The Tilehurst End - Rotherham United 2-1 Reading FCReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2015-04-29T21:14:06+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/82770342015-04-29T21:14:06+01:002015-04-29T21:14:06+01:00Clarke: "I Can Promise That Next Season Will Be Better"
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<figcaption>Jan Kruger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Steve Clarke remains defiant after another loss on the road, this time at Rotherham. </p> <p>Steve Clarke has assured Reading fans that we will not be in the same position as what we have been this season. It was another disappointing evening with the Royals losing 2-1 to Rotherham, who secured their safety in the Championship for another season.</p>
<p>Clarke told <a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/all-about/reading-fc" target="_blank">GetReading</a>,</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I can promise the supporters that next season will be better. They have to stick with us, they have to believe we know what's wrong and we know what to do. It's going to be a busy summer. That (relegation) won't even be an issue next season, that what I'm trying to say to supporters. It's not going to happen. Next season we won't be near the bottom three."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>On the game itself Clarke told <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk" target="_blank">Reading FC player</a>,</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"It's a bit deja vu. It's disappointing and this is a team that has forgotten how to win and is in a difficult moment, but fortunately the end of the season is coming and we can look to address a few issues in the summer."</p>
<p>"Tonight was a different game to recent games, recently we have played really well and created lots of chances, but tonight we didn't create that much. We kept going, we managed to get a goal back near the end but like I say we didn't create much."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Clarke continued to say,</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The crucial moment was always going to be the first goal, and that came about from a bad mistake from us. Then we lost a second goal and that made it very difficult. We kept going until the end, you can't say that we gave up, we kept going and tried to make it difficult for Rotherham. Olly Norwood had a good shot for the goal, it was nice to see us scoring but it would be nice to see us score a couple at Derby and hopefully end the season with a win."</p>
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<p>Like Clarke said, Derby is up next, our final game of the season. Derby need to win to get into the play-offs. That was us this time last year, how times can change!</p>
<p>Clarke said:</p>
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<p>"It's a big incentive for Derby. They're playing for a place in the play-offs and we are playing for pride. Our players are hurting in the dressing room, they are disappointed. They can't find a way to win for love nor money. My job is to try and pick their heads up, get their heads ready for Saturday and we'll go there and give it a go."</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/4/29/8513133/clarke-i-can-promise-that-next-season-will-be-better-reading-fcsophierfc102015-04-29T12:28:37+01:002015-04-29T12:28:37+01:00Video Highlights: Rotherham 2-1 Reading<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6VSjsYS0fkA" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>The goals from Reading's 2-1 defeat to relegation-battling Rotherham.</p></p></div>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/4/29/8513091/video-highlights-rotherham-2-1-readingMarc Mayo2015-04-29T09:48:17+01:002015-04-29T09:48:17+01:00Rotherham 2-1 Reading: Player Ratings
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<figcaption>Jan Kruger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here's how we rated the players after Tuesday night's loss in South Yorkshire.</p> <h4><strong>Mikkel Andersen: 5 </strong></h4>
<p>Looked shaky and could have done much better with the first goal. He's no Adam Federici.... Yet. I missed that man on Tuesday and he was only sat on the bench! I've got everything crossed that he gets a new contract.</p>
<h4><strong>Stephen Kelly: 5 </strong></h4>
<p>It certainly wasn't a notable game for him if he wants a new contract. Left too much space on the right which led to Rotherham's second goal. Looked a lot better playing at left back when Jordan Obita was substituted. His only saving grace was the assist for Norwood's goal.</p>
<h4><strong>Michael Hector: 6 </strong></h4>
<p>One of the slighter better performers of the evening, Hector put in a similar kind of show that he's been doing week in week out this season. It didn't look as solid as when Alex Pearce is back there with them, but I'm sure it's something to be worked on.</p>
<h4><strong>Jake Cooper: 6 </strong></h4>
<p>A reasonably good performance from the 21 year old, he looked calm most of the time he was in possession. Like I said previously, it's definitely a centre back partnership that could be worked on.</p>
<h4><strong>Jordan Obita: 5 </strong></h4>
<p>Not one of his finest hours either. He was pretty non existent throughout with some silly mistakes.</p>
<h4><strong>Chris Gunter: 5 </strong></h4>
<p>It's no secret that I'm somewhat of an admirer of the Welshman, but he should definitely stick to playing right back. He's much better there than on the wing....</p>
<h4><strong>Oliver Norwood: 7 </strong></h4>
<p>He had two of the three shots on target for Reading, including a pretty good goal. That has to deserve a seven!!!</p>
<h4><strong>Jem Karacan: 6 </strong></h4>
<p>I still love seeing him back playing and he's another I'd like to see stay at the club. He held the ball okay in midfield, and got some decent balls out to the wings.</p>
<h4><strong>Nathaniel Chalobah: 5 </strong></h4>
<p>Like I said about Chris Gunter being better at right back, Chalobah is much, much better in the centre of midfield as opposed to on the wing.</p>
<h4><strong>Pavel Pogrebnyak: 6 </strong></h4>
<p>Just a usual game of Pogrebnyak, lots of running around with a good work rate, but rarely comes up with the finished product or a little moment of magic.</p>
<h4><strong>Simon Cox: 5 </strong></h4>
<p>Was booked harshly early on after a collision with the Rotherham keeper, and he seemed quite reserved for the rest of the game. Another one who was pretty non existent.</p>
<h3>Subs</h3>
<h4><strong>Jamie Mackie: 6 </strong></h4>
<p>WE HAVE TO SIGN THIS MAN. The only reason he didn't score is because he wasn't on the pitch for long enough, but he just livened it up and made us look like we actually wanted to play football.</p>
<h4><strong>Garath McCleary: 5 </strong></h4>
<p>Another good substitution, he got forward and caused Rotherham difficulties in the final minutes.</p>
<h4><strong>Jack Stacey: n/a </strong></h4>
<p>Not on the pitch long enough to make an impact.</p>
<p>...</p>
<p><i>Who was your man of the match? Vote in our poll at the bottom of the page, and leave your thoughts in the comments section.</i></p>
<p>...</p>
<h4><span><b>Season Ratings (click for a larger version):</b></span></h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://i.imgur.com/fClUGfm.png"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/fClUGfm.png"></a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/4/29/8512955/rotherham-v-reading-player-ratingsBecka_Ellen2015-04-29T09:38:31+01:002015-04-29T09:38:31+01:00Rotherham 2-1 Reading: Match Report
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<p>The penultimate game of the 2014/15 season saw the Royals travel to Rotherham for what was their final catch up game from the heroic FA cup run.</p> <p><strong>Reading: Andersen, Kelly, Hector, Cooper, Obita (McCleary), Gunter, Norwood, Karacan, Chalobah (Mackie), Cox, Pogrebnyak (Stacey) </strong></p>
<p>Steve Clarke made six changes to his Royals side who had lost their last home game of the season 2-0 to promotion chasers Brentford, and were without a win in nine games. Rotherham, who had got a vital point against Norwich at the weekend, needed three points to ensure their safety after receiving a three point deduction for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the season.</p>
<p>The game started off tense with so much at stake for the Millers. They got themselves into a couple of decent positions early on, however, Reading were making some pretty strong tackles as well. Most notably Chris Gunter, who pushed Danny Lafferty over the advertising boards and took the ball boy with him. The Northern Ireland international appeared to be okay but the ball boy was not so fortunate, being attended to by St. John's Ambulance before being taken away on a stretcher to a standing ovation from the home crowd.</p>
<p>The first half continued to be very nervy from both sides, with only one shot on target being produced between the pair of them. Lee Frecklington volleyed from just outside the box, but his shot was saved (just) by Mikkel Andersen, and the ball went out for a corner.</p>
<p>The home side came out after half time, and made the breakthrough they so desperately needed seven minutes in. Matt Derbyshire tapped home from close range underneath Andersen after a low cross in from Danny Ward.</p>
<p>Ward was the provider again six minutes later with an almost identical cross. His ball found Frecklington this time, who scuffed past the far post in another close range effort.</p>
<p>Rotherham looked fired up, and went close to having a third goal but couldn't quite find the target. Finally, ten minutes from time, Reading decided to play some football! Oliver Norwood had a shot well saved by Martinez. However, the keeper could do nothing about his shot in the 87th minute, and Norwood scored Reading's first league goal in over 450 minutes of football.</p>
<p>It was a nervy final minutes for the home crowd, as the Royals continued to press. They kept running down the wings, with the whole shape of the game being changed by Jamie Mackie and Garath McCleary. Simon Cox had a weak shot saved and the Millers clung on to ensure their safety.</p>
<p>It was another disappointing and shambolic night to be a Reading fan. You know there's something not quite right when you concede a goal and it just feels like the norm. We've been very very lucky that there have been five other teams this season that have been equally as bad as us. I just cannot wait to get this final game at Derby out of the way so the expected summer cull can commence and Clarke can really start to put his mark on the club.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/4/29/8512953/rotherham-2-1-reading-match-reportBecka_Ellen2015-04-28T21:41:50+01:002015-04-28T21:41:50+01:00Rotherham United 2-1 Reading - Instant Reaction
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<figcaption>Jan Kruger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Awful.</p> <p>Rotherham needed a win tonight to secure Championship survival before the final day, and Reading rolled over nicely enough to relegate Millwall and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/">Wigan Athletic</a> in the process.</p>
<p><span>Matt Derbyshire</span> and Lee Frecklington grabbed the goals, to condemn the Royals to their fourth defeat in a row. Oliver Norwood pinged a consolation in from thirty yards to score the first goal by a Reading player in a League game for 623 minutes.</p>
<p>Sky are yet to announce their televised Championship games (two of them) this weekend. With relegation sorted, and the two promoted sides Watford and Bournemouth having been televised in the last round of fixtures, they might focus on the playoff race instead, where <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/derby-county">Derby County</a> currently sit in 6th. The Royals travel to the iPro to finish the campaign... decide for yourself whether you want us to be broadcast to the world in this sort of form.</p>
<p>Becka will have our full match report and player ratings up soon. One more game to go. Deep breaths...</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/4/28/8510245/rotherham-united-2-0-reading-fc-championship-instant-reactionjonnafon2015-04-28T18:48:11+01:002015-04-28T18:48:11+01:00Ref-Watch: Rotherham (A)
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<figcaption>Pete Norton/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading won't care much, but GRAHAM SALISBURY is the man who could decide Rotherham's Championship status...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Referees could probably hold their own <i>Family Fortunes</i>. Against Brentford at the weekend we had one half of the Madley brothers, Andy, take charge. Against Rotherham, Graham Salisbury will take charge, whose son Michael is also a ref, but primarily a Premier League linesman. Salisbury junior has bragged to his dad how he officiated at Wembley before him (after running the line in the 2010 Conference Play-off final), yet Graham will referee in New York on Tuesday for a fourth time, so there.*</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>It will also be his 10<sup>th</sup> ever Reading fixture (W4 D2 L3 of the previous), with the latest coming on Boxing Day when we let a two goal lead slip at Brighton.</span></span></p>
<p>As for the whole of 2014-15, the Lancashire official has taken charge of 34 games, handing out 132 yellows and 8 reds, averaging 4.1 yards per game. He has given two red cards on two different occasions this season, taking no prisoners. Salisbury has also given a relatively high ten penalties this season, but just six have been scored.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Although Reading won’t be asking any favours of him, Rotherham will certainly be hoping to have a few words in Salisbury’s ear before the match, with survival on the line for the Millers.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>*Don’t worry, Graham did get to referee at Wembley in the end, taking charge of the </span></span><span>Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final in 2011.<span></span></span></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/4/28/8508621/ref-watch-rotherham-away-reading-fcOlly_Allen2015-04-28T18:47:54+01:002015-04-28T18:47:54+01:00Rotherham United FC v Reading FC: Match Preview
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading travel to Rotherham in the first of their final two league games of the season. </p> <p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Rotherham United FC v Reading FC<br> </span></b><span>League Championship<br></span><span>Tuesday 28<sup>th</sup> April, KO 7:45PM<br></span><span>New York Stadium<br></span><span>Referee: Graham Salisbury</span></p>
<p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span>Reading (19<sup>th</sup>)<br></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Form (all comps): LLLLD<br></span></b><span>Reading v Brentford: 0-2<br></span><span>Reading v Birmingham: 0-1<br></span><span>Reading v Arsenal (FA Cup): 1-2 (AET)<br></span><span>Reading v Bournemouth: 0-1<br></span><span>Reading v Blackburn: 0-0<br></span><span> </span></p>
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<p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Manager: </span></b><span>Steve Clarke<br>
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</span></b><span>Reading finished their home league campaign with a loss as The Royals failed to win for an 8<sup>th</sup> successive league game. An Alan Judge goal gave the visitors an early lead before James Tarkowski sealed the win with Brentford’s second with 25 minutes remaining. Reading now face two away games before the end of the season starting this evening with a trip to 21<sup>st</sup> placed Rotherham.</span><span>
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</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span>Rotherham (21<sup>st</sup>)<br></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Form (all comps): DDLWL<br></span></b><span>Rotherham v Norwich: 1-1<br></span><span>Fulham v Rotherham: 1-1<br></span><span>Middlesbrough v Rotherham: 2-0<br></span><span>Rotherham v Brighton: 1-0<br></span><span>Birmingham v Rotherham: 2-1<br></span><span>
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</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Manager:</span></b><span> Steve Evans<br></span><span>
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</span><span>Rotherham come into this one sitting in 21<sup>st</sup> place, one point above the relegation zone after having been docked 3 points for fielding an ineligible player. The Millers will ensure safety tonight with a win despite their point’s deduction and relegate Wigan and Millwall.<br> </span><span>
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</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span>Last five meetings<br> </span></u></b><span>07 Feb 2004<span> </span>Rotherham v Reading<span> </span>L<span> </span>5-1<span> </span>League Division 1<br></span><span>21 Aug 2004<span> </span>Reading v Rotherham<span> </span>W<span> </span>1-0<span> </span>League Championship<br></span><span>15 Mar 2005<span> </span>Rotherham v Reading<span> </span>L<span> </span>1-0<span> </span>League Championship<br></span><span>04 Nov 2014<span> </span>Reading v Rotherham<span> </span>W<span> </span>3-0<span> </span>League Championship<br></span><span>28 Apr 2015<span> </span>Rotherham v Reading<span> </span>D<span> </span>0-0<span> </span>League Championship</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span>
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</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span>Head to Head<br></span></u></b><span>This will be the 42<sup>nd</sup> meeting between these two sides and it is Reading that hold the far superior record with 18 wins to Rotherham’s 9 with 14 ending in a draw. When the teams met at Madejski Stadium in November, Reading ran out 3-0 winners.<br> </span><span>
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</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span>Team News<br></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Reading: </span></b><span>Reading could be without striker Pavel Pogrebnyak (calf). </span><span>Defenders Jure Travner (groin) and Anton Ferdinand (calf) are out.<br></span><span>
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</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Rotherham: </span></b><span>Striker Danny Ward is a doubt with a knock and winger Adam Hammill is looking to start after coming off the bench at the weekend.<br><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b>
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</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Prediction:</span></b><span> Rotherham 1-0 Reading <br>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/4/28/8508033/rotherham-united-fc-v-reading-fcPhil902015-04-28T09:54:28+01:002015-04-28T09:54:28+01:00View From The Town End: Rotherham
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<figcaption>Justin Setterfield/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Game 45 of 46 may be irrelevant to Reading but it's a massive game for Rotherham who need a win to secure safety. Millers fan Jonathan Veal gives us his view on tonight's fixture. </p> <p><b>How would you sum up Rotherham's season so far?</b></p>
<p>Topsy-turvy. It was always going to be tough after such a quick rise and it has been just that. It was proving difficult enough to earn survival without the Football League points deduction, but this has made it even tougher. It would be a great achievement if they could stay up, but there is a sense that it should have been done and dusted a few weeks ago. There has been some great performances and results but every time you think they're going to kick on they slip back.</p>
<p><br><b>This was looking like a dead game a week ago but a three point, points deduction has dragged Rotherham back into the mire. What's been the reaction to the punishment and do the club feel there's a chance they'll get them back?</b></p>
<p>The reaction on the pitch has been superb. They put in arguably one of their best performances of the season against Norwich on Saturday and had it not been for several missed sitters then they would have won that. The reaction from within the club has been one of disappointment and they have said they will consider an appeal. Ultimately it will come down to whether the club are safe or not as to whether they will appeal.</p>
<p><br><b>Reading swept the Millers aside 3-0 under Nigel Adkins earlier this season, what did you make of The Royals that day and from what you've seen and heard since?</b></p>
<p>Although I was not at that game, my memory is hearing about Rotherham's worst performance of the season. I am not sure Reading had to do to much to get the better of them than night. Since then, well it seems like it has been a bit of a struggle for them - FA Cup form aside. It appears to have been pretty uninspiring stuff in the league.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uueiozBhEP4" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><br><b>Which Rotherham players should we be worried about tomorrow night?</b></p>
<p>All of them. We haven't got a stand-out player who is going to run you ragged or give you nightmares, but the manager will have the team unbelievably pumped up and we'll come out of the traps flying.</p>
<p><br><b>Any Reading players you're wary of?</b></p>
<p>Well undoubtedly they've got quality players in their squad, but they certainly haven't been performing lately in the league at least. I've always rated <span>Garath McCleary</span> though.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Score prediction?</b></p>
<p>2-0 home win.</p>
<p><b>Finally, any advice for Reading fans making the trip up to the New York Stadium?</b></p>
<p>Be careful of the roadworks outside the ground! They're a nightmare.</p>
<p><i>Thanks again to Jonathan and you can read more of his thoughts at <a href="http://www.itsmillerstime.co.uk/" target="_blank">It's Millers Time</a> and on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jonathandveal83">@jonathandveal83</a></i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/4/28/8507149/view-from-the-town-end-rotherham-united-fcThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer