The Tilehurst End - Reading 2-1 Norwich: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2014-12-31T13:27:10+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/72204642014-12-31T13:27:10+00:002014-12-31T13:27:10+00:00Reading FC v Norwich City: Media Roundup
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vyV1WSlzxmuUOmodwTiAuIOkrdI=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44756216/484807529.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>A little later than we planned<strong></strong><em></em></strong><em></em> Reading got the first three points under Clarkes era; this is what the media said</p> <p>Well my last media review of 2014, and I am so happy that it's a positive one. After a cracking game at the Mad Stad on Sunday, all eyes are now on the FA Cup game on Saturday. However, before that we can have a last look back at the Norwich game.</p>
<p>I normally have a go at the BBC for being a bit, well BBC, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30566330">however this week's write up is good</a>, mostly about us, and more than 3 paragraphs- so well done the Beeb for making the last match of 2014 a good write up! In summary: goal, goal, blazing miss by the Canaries, controversial goal, is Murray staying or going?</p>
<p>There's an interesting article on the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/reading_admit_the_writing_was_on_the_dressing_room_wall_for_norwich_city_including_neil_adams_quotes_1_3899787">Eastern Daily Press</a>, where the same depressed Michael Bailey for Norwich, gives his thoughts on the game via a video report. He seems thoroughly fed up so worth a view just to rub it in a bit more.</p>
<p>There's quite a bit of difference regarding commentators views on the last 20 minutes of the game, the EDP report in their video that Reading looked the most likely to score after the Norwich goal whereas <a target="_blank" href="http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/314052/report">SkySports</a> state that Norwich "rallied near the end." Again, I think a little perception is coming into play. In regards to the rest of the report, they are pretty much like for like with other stories, however Sky are giving Norwich a little more in effort that a lot of others are.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/reading/result/result-reading-end-four-game-winless-run_195944.html">Sportsmole</a> give us a little more detail this game, and again most of the report is about the first half, however they do mention Guthrie's effort towards the end of the game. Interesting also with the Sportsmole's report is they have Murray as our most effective player, however for me Williams was outstanding.</p>
<p>If you want to read the same article as the Sky Sports one, just subtly edited a little differently then had over to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.clubcall.com/reading/clarke-claims-first-royals-win-1752717.html?">ClubCall</a> who have used a big font to fill out the space a little, apart from that looks very similar to Sky Sports' version of the game. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/match/479425.html">ESPN</a> do an even better job copying the Sky Sports version word for word,</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/reading_2_norwich_city_1_1_3899479">The Pink'Un</a> give a heavily detailed report from a Norwich City point of view, and to be fair it's pretty good reading.</p>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2889178/Reading-2-1-Norwich-Hal-Robson-Kanu-Simon-Cox-grab-goals-ensure-Steve-Clarke-secures-win-Royals-boss.html">Daily Mail</a> again come up trumps with a good report from the game, back with my favourite item - yep the summary box, and gives a good outline and if I had to pick one - apart from GetReading to read then it would be this one. The interesting fact from this one is they state clearly that they can see green shoots of recovery under Clarke.</p>
<p>Speaking of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/reading-fc-2-norwich-city-8353025">GetReading</a>, their coverage as always is first class and Charlie Watts does his normal excellent review of the game.</p>
<p>Right. On to Huddersfield, and hopefully I am back with a review of how our cup run started!</p>
<p>Have a Happy New Year and catch you all in 2015!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/31/7469071/royals-v-norwich-media-roundupdavemc_exile2014-12-30T07:00:02+00:002014-12-30T07:00:02+00:00Brighton and Norwich: Stats Insight
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7GghWaRRyVcrQeVjUNf_Kevp_d4=/0x52:3000x2052/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44419202/460842290.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Steve Clarke's first game in charge saw Reading lose 1-0 to high-flyers Watford, but the Royals picked up a point at Brighton before beating Norwich two days later at the Madejski. Jonny Scott delves into the last two games to see what the stats show us. </p> <h4>Backs to the Wall</h4>
<p>I've said it before, and I'll say it again: <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Reading</a> play better when they are put under pressure. More often than not this season Reading have dominated games and lost, but when the opponent has held the lion's share of possession and chances, Reading have managed to nick a result out of nowhere. These past two games (especially <a href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Norwich</a>) are good examples of that.</p>
<p>Norwich held 53% of possession, while Brighton really showed up Steve Clarke's new ‘game management' strategy by holding a whopping 63% on Boxing Day. But for some poor last minute defending against Brighton, we would have walked away with all three points, so it can count as yet another example where Reading faced tough opposition and came away with, statistically at least, more than they deserved.</p>
<p>I don't know what it is about this team, but they struggle right now to convert a controlling position into a winning position. Perhaps Clarke has realised this already, and is allowing the team to play in a more defensive, direct style, or perhaps we have just come up against some very controlling sides in the last couple of games and have thrived as a result.</p>
<p>The stats support both: Norwich and Brighton are third and fifth in the league, respectively, in terms of their possession, while Reading's passing stats suggest that we have adopted a more direct style. With 24% of our passes against Brighton and Norwich going long, contrasting to, for example, 18% and 21% against Cardiff and Bolton.</p>
<p>As with most things, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, we came up against some possession-minded teams, but we also adapted our own style of play to play to our strengths. So, for now, don't expect Reading to be going out and dominating games of football, but do expect them to start picking up more points.</p>
<h4>Lord of the Wings</h4>
<p>One of Reading's main strengths over the last few seasons has been their wing play, and this season has seen a similar reliance on the wings, with a season average of only 22% of attacking play coming through the centre of the park. One particular stat that has bugged me from the start of the season, however, is the lack of balance that Reading demonstrate. The last two games have been even more painful viewing for me.</p>
<p>In the Brighton game, 46% of Reading attacks came down the right, compared to 33% on the left. In the Norwich game, it was even more right-heavy, with 52% on the right against 28% on the left. Our season average is 45% right with 34% left, so the past two games have gone beyond our usual in terms of reliance on the right.</p>
<p>This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Debatably, our best players sit on the right hand side, with <span>Garath McCleary</span> and <span>Chris Gunter</span> often combining to good effect. I just worry that we will become predictable, and opposition teams will learn to shut us down as an attacking threat by packing their left side with defensive players. Hopefully Clarke's apparent desire for a balanced back four (hence the return of <span>Jordan Obita</span> to left-back) will help to resolve this imbalance, although the early evidence does not seem to point this way at all.</p>
<h4>New Manager, New Problems</h4>
<p>Ask any Reading fan what our main defensive woe has been this season and they are likely to cry over our inability to deal with crosses. Discounting Greg Halford's long throw for Brighton, in the last couple of games we have not seen Reading concede headed goals from crosses. A new weakness seems to be appearing, however, that is quite worrying. I'm talking about pull backs to onrushing midfielders.</p>
<p>I know the Watford game is behind us now, but cast your mind back to Almen Abdi's goal. After some good movement down the left, the winger pulled the ball back across the face of the box and Abdi caught the ball on the run, smashing it past <span>Adam Federici</span>.</p>
<p>Think back to Brighton's second goal now. The ball makes its way to the left side of the box, where the player then pulls it back across, and Íñigo Calderón is charging in to smack the ball on the run. It was basically a re-run of the Watford goal, and just as much of a sucker punch.</p>
<p>For the Brighton goal it is painfully obvious that Reading's defenders were packed far too centrally, and allowed the cross to come in too easily. This is something that we will hopefully see tightened up in the coming weeks, and even though it's partly Gunter's fault for not marking his winger tightly enough, the midfield and central defenders need to take responsibility for stopping or blocking the shot as it comes in.</p>
<p>-----</p>
<p>Clarke is doing something right, clearly, and is getting our guys playing more effective football. There is work still be done, but after two good results, and fairly reassuring stats, I have hope that we could see this team reach the potential we know that it has.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/30/7463001/brighton-and-norwich-a-statistical-review-reading-fcjonnnyscott8622014-12-29T13:52:08+00:002014-12-29T13:52:08+00:005 Things - Brighton and Norwich
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mF8y2jvQbHrfP_C94kS_F1i_gdI=/0x37:2917x1982/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44417068/460840726.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A first point and a first win for new boss Steve Clarke as Reading face Brighton and Norwich in the festive period. Bucks Royal rounds the action up in the penultimate 5 Things of 2014...</p> <h3>1) Royals put on their shooting boots</h3>
<p>At our best this season under Nigel Adkins, Reading seemed capable of scoring freely, but conceding in equal number. In the last few weeks of the former boss' tutelage though, the Royals struggled to do the former, but goals still flooded in past <span>Adam Federici</span> - the game at St. Andrews being the extreme example of that, and being the straw that broke the camel's back for Adkins' time at the club.</p>
<p>However, in the last two games under Steve Clarke, noticeable improvements have been made. The defending against Brighton showed that there's still work to be done, but four goals in two games shows that Clarke has already improved Reading's threat in front of goal.</p>
<h3>2) Au revoir, Glenn Murray</h3>
<p>It seems that the Palace loanee has played his last game in the blue and white hoops. That may have not seemed such a disappointing prospect a few weeks ago when Murray wasn't finding the back of the net, but a brace against Brighton put him level with Simon Cox as Reading's top scorer with 8 goals. With worries over FFP still looming over the club, it's still unsure as to how willing Reading will be to fork out for the veteran striker. Not to mention, mid-table Championship football may not appeal to a player that could probably be playing regularly a division higher if he so wishes.</p>
<h3>3) Neil Adams watches Norwich lose to a side like Reading... twice</h3>
<p>Norwich aren't one of those sides that I dislike, and Reading haven't had too much of a bad history with the East Anglia side in recent years. That said, comments from Canary boss Neil Adams at the time of the reverse fixture that Norwich fans shouldn't be watching their side lose at home to a team like Reading aren't going to help. Norwich are a good side, and played attractive football in their Premiership stint, but they're not such an important club that a loss to the best side in all of Berkshire is out of the question. With that in mind, I was pleased to see <a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-star-danny-williams-8355767">Danny Williams' comments</a> today about how Neil Adams inadvertently spurred Steve Clarke's side on to do the double.</p>
<h3>4) The fans are coming back</h3>
<p>At 19.430, Sunday's attendance was the highest home turnout of the season so far. That's an encouraging way to see out 2014, and bodes well for 2015 because it shows that the supporters are getting their belief back in the side. Fans won't mind seeing their team lose as long as they look like they're trying to win, but there was far too little of that in the last few weeks of the Nigel Adkins era. As confidence comes back into the fanbase, that will translate into performances on the pitch and points on the board.</p>
<h3>5) Return of the prodigal son?</h3>
<p>Now that Glenn Murray's loan deal in Berkshire has expired, so too has Royston Drenthe's. The Dutch winger was ejected from the club on transfer deadline day in the summer with a temporary move to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/sheffield-wednesday">Sheffield Wednesday</a>, but he could find himself back in Reading in the coming days. Steve Clarke will be well aware of Drenthe's reputation here, let alone of his reputation throughout his career, but he could be tempted to give him another chance to prove his worth. Steve Clarke sides are known for breaking with pace, and Drenthe offers just that.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/29/7460031/5-things-brighton-and-norwichBucksRoyal2014-12-29T13:04:58+00:002014-12-29T13:04:58+00:00Reading 2-1 Norwich: Video Highlights<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eUf3KbTbqNk" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Video highlights of Reading's 2-1 win over Norwich City</p></p></div>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/29/7460021/reading-2-1-norwich-video-highlightsBucksRoyal2014-12-28T21:07:23+00:002014-12-28T21:07:23+00:00Reading 2-1 Norwich: Player Ratings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k0u9smELbdX4QtJLdhFi0y6_Czs=/0x345:2535x2035/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44414146/460842280.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A well-earned three points to round off 2014 coincided with Steve Clarke's first victory as Reading boss. After his <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/28/7457489/reading-fc-2-1-norwich-city-clarkes-royals-battle-to-first-win" target="new">report</a>, Marc gives us his player ratings from the afternoon's play.</p> <p><b>Adam Federici- 6</b></p>
<p>Aussie keeper Feds was all-at-sea for the Canaries consolation, albeit fair enough, but was otherwise largely untested. The visitors' attacking intent was met with some very poor finishing, with Federici's command of his area the most tested aspect of his game, an area where he generally impressed.</p>
<p><b>Chris Gunter- 7</b></p>
<p>A much improved performance from the Welsh international. Freed of the armband Gunter made a good impression in defence and attack, in both of which there was able assistance from wingers McCleary-then-Mackie. Overlapping to great effect, the 25-year-old played an important part in setting up the second goal.</p>
<p><b>Michael Hector- 6</b></p>
<p>A good performance from Hector that mainly involved heading away crosses, and marking the disparate Cameron Jerome. While he was comfortable in dealing with direct attacks, Big Hec was perhaps less sturdy when required to effectively clear danger and when on the ball more generally.</p>
<p><b>Alex Pearce- 6</b></p>
<p>Much the same as Hector, captain Pearce was very able in clearing crosses and in his positioning, but could have put in more challenges in the build-up play. I mentioned how loose Norwich's aim was, but the fact they were able to get a number of shots away can be put down to the centre-half pairing- who were otherwise perfectly competent.</p>
<p><b>Jordan Obita- 8</b></p>
<p>The most pleasing aspect of the England Under-21 internationals performance was his willingness to get stuck in. So often was Obita required to clear the second ball, which was typically a looping 50/50 challenge, that it was good to see how the left-back never shirked away from these challenges, and offered a great amount going forward, too. While he looked composed and confident, the one area Obita needs to work on is his crossing.</p>
<p><b>Danny Williams- 7</b></p>
<p>Many Reading fans, myself included, had noted how DW's impact since returning from injury has been somewhat less than we had hoped for. Today was the type of performance that we had been dreaming of. While unspectacular, the American was irrefutably solid and made some vital interceptions, driving his team forward when given the chance.</p>
<p><b>Oliver Norwood- 7</b></p>
<p>While hailed as a playmaker-of-sorts, Northern-Irishman Norwood is turning out to be an all-rounder of a midfielder for The Royals. Another consistent display, the ex-Man United player was neat in his passing and effective in his tackling, especially when faced with a potentially dangerous Norwich diamond.</p>
<p><b>Garath McCleary- 6</b></p>
<p>A tough score to give, as GMac didn't look any worse than his team-mates for the majority of the game. However, the Jamaican struggled to make an impact in attack and rarely put in a dangerous cross. Nevertheless, he tracked back very well and was never afraid to run at and stretch the visiting defence.</p>
<p><b>Hal Robson-Kanu- 8</b></p>
<p>A really solid performance from HRK rounded off a year where we at TTE (<i>don't look at me, I voted for Pog</i>) voted the Welshman Underachiever of 2014. While his touch let him down once or twice, Robson-Kanu was a real threat going forward, ran at the defence without fear, offered good link-up play, and tracked back effectively. Lest we mention the perfect execution of a very important goal from the spot. HRK excelled today, the first step in proving his doubters wrong.</p>
<p><b>Simon Cox- 7</b></p>
<p>Against Norwich, Simon Cox offered a Simon Cox performance worthy of Simon Cox. With an incredible work-rate, the Irish international chased every loose ball, worked well with his partner Glenn Murray, and added a fine goal to cap it off. While still absent for stretches of the game, and still unable to provide a killer ball of his own making, Cox performed well.</p>
<p><b>Glenn Murray- 7</b></p>
<p>Perhaps all this performance lacked was a goal. The Palace loanee was reluctant in the air at times, but always made himself available in the box- it was just a shame he couldn't find the net. Given a welcome standing ovation in the final minute when subbed off, the main question now is: Was that the final Glenn Murray appearance in a Reading shirt?</p>
<p><b>SUBS:</b></p>
<p><b>Jamie Mackie- 7</b></p>
<p>Worked really hard while driving his team and the fans on in the tough final moments. Also produced a lovely bit of skill that almost created a third goal. Good to have him back.</p>
<p><b>Danny Guthrie- 6</b></p>
<p>Positioned higher up the pitch when Clarke re-introduced the midfielder, got about well but limited impact.</p>
<p><b>Nick Blackman- N/A</b></p>
<p>Came on for Murray in injury time.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/28/7457755/reading-fc-2-1-norwich-city-player-ratingsMarc Mayo2014-12-28T18:59:30+00:002014-12-28T18:59:30+00:00Reading 2-1 Norwich: Clarke's Royals Battle To Win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3wGDrNg_pepHzDJa98z94iViVC0=/0x142:2020x1489/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44413692/453830828.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and Simon Cox gave Reading their first win under new boss Steve Clarke, in a high intensity encounter with Norwich City. A controversial Bradley Johnson goal proved to be but a consolation as The Madejski witnessed it's first home win since early November.</p> <p>The hosts lined up in a typical 4-4-2 formation, with <span>Garath McCleary</span> returning from injury and <span>Jake Taylor</span> dropping to the bench. Norwich, meanwhile, took form in a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond that saw Premier League experience littered throughout the starting XI and bench.</p>
<p>Kicking off in the chilly December sun, it was the Canaries that earned the first shot on goal via a long ball over the top; Gary Hooper stretched to receive it but fired over from a good one-on-one position. Reading replied with a dainty Oliver Norwood free-kick that beat everyone, and the far-post, before the sides settled.</p>
<p>It became quickly apparent that Norwich were a fine footballing side, in terms of slick passing and dangerous movement. The Royals start was, in contrast, slower- but all the while solid in defence. One feature of Reading's game that has certainly stuck around post-Adkins is the tendency to knock the ball along the back four; tactically sound, but less than entertaining.</p>
<p>Reading kicked up a gear after Glenn Murray stung keeper John Ruddy's fingertips with a 25-yard effort that fell to an offside Simon Cox- who failed to convert the futile but nonetheless easy rebound. That was followed by <span>Jordan Obita</span> freeing himself up to attack from the left-flank, the 21-year-old's trickery earning a corner.</p>
<p>Norwood's 24th minute set-piece was initially unthreatening, but the sight of <a href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Norwich's</a> Bradley Johnson wrestling <span>Alex Pearce</span> to the ground was enough for referee James Linnington to point to the spot. <span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span> stepped up, and netted his first of the season with a straight-and-narrow conversion down the middle.</p>
<p>Neither side let up after the goal, with <span>Adam Federici</span> required to make a commanding punch before <span>Cameron Jerome</span> sliced a near-post effort wide that proved to be the height of the visiting pressure. Indeed, it was the home team who could make their chances pay.</p>
<p>The tables were fully turned from early exchanges, and it was Reading's turn to operate with slick passing down the right-hand side. Welsh wing-back <span>Chris Gunter</span> released Murray for a skidding cross that Cox converted at the far-post. While the goalie could have done more to keep it out, Reading had established a two-goal lead within the first 35 minutes.</p>
<p>The pre-half-time five minutes experienced the double comedy moment of a Reading attack caused by Norwich firing a free-kick into their own man- which was ended by a poor Robson-Kanu touch, and a blatant dive by Jerome that the referee kindly opted out of making a decision on. The striker was to be quietly removed from his regular offside position to view the remaining 30 from the bench.</p>
<p>City decided to throw on attacking midfielder Wes Hoolahan and Nathan Redmond for the second-half, with an initial pressure patch easing as Reading defended stoically. As the game became scrappy, the hosts began to move the ball quickly when given the chance, and became a potent counter-attacking threat.</p>
<p>Firstly, Welsh winger Robson-Kanu ran excellently to find Murray, who's poor cross for the waiting Cox was to be equally reciprocated moments later. Plenty of crosses came in, in particular a Jordan Obita daisy-cutter that somehow stayed out, and The Royals looked comfortable with an intention to extend their lead.</p>
<p>However, it ended up being halved while the ref Linnington gave a great example of game mismanagement. With Danny Guthrie primed to come on, a Norwich throw was halted. It became quickly apparent that Garath McCleary was injured on the floor, and thus began receiving treatment. With a long pause in play, it was clear that GMac had to be subbed off. And yet, the referee watched the Jamaican leave the field, ignored the ready-as-ever substitutes, and restarted the game.</p>
<p>Needless to say it was a complete coincidence that Johnson fired in a Norwich goal with Reading temporarily down to 10-men, a fearless rasping shot from outside the area that gave the many visiting fans a bit of hope.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, it was The Royals who proceeded to be more threatening, as Murray almost marked his last appearance in a Reading shirt (for now) with a goal, and Jamie Mackie made a very worthwhile contribution from the bench.</p>
<p>With a brief period of backs-to-the-wall defending, for once, successfully maintained Reading were finally granted their Christmas wish and took the three points, which was fully deserved to boot.</p>
<p><i><b>Reading:</b> Federici; Gunter, Obita, Hector, Pearce (c), Norwood, Williams, McCleary (Guthrie 71), Robson-Kanu, Cox (Mackie 72), Murray (Blackman 90). <br>Subs Not Used: Andersen, Cummings, Kelly, Cooper.<br></i><i><b>Norwich: </b>Ruddy, Whittaker, Olsson, Martin (c), Bennett, Johnson, Tettey (Redmond HT), O'Neil (Hoolahan HT), Howson, Hooper, Jerome (Grabban 64). <br></i><i>Subs Not Used: Rudd, Turner, Miquel, Lafferty.</i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/28/7457489/reading-fc-2-1-norwich-city-clarkes-royals-battle-to-first-winMarc Mayo2014-12-28T10:25:17+00:002014-12-28T10:25:17+00:00Reading v Norwich: Match Preview
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0DlwEgp9mPDk7ySmCUXNNTETTrk=/0x30:3000x2030/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44412620/458194162.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie McDonald/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Reading host Norwich City at Madejski Stadium as the sides play their second game against each other in under a month. Can the Royals repeat their victory at Carrow Road in November? Phil Owtram previews the action ahead of today's game.</p> <p>Reading FC v Norwich City FC<br>League Championship<br>Sunday 28<sup>th</sup> December 2014, KO 3PM</p>
<p>Madejski Stadium<br><b>Referee: </b>James Linington</p>
<p><b><u>Reading (17</u></b><b><u><sup>th</sup></u></b><b><u>)<br></u></b><b>Form (all comps): DLLDW<br></b>Brighton v Reading: 2-2<br>Reading v Watford: 0-1<br>Birmingham v Reading: 6-1<br>Reading v Bolton: 0-0<br>Norwich v Reading: 1-2<br><br><b>Manager:</b> Steve Clarke<br><br>Reading warmed up for this one with a 2-2 draw at struggling Brighton on Boxing Day. The Royals started brightly and were ahead through Glenn Murray within the first minute and the on-loan striker doubled his tally 25 minutes later to give his team a comfortable lead. However a Forster-Caskey goal on 40 minutes gave the Seagulls something to cling on to in the second half and they capitalised on this in the 90<sup>th</sup> minute when Spaniard Inigo Calderon equalised for the South-Coast side. Reading were again left feeling disappointed after a good first half display and then a second half where it looked like they might hold on for all 3 points despite Brighton's push for an equaliser. Even so Steve Clarke has his first point and certainly knows how much work there is to do before he can get this team climbing the table, starting with Norwich City this afternoon.<br><br><b><u>Norwich City (7</u></b><b><u><sup>th</sup></u></b><b><u>)<br></u></b><b>Form (all comps): WDWWL<br></b>Norwich v Millwall: 6-1<br>Derby v Norwich: 2-2<br>Norwich v Huddersfield: 5-0<br>Wigan v Norwich: 0-1<br>Norwich v Reading: 1-2</p>
<p><b>Manager: </b>Neil Adams</p>
<p>Norwich come into this one on the back of a 6-1 thrashing of Millwall on Boxing Day. Two first half goals and 4 in the second half blew Millwall away and helped Norwich climb up to 7<sup>th</sup> in the table. Friday's result means the Canaries have scored 13 goals in their last 3 games thanks to their 5-0 win over Huddersfield two games ago. The positive for Reading is that both bumper scorelines were recorded at Carrow Road, a ground Reading mustered a 2-1 win at all but a month ago. Bradley Johnson has scored 4 in his last 3 games with braces against Huddersfield and Millwall and will be a key man again for Norwich as they travel to Madejski Stadium this afternoon.</p>
<p><b><u>Last five meetings<br></u></b>29 Nov 2014 Norwich v Reading W 1-2 League Championship<br>20 Apr 2013 Norwich<b> </b>v Reading L 2-1 Premier League<br>10 Nov 2012 Reading v Norwich D 0-0 Premier League<br>12 Feb 2011 12 Feb 2011 Norwich v Reading L 2-1 League Championship<br>13 Nov 2010 Reading v Norwich D 3-3 League Championship</p>
<p><b><u>Head to Head<br></u></b>This will be the 71<sup>st</sup> meeting between these two sides with Reading only marginally holding the better record with 27 wins to Norwich's 25 and 18 draws. Their most recent meeting only a month ago when they met at Carrow Road and Reading recorded a surprising 2-1 win thanks to a Jake Cooper double and Steve Clarke will hoping for another similar result this afternoon. Their previous two meetings were in the Premier League which included a 0-0 draw at Madejski Stadium followed by a 2-1 win for Norwich which contributed to the Royals being officially relegated following a 0-0 draw with QPR in their next game.</p>
<p><b><u>Team News<br></u></b><b>Reading: </b>Garath McCleary missed Friday's game after picking up a knock in training on Christmas Day but he may recover in time to play some part against Norwich. Danny Guthrie has resumed full training following a lengthy lay-off with a calf problem as has Jem Karacan (knee), but the fixture is likely to come too soon for these two. Jamie Mackie (hamstring), Anton Ferdinand (calf), Hope Akan (shoulder) and Pavel Pogrebnyak (also calf) are all out.<br><br><br><b>Norwich:</b> Ryan Bennett made his first return to the matchday squad for 3 months following an ankle injury when he was named on the bench for the Canaries 6-1 win over Millwall on Boxing Day. Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe (knee) is unlikely to feature while Carlos Cuellar is a major doubt. Alex Tetley missed the win over Millwall but could return to the squad.</p>
<p><b>Prediction: </b>Reading 1-2 Norwich</p>
<p style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left: 0cm;line-height:10.0pt"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 15.05pt" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/28/7456439/reading-fc-v-norwich-city-match-previewPhil902014-12-28T09:18:58+00:002014-12-28T09:18:58+00:00Ref-Watch: Norwich (H)
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uO6ymlx_WrFqaaj0ldiaunh_FEY=/256x0:3843x2391/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44409260/459379916.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There is a familiar face in charge against Norwich on Sunday. Look away now Alex Pearce...</p> <p><span>Just when Alex Pearce thought his year was ending on a high after being named as captain in Steve Clarke's first two games in charge, the return of the most devilish of enemies will ruin send him crashing down to earth.</span></p>
<p><span>No, I'm not recounting what happened in the Doctor Who Christmas special (although it was rather good), instead looking back to Pearce's nightmare game at Cardiff earlier in the season, when referee James Linington was left with little choice to send the centre-back off and point to the penalty spot.</span></p>
<p><span>So yes, you've guessed it, Linington is the man taking charge of our final game of 2014, at home to Norwich City.</span></p>
<p><span>The Isle of Wight ref has been on the Football League list since the start of the 2008/09 season, and has officiated seven Reading games since, including two this season: the aforementioned Cardiff game and our 3-1 win over Newport County in the League Cup back in August. Overall, with Linington in charge, Reading have won three times, drawn twice and lost twice.</span></p>
<p><span>So far in 2014-15, he has refereed 21 games, including eight Championship fixtures, showing 56 yellows and six reds in all competitions, brandishing two red cards in one game to Giuseppe Bellusci and Sam Byram in Watford’s 4-1 win over Leeds in August.</span></p>
<p><span>Linington has also given a penalty five times this season, pulling out the red card at the same time three times (another Cardiff reference, sorry Alex).</span></p>
<p><span>But surely lightning can't strike twice can it? Just don't be so gung-ho Pearcey, everyone likes a bit of passion, but this ref will certainly be weary of you...</span></p>
<p><span>The FA Cup returns next weekend (yay!), and we're visiting Huddersfield Town for our third round tie (boring!). Do you want a Ref-Watch for the game?</span></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/12/28/7453111/ref-watch-norwich-hOlly_Allen