The Tilehurst End - Norwich City v Reading FC: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2014-12-02T18:23:04+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/70628342014-12-02T18:23:04+00:002014-12-02T18:23:04+00:005 Things - Norwich City (A)
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zHtHQB2xfsB4Wzp41J3JWyrBlWQ=/0x545:3017x2556/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44262210/459380018.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Saturday afternoon saw Reading take home three big points from East Anglia courtesy of a Jake Cooper brace. Bucks Royal rounds up the action with his 5 things from the game. </p> <h4>1) Away discomforts</h4>
<p>Saturday's 2-1 win over Norwich, amongst other things, highlighted just poor Reading's away form has been this season. So far this campaign, the Royals have only managed two wins away from the Madejski, with the other victory coming in Middlesbrough at the tail end of August courtesy of a Simon Cox strike. Overall, the away record is abysmal - in addition to those two victories, Reading have lost six times and drawn twice on the road, scoring just eight goals in the process.</p>
<p>Plus, when you break down those eight goals, the stats become even more worrying. Five of those strikes come from defenders and, not to be too harsh on young Jake Cooper, but we really shouldn't be in a position where his double makes him joint-top away scorer this far into the season. Reading's strikers really need to start putting the ball in the net away from home, not to mention the midfielders, none of whom have scored on the road this campaign.</p>
<p>In contrast to that, Gary Hooper's goal on Saturday was the nineteenth that Reading have conceded on their travels so far this season. That record of course includes batterings at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.inthetopone.com/">Nottingham Forest</a>, Brentford and Bournemouth - the ten goals in those games make up more than half of the total conceded.</p>
<p>In short, if Reading are to turn this season around, they need to up their game away from the Madejski.</p>
<h4>2) Murray not scoring</h4>
<p>On the topic of people not scoring, the trip to Norwich was Glenn Murray's fourth game in a row without finding the net, his last goal coming in the 3-1 defeat to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/blackburn-rovers">Blackburn Rovers</a>. Going into December, five goals in the season isn't a terrible return, but we were hoping for more from the last minute summer signing. That's not to criticise the Palace loanee though - he's barely had any chances to score from this season, and I can't remember him having any on Saturday. <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.whoscored.com/Players/21427/Show/Glenn-Murray">Indeed, WhoScored say that he averages a whopping 3.2 shots per game.</a> With Reading needing to stick the ball in the net more often, they could do a lot worse than giving Murray some better service. Having Garath McCleary, last season's top assist maker, returning to the side after several months out will do an awful lot of good.</p>
<h4>3) Are things really that bad?</h4>
<p><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.whoscored.com/Players/21427/Show/Glenn-Murray"></a></p>
<p>With Reading 19 games into the season, we've amassed 24 points and sit on a goal difference of -5, resulting in a table position of 14th; in other words so far, so thoroughly average. Interestingly, it's pretty identical to what was expected of the side going into the season. The incessantly quoted 'two wins in twelve' stat going into the Norwich game seems bleak on paper, but it's the kind of poor form that every mid-table side goes through in a season and, if it results in you dipping to around 15th in the table, it's really not as terrible as some would make out. Also, a quick glance down the table shows you how bad things really can get. As things stand, Reading find themselves above recently relegated <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/">Fulham</a>, whereas Wigan and Brighton, two sides that beat Reading to Playoff places last season, currently occupy two relegation places. Perspective is a wonderful thing.</p>
<h4>4) Now is Samuel's time.</h4>
<p>I've been far from impressed with <span>Pavel Pogrebnyak</span> this season, with the Big Russian earning some of our lowest individual match ratings so far. The desire he showed last campaign to fight his way back into the team seems to be drying up, but his status as one of the few out-and-out strikers that Reading have in the squad earns him a spot on the bench each week. Now, having picked up an injury that is likely to keep him out for several weeks, a vacancy has arisen in the matchday squad. It's pretty surprising that <span>Dominic Samuel</span>, having made his Reading debut at Sunderland a few seasons ago, hasn't kicked on since then. He clearly has the talent, as shown in this cracking strike against Manchester City's youth side. We could do a lot worse than giving him a run-out on Saturday against Bolton.</p>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QOBDhLlRMDY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></p>
<h4>5) Winter is Coming...</h4>
<p>As previous seasons have shown, the Christmas period can be crucial to deciding where a team will end up come May. We're now less than a month away from the January <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a>, and have five more games to go of this calendar year. Starting with Bolton at home this weekend, Reading then have a trip to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/birmingham-city">Birmingham City</a>, before Watford at home, Brighton away on Boxing Day and a visit from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/">Norwich City</a> to round out 2014. That run of games could make or break Reading's season, with all of them being winnable matches, although Watford (currently in 7th, form a tricky test for Nigel Adkins' men). Pick up 8-10 points and move up a few places, and Reading have real momentum going into the New Year. Anything less than 6, and the Royals will start to slide back down the table.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/2/7320213/5-things-norwich-city-reading-fcBucksRoyal2014-12-02T07:00:02+00:002014-12-02T07:00:02+00:00Norwich City 1-2 Reading FC: A Statistical Review
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YijzHbDj0NXozWjTxAE4GdLBx7c=/0x75:1965x1385/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44252694/458403184.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two games against two teams relegated from the Premier League, yet two different outcomes. @WilliamOwain investigates how a tactical switch brought a much needed win for the Royals.</p> <p>Ask most Reading fans what worries them most about the current team, and it is very likely that defence will be mentioned. Ask Nigel Adkins to describe himself and he'll probably mention the word "positive". A look at Adkins' managerial career shows the two might be linked.</p>
<p>None of his teams have ever been low scorers. Even his Scunthorpe teams managed to score 46 and 62 times in the Championship. On the other hand, with the exception of Southampton's League One promotion winning season, Adkins' teams have also never been tight at the back. His mentality is to be positive.</p>
<p>This brought him major success at St Mary's, but it could also be argued it showed him up. In the Saints' first ten games of the 2012/2013 Premier League season they conceded a whopping 28 goals. Despite conceding six at Arsenal and four at West Ham, Adkins continued to persevere with his favourite 4-2-3-1 formation. To put it bluntly, Adkins was too positive!</p>
<p>Southampton's 2-0 defeat at West Brom, though, was clearly a nadir for even him. For Saints' next match he dropped Jay Rodriguez and changed formation to 4-1-4-1. The result was four matches unbeaten and a brief stay of execution.</p>
<h4>Was Cardiff a point of no return?</h4>
<p>I mention all this, because Reading's second away victory of the season at Norwich saw a similar change in formation and mentality from Nigel Adkins. Was Cardiff another point of no return? Or was he just wary of the threat from the Canaries? Given his guarded interview style, we may never find out.</p>
<p>What we do know was that his starting lineup for Saturday's match did not get much of a positive reaction from Royals fans. In particular, the decision to leave Simon Cox on the bench left many fans scratching their heads. My fellow Tilehurst Ender, Hoops', tweet below, probably reflected what quite a few Reading fans were thinking before kick off.</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>TOP TIP: Looking to be sacked as manager? Start your top scorer on the bench. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a></p>
— Hoops (@RoyalHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalHoops/status/538698250321428480">November 29, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>The decision to leave out Cox also left fans wondering how the team would line up formation and position wise. The expectation was that <span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span> would play centrally, with <span>Garath McCleary</span> and Jordan Obita on the wings in Adkins' favourite 4-2-3-1 formation.</p>
<p>What actually materialised was very different. Reading lined up with their usual flat back four, Oliver Norwood sat just in front of the defence, a four man midfield, with Glenn Murray having the thankless task of being the lone striker. It was a previously unseen 4-1-4-1 formation.</p>
<p>It seems that Adkins felt it was time to go back-to-basics. For perhaps the first time since taking charge at the Madejski Stadium, he decided that being steady, defending deep, and in numbers, would be the basis to build on.</p>
<p>The most noticeable change from this decision was how the Royals controlled the centre of park. Against <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/3/7146929/blackburn-3-1-reading-fc-a-statistical-review/in/6901014">Blackburn I highlighted</a> how Reading's two man central midfield were unable to cope with Rovers' narrow style of play.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0sWrhgazDXmPAtTiqdFMS5Xg3gc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2416194/Blackburn_1st_goal.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>The picture above shows, Norwood trying to close down Tom Cairney rather than cover the runner from midfield. Against Norwich, though, he could sit behind Danny Williams and <span>Jordan Obita</span>, marking the space in front of the defence.</p>
<p>The graphic below shows the Royals' average positions. The importance of having the extra central midfielder is clear. Unlike in the picture above, Williams and Obita could close down Norwich's central midfielders, Jonny Howson and Alexander Tettey, knowing that Oliver Norwood would cover the space in front of the defence.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Norwich Average Positions" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/az2uKnMCvsMb0nQ9JvRHYGZD3q4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2507464/Norwich.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>The image below highlights this even more, and also shows how effective, and disciplined, Reading were defensively.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Norwich 4-1-4-1 formation" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hQ01Rx3aDgbqCdnV071_9loLGLs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2503910/Norwich_2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>I could have chosen numerous shots of how Reading always had men in the centre of the park, forcing Norwich to go wide. If they did try to play through the middle then they had to get through Reading's three man central midfield.</p>
<p>The image below shows Williams and Obita looking to close down <a href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Norwich's</a> central midfielders. Jonny Howson is looking to play the ball though the middle, but Reading have Norwood who can close down Gary Hooper, meaning the centre backs can stay in position. If Howson had decided to pass to Tettey then Williams would have been able to quickly close the Norwegian international down.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Norwich 4-1-4-1 formation (2)" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lPpT-UKEqm1xKBOnjMNuinCnX1k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2503934/Norwich_1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Of course having the fourth worst defence in the league, means the opposition only have to venture into Reading's third of the pitch for us fans to get worried. But in hindsight Reading were never really in much danger after going in front. Apart from Josh Murphy's late miss, Norwich struggled to create any real opportunities.</p>
<p>Instead they fell into the same trap that Reading themselves have fallen victim to on occasions this season. Namely, lots of possession simply resulting in lots of hopeful crossing. The 45 crosses the Canaries attempted were the most the Royals have been barraged with this season. Reading's 52 clearances and 18 blocks were also season highs.</p>
<p>Now no report on Saturday's game can of course fail to mention Jake Cooper. The Bracknell born defender made 16 clearances (six more than Norwood, the next highest player) and won six aerial challenges. Perhaps the most impressive statistic, and damning for Norwich, is that he did not make a single tackle. Instead his positioning and strength meant he was (almost) always in the right position.</p>
<h4>The difference from Cardiff</h4>
<p>Now before we think we have found the solutions to our problems, it is probably worth remembering how out-of-form Norwich are and how distinctly average they were. It often feels like Reading are the perfect team to regain form against. Thankfully for once it was our turn to break a bad run.</p>
<p>It should also be noticed that whilst Reading defended well, it could be argued our quality on the ball left a lot to be desired. 37% possession, 314 passes with a 63% success rate, shows we were happy to see Norwich on the ball. This was a big contrast to the previous game when against Cardiff, Reading had 53% possession, made 507 passes with a 78% success rate, despite playing a whole half a man down.</p>
<p>Such a difference clearly indicates a change in mentality (of both teams). Against Cardiff, Nigel Adkins wanted his team to get on the ball and dictate the game, which Russell Slade was happy for his team to allow. Against Norwich, Adkins' team sat deep allowing the Canaries to dominate possession.</p>
<h4>The Adkins' roulette</h4>
<p>Despite the win and improved defensive performance, I still expect Adkins to change personnel and formation for next week's home match against Bolton. I think he might risk another outing for the young Cooper Hector centre back partnership, but I would be surprised if he doesn't recall Cox and revert to his favourite 4-2-3-1 formation.</p>
<p>The Norwich game has put him in a "damned if he does, damned if he doesn't" situation. Play 4-1-4-1 again and fail to win, and he'll be accused of being too defensive at home. But if we lose after changing back to 4-2-3-1 then questions will be asked as to why he did not stick with a winning formula. Of course every game needs a different approach. The Norwich game saw a new one from Reading, and it worked.</p>
<p><i>All stats courtesy of Squawka and WhoScored.</i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/2/7309315/norwich-city-1-2-reading-fc-a-statistical-reviewWilliamOwain2014-12-01T09:00:02+00:002014-12-01T09:00:02+00:00Norwich 1-2 Reading: Player Ratings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WYnaXecdK-8oz2Tpgst4UzPnH2U=/0x155:2592x1883/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44255168/459408248.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>So who shone the brightest in our 2-1 win at Carrow Road? Handbags returns to give his ratings and invites you to vote for your player of the match.</p> <p><b><span>Adam Federici</span></b> - 7</p>
<p>Rarely troubled, faultless.</p>
<p><b><span>Stephen Kelly</span></b> - 7</p>
<p>Solid, kept Lafferty quiet throughout, caught out once by a crossfield pass to Murphy.</p>
<p><b><span>Chris Gunter</span></b> - 5</p>
<p>Ineffective, most of Norwich's bright play came on his side, a recurring opposition theme most weeks.</p>
<p><b><span>Michael Hector</span></b> - 8</p>
<p>Dealt with Jerome, Hooper, Murphy and Grabban well, composed performance.</p>
<p><b>Jake Cooper </b>- 9</p>
<p>Superb, flawless display capped by the two goals.</p>
<p><b><span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span></b> - 6</p>
<p>Quiet match, ineffective as an attacking force with the exception of the long range effort just prior to the equaliser.</p>
<p><b><span>Garath McCleary</span></b> - 6</p>
<p>Dangerous outlet but struggled to impose himself. Needs time to regain full match fitness</p>
<p><b>Oliver Norwood </b>- 7</p>
<p>Typically composed display, intelligent with the ball, assist for the equaliser.</p>
<p><b>Danny Williams</b> - 7</p>
<p>All action as is the way with him, love it when he drives forward with the ball, starting to impose himself on matches like we know he can.</p>
<p><b><span>Jordan Obita</span></b> - 6</p>
<p>Playing through the middle again, was generally ineffective although gains an assist for the winner. Must play wide or at left back, looks lost in the middle.</p>
<p><b>Glenn Murray </b>- 6</p>
<p>On the receiving end of a bit of a battering by Michael Turner whose hands were everywhere in aerial challenges with no punishment from a bemusing referee. As a result rarely held the ball up, so invited pressure. Booked in the end and had a warning for persistent infringements, subbed in the end.</p>
<p><b>Substitutes</b></p>
<p><b><span>Jake Taylor</span> </b>- 6</p>
<p>On for McCleary with Obita moving wide, failed to impose in the middle but was neat and tidy with the ball generally.</p>
<p><b><span>Nick Blackman</span></b> - 5</p>
<p>On for Williams, similar to Taylor although I'm not sure he even touched the ball!!</p>
<p><b><span>Anton Ferdinand</span></b> - 7</p>
<p>On for Murray, did what was needed to see our young pairing through to full time.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/1/7312683/norwich-city-v-reading-fc-player-ratingshandbags_harris2014-12-01T07:53:50+00:002014-12-01T07:53:50+00:00Norwich 1-2 Reading: Canaries Plucked
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TgfYBIwSKdSN8J0VrvKlORVukaY=/45x0:2958x1942/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44255126/455546166.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>For the first time since August, Reading went away from home and picked up all three points as they came from behind to beat Norwich 2-1. Handbags Harris was there for us and brings us his report on the game</p> <p><i><b>Reading</b>: Federici, Gunter, Hector, Cooper, Kelly, Norwood, McCleary (Taylor), Obita, Williams (Blackman), Robson-Kanu, Murray (Ferdinand)</i></p>
<p>Carrow Road, historically a reasonable place for Reading to gain a points return, was a fruitful venue once more as Reading ran out 2-1 winners in this fixture between two out of division's most out of form teams. Norwich went into the game with just one win in nine, while Reading's own fortunes had seen just two wins in ten. Recent history would point towards a home win, Norwich having ran out deserved 2-1 winners in the two previous fixtures at the venue, memorably a <span>Grant Holt</span> winner in 2011 secured three very valuable points towards promotion for Norwich in a bad-tempered, highly charged affair. My own overriding personal memory of the game being that of the Barclay End giving the most intense crowd bounces I have ever seen.</p>
<p>Reading lined up in a familiar looking 4-2-3-1, the main talking points being the dropping of top scorer Simon Cox to the bench again to cater for the more solid midfield three, with <span>Garath McCleary</span> making his first start of the season on the left. Norwich lined up in a standard 4-4-2 with former Adkins stalwart Gary Hooper lining up front for his own first start of the season alongside <span>Cameron Jerome</span>. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/">Norwich's</a> team oozes Championship quality with the likes of John Ruddy, Steven Whittaker, Michael Turner, Nathan Redmond all in addition to the forward pairing, they'll be a match for every team in this division. Having said that, Reading's own quality is there for all to see and we are a match for most teams as well, as Norwich found out.</p>
<p>The match was a consistent affair in terms of ebb and flow, with the majority of possession and territory belonging to Norwich, Reading content to sit deep, dig in and soak up the pressure. Typical of Reading though, it wasn't long before the defence was opened up. On ten minutes the ball was worked tidily out right to Nathan Redmond (who impressed throughout as he has done every time I've seen him). Redmond swung in a near post cross at head height, it took a clear touch to Hooper who was completely unmarked six yards out, and the ball was touched home. Confusion then reigned as the linesman raised his flag for offside, presumably as he felt Hooper was offside as the ball was touched on in the vicinity of Jerome, however the referee overruled him. Whether this was the correct decision is open to debate as TV replays prove inconclusive, and subsequent reports shed no light on the reasoning behind the overrule.</p>
<p>Regardless, Reading responded well and were quickly on level terms just four minutes later. A <span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span> fizzer was palmed wide by John Ruddy, the resulting far post corner being turned wide by a home defender. Ollie Norwood's resultant corner kick found Jake Cooper who found himself with a run on Michael Turner at the far post, and he made no mistake, finding the smallest of gaps between defender and post that the City defender had just stepped away from.</p>
<p>More of the same pattern of play ensued, Norwich did create a couple of chances. Firstly, Kyle Lafferty found time and space on the 18 yard line after a swift counter and thundered an effort that Federici tipped against the bar. Then just a few minutes later Cameron Jerome found himself with a clear sight of goal courtesy of a lovely little sliderule pass from Hooper, Federici smothering well.</p>
<p>Then the sucker punch, right on half-time. A right wing corner to the far post found Ruddy blocked by a combination of defender and attacker, and the ball fell to Cooper once more who made no mistake from inside the six yard box. 2-1 at half-time then, Reading putting in the classic away performance.</p>
<p>Second-half, and it was clear from the off that Reading were content to settle for what they had. Very little in the way of purposeful attacking intent, a deep back line, time wasting a-plenty. Norwich dominated possession once more but rarely managed to open the impressive Cooper/Hector partnership. When they did, they mustered a solitary shot on target, indeed the only real saves Federici was forced to make was from his own defender and a Hooper effort in the six yard box.</p>
<p>At the other end Oliver Norwood's rip-snorter slipped through Ruddy's fingers, Ruddy managing to just keep the ball out of goal at the second attempt, while at the other end a big shout for a penalty was waved away by a frustrating referee, Hector alleged to have handled. My own view was completely unsighted soI am unable to offer an opinion on it. Lastly, Josh Murphy fired over from 12 yards after more good work from Redmond on the right, a chance that he really should have tucked away to salvage a point.</p>
<p>Ultimately though, Reading prevailed. A decent rearguard action saw out a lacklustre Norwich side clearly lacking in direction and confidence but there was always a sense of vulnerability. Whether that is fair, or whether it is a feeling that stems from our tendency to concede hopelessly soft goals, I can't really say, but it was pleasing that our young central defensive pairing saw the game out quite comfortably.</p>
<p><span>Stephen Kelly</span> at right back was generally excellent as ever, the best right back we have at the club, however it was unsurprising that the left was the side that we were caused most problems. I am not a fan of picking on individual players but I have spoken of this before - <span>Chris Gunter</span> for me is a major problem for Reading's defensive make-up. A full back is a defender first, but rarely will you ever see Gunter block a cross, win the ball up against a man who fronts him up, he loses aerial battles against similar sized players, his all-round defensive quality is not good enough. Instead at left back we have a player in <span>Jordan Obita</span> who was player of the season last season playing in that very position, a player who for me was turning into one of the best full backs in the division, a Premier League player in the making. He rarely puts a foot wrong there, consistently blocks crosses, wins his one-on-one match up. He should be playing there, simple as that.</p>
<p>In terms of result, this was an excellent three points to pick up, the win was just the third time that Nigel Adkins' Reading had won having trailed (Ipswich and Doncaster last season the others), a welcome confidence boost prior to Neil Lennon's Bolton turning up next weekend. They will be looking for revenge after their 7-goal mauling last year.</p>
<p>I must also mention Norwich fans who, post match in the pub, were seemingly in the majority for wanting Norwich manager Neil Adams sacked. However the Barclay End were certainly vocal in positively backing their team for the 90 minutes before venting their anger and frustration on the final whistle. Some Reading fans may want to take note - that, in my opinion, is how you support a team. 90 minutes, get behind the team, then vent your spleen at the end should the result be undesirable.</p>
<p>Finally, a word for Neil Adams and his post-match comments, quoted in the <a href="http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/neil_adams_norwich_city_deserve_angry_backlash_from_fans_after_reading_loss_1_3867783" target="_blank">Eastern Daily Press</a> as saying:- "They [Canaries fans] should not be watching their team losing at home to a team like Reading."</p>
<p>Why not? Norwich are a team that are Championship quality. There is probably one player who you could maybe argue would fit nicely into a mid-table Premier League starting 11 in Nathan Redmond, but otherwise it is Championship quality, just like us. We are competing on an equal footing with Norwich, have done for the best part of 20 years, and since 02/03 when we stepped up a level in club stature have been competing at the top end of the Championship every season, apart from our three seasons in the Premier League. Mr Adams would do well to remember that when speaking about our club. Thoroughly disrespectful despite his caveat, and hopefully that'll be Nigel Adkins' team talk for 28 December. Parting shot - one wonders if Adams would have had the balls to say something similar on 4 March 1997...</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014-15-match-reports/2014/12/1/7312667/norwich-city-1-2-reading-canaries-pluckedhandbags_harris2014-11-30T13:59:54+00:002014-11-30T13:59:54+00:00Media Roundup: Norwich City 1-2 Reading
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LJm4F0fSctw4Sxn-YtR58GnTljU=/0x0:2992x1995/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44251136/457612362.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie McDonald/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>All the media round-up of an away win and Jake Cooper's first goals for the club. </p> <p>This report is a happier one to write this week. Following last week's dismal performance away at Cardiff many, myself included, thought that this week's media roundup would be of similar content. Well this week it's good to round-up a win so here we go.</p>
<p>Firstly, as always the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30155804">trusty BBC</a> again seems to focus on Norwich rather than us (am I seeing a trend here?) but just about highlights Jake Cooper's contribution.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/313991/report">SkySports</a> are a little more generous with reporting, and again the focus is a little around the decision to give Hooper's goal in the first half, but at least with this report Cooper gets 3 paragraphs!</p>
<p>Interesting that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/reading/result/result-cooper-double-wins-it-for-reading_190771.html">SportsMole'</a>s report on the game is in a similar vein to everyone else, focusing on Jake's age, his two goals, Hooper's goal/no goal and Ruddy's near embarrassing moment following Norwood's 30 yard speculative shot.</p>
<p>A nice touch from the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/championship_video_report_norwich_city_1_reading_2_including_reaction_from_neil_adams_and_nigel_adkins_1_3867858">Eastern Daily Press</a> is a video report from a very fed up reporter who seems to not really welcome the fact that he has to deliver the report. Also included are the post match interviews (a little more focused on Adams rather than Adkins - but you would expect that) but still worth watching.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/match/395090/norwich-city-reading/report">ESPN FC UK</a>'s edition gives us the usual and same report (was there only one reporter at the game?) but also gives good coverage along with the Sunday Express to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/541663/Adam-Federici-Reading-Australia-cricket-Phil-Hughes">#putyourbatsout</a> tribute with this video being linked to virtually every report.</p>
<p>As usual <a target="_blank" href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/norwich-city-1-reading-fc-8199110">Get Reading</a> have a good roundup of all things Reading, and their match report is worth a read as always, following up with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/nigel-adkins-hails-impact-jake-8200316">Nigel Adkins' take on Jake Cooper</a>, which is interesting when you read the comment "maybe I should have played him last week" - read into that what you will!</p>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/football/articles/2014/11/29/105729-jake-cooper-is-the-unlikely-twogoal-hero-as-reading-fc-win-at-norwich-city/">Reading Chronicle</a> also gives a fairly detailed report with the first line of "Giant Jake Cooper", which is probably the most apt description of him!</p>
<p>Lastly the official website runs a few articles about the game with the headline of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/nigel-adkins-norwich-city-jake-cooper-2113007.aspx">"Adkins praises first class players"</a> being the pick. The most interesting element in this is the first public saying that I can find that we aren't thinking about loan players, but would rather play our kids. Is this prudent development of the youth team, or confirmation that the money and want isn't there?</p>
<p>On to Bolton!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/30/7308993/media-watch-canaries-v-royalsdavemc_exile2014-11-30T13:05:35+00:002014-11-30T13:05:35+00:00Norwich City 1-2 Reading: Video Highlights<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o4E7yxVOjrc?rel=0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Watch the highlights of the victory at Norwich as Jake Cooper scores two headers to secure a vital three points for Adkins' men.</p></p></div>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/30/7309089/norwich-city-v-reading-fc-video-highlightsRoyal Hoops2014-11-29T17:10:17+00:002014-11-29T17:10:17+00:00Norwich City 1-2 Reading: Instant Reaction
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n2r73eIgUatyybTJdwbd122MqUc=/0x510:1950x1810/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44248512/457838254.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Nigel Adkins' side took their first away win since August from East Anglia with two Jake Cooper goals.</p> <p>Going into the game the hopes of a returning <span>Anton Ferdinand</span> were dashed by the outside-the-box selection of Jake Cooper, with The Royals setting up with a 4-3-3- <span>Garath McCleary</span> making his first start of the season.</p>
<p>It then all seemed to be business as usual. A Gary Hooper goal, eloquently predicted by <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/29/7301787/norwich-city-fc-v-reading-fc-3-things-to-look-out-for" target="_blank">Bobbins yesterday,</a> put the Canaries in front- and Reading never win from behind.</p>
<p>But, as <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/28/7301377/view-from-the-town-end-norwich-city-v-reading-fc" target="_blank">Little Norwich told us</a>, the hosts are far from the Premiership side their first XI may suggest. Jake Cooper scored not once, but twice from first-half corners provided by Oli Norwood and <span>Jordan Obita</span> respectively.</p>
<p>The second half saw some nice moves by Reading, but no chances created. Hiding the ball through possession was the aim of the game and <span>Cameron Jerome</span> smashed the ball over from eight yards in injury time.</p>
<p>The Royals held on and boos rang out Carrow Road, manager Neil Adams can now be considered in even greater danger of the sack than Nigel Adkins ever has been at the Mad Stad.</p>
<p>Reading go to 14th in the Championship, <a href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Norwich</a> 11th.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/29/7306295/norwich-city-1-2-reading-fc-instant-reactionThe Tilehurst End News Desk2014-11-29T14:16:07+00:002014-11-29T14:16:07+00:00Norwich City 1-2 Reading: Full Coverage
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d9OCXNWUUkpBU1iZ6D0UIjH3l-M=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44247940/457611032.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie McDonald/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Join us for coverage of this afternoon's trip to Carrow Road, where Reading take on mid-table side Norwich City.</p> <p>It's half time at Carrow Road, and Reading lead 2-1 through a Jake Cooper brace. The home side took the lead through a pretty contentious looking goal, but two headers from Cooper, replacing the suspended Pearce, have given Reading the advantage after the first 45.</p>
<p>---------</p>
<p>The team news is in, and Nigel Adkins makes a few changes to last week's game against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/cardiff-city">Cardiff City</a>. Alex Pearce misses out through suspension, whilst Simon Cox drops to the bench... again, with <span>Anton Ferdinand</span> returning to the Royals' bench.</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Reading: Federici, Kelly, Gunter (c), Hector, Cooper, Norwood, Williams, Obita, Robson-Kanu, McCleary, Murray.</p>
— <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/">Reading FC</a> (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/538696710143614976">November 29, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p><span>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</span></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Reading subs: Andersen, Cummings, Ferdinand, Tshibola, Taylor, Blackman, Cox.</p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/538696808600698880">November 29, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>The Norwich team is also in...</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCFC?src=hash">#NCFC</a> team v <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC">@ReadingFC</a>: Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin (c), Turner, Olsson; Redmond, Howson, Tettey, Lafferty; Hooper, Jerome.</p>
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorwichCityFC/status/538693892682838016">November 29, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</span></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCFC?src=hash">#NCFC</a> subs v <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC">@ReadingFC</a>: Rudd (GK), Cuellar, Grabban, Hooiveld, Garrido, Murphy, O'Neil.</p>
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorwichCityFC/status/538694075336364033">November 29, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</span></p>
<p><span>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</span></p>
<p>---------</p>
<p>Plus, don't forget to check out <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/27/7298971/reading-fc-podcast-the-tilehurst-end-podcast-extra-with-the-reading-post-november-27" style="background-color: #ffffff;">this week's Podcast Extra with Wimb and Charles Watts</a>. They go through the latest injury news, last week's game against Cardiff City and the <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/22/7266953/former-reading-fc-player-not-le-fond-of-his-reception-last-night" style="background-color: #ffffff;">booing debate over Adam Le Fondre</a>.</p>
<p>---------</p>
<p>Plenty of preview content up ahead of today's game, with <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/29/7305485/norwich-city-v-reading-fc-match-preview" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Phil's match preview</a>, <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/28/7303619/ref-watch-norwich-city-a" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Olly's Ref Watch</a>, <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/29/7301787/norwich-city-fc-v-reading-fc-3-things-to-look-out-for" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Bobbins' stats preview</a> and <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/28/7301377/view-from-the-town-end-norwich-city-v-reading-fc">the Norwich City view of the match</a>.</p>
<p>---------</p>
<p>Nigel Adkins, new to Twitter, had some thoughts to share this morning ahead of today's game...</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>GAME DAY ! This is what we work hard all week for ! All our energies Together as One !</p>
— Nigel Adkins (@TheNigelAdkins) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNigelAdkins/status/538647281747390465">November 29, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</span></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/11/29/7305671/norwich-city-v-reading-live-thread-and-instant-reaction-reading-fcThe Tilehurst End News Desk