has a better time than he did against <span>Ben Marshall</span> on Saturday.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/4/7149191/reading-fc-v-rotherham-united-3-things-to-look-out-formostlybobbinsWilliamOwain