The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 2-0 Middlesbrough: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2015-10-06T11:00:02+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/92027542015-10-06T11:00:02+01:002015-10-06T11:00:02+01:00Reading FC 2-0 Middlesbrough: The Alternative View
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Back up to 3rd, three points and a delightful Saturday afternoon. Here's what the social and media scene made of the win.</p> <p>Reading returned to the Mad Stad in league action, and what was billed as the acid test of the season against a high flying Boro side on a 7 game league and cup winning streak. After 15 seconds a bullet header from Danny Williams virtually settled the game and gave Reading a deserved win. The reaction from the Boro' faithful was predictable, mostly concerning the referee and team selection and a couple of digs at "that song".</p>
<h3>Social</h3>
<p>Most of the comments from the Twittersphere largely surround the team selection. Aitor Karanka might be from the Jose Mourinho school of football, but his team choice did leave a few of the Boro' fans scratching their heads in confusion. The best is below...</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I hope Karanka has a decent excuse for leaving the likes of Nugent and Adomah on the bench. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/frustrated?src=hash">#frustrated</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UTB?src=hash">#UTB</a></p>
— Claire Bloomfield (@DifferentClaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/DifferentClaz/status/650339064365850624">October 3, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">If Kike in for Nugent is down to injury, fair enough. If it's Aitor trying to out think football again then he should be sectioned <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/borolive?src=hash">#borolive</a></p>
— Paul Edwards (@pjeuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/pjeuk/status/650299169639395328">October 3, 2015</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We need to keep this good run going so he drops nugent and adomah. Good one aitor <span> </span> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/borolive?src=hash">#borolive</a></p>
— Dan Christlow (@Dan_Christlow) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dan_Christlow/status/650299912370974720">October 3, 2015</a>
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<h4><span>So before the game there are questions – after 15 seconds……..</span></h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Doh! 14 seconds on the clock and Reading lead 1-0. Nightmare start for the Boro. Need to wake up. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UTB?src=hash">#UTB</a></p>
— Lynne Pape (@lynne_pape) <a href="https://twitter.com/lynne_pape/status/650310013005774848">October 3, 2015</a>
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<h4>Understatement of the year award...</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Have I missed anything? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/borolive?src=hash">#borolive</a></p>
— Boro_Hamster (@BoroHamster) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoroHamster/status/650311234055761920">October 3, 2015</a>
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<h4>Reading have the most shots on target and the meanest defence. I suppose that puts this comment into perspective!</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Reading launrdy woman loves us. No need to wash their GK shirt. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/borolive?src=hash">#borolive</a></p>
— Nikeboro (@Nikeboro) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nikeboro/status/650337816396890112">October 3, 2015</a>
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<h4>Seems like the ball boys (and girls) had the easiest job of the day</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The ball boys behind the Reading goal have been the rest of the afternoon off <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/borolive?src=hash">#borolive</a></p>
— Paul Edwards (@pjeuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/pjeuk/status/650332924261322753">October 3, 2015</a>
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<h4>The Ref! The Ref! My kingdom for a decent Ref</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We've had three handballs waved away, first chance he has he gives them a penalty. Homer-tastic. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/borolive?src=hash">#borolive</a></p>
— jamie d (@jamspangle) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamspangle/status/650336491734999041">October 3, 2015</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm assuming Reading players need to handle the ball with both hands for ref to give a penalty.... that's 2 handballs in the box <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/borolive?src=hash">#borolive</a></p>
— ROJOR (@ROJORMUSIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ROJORMUSIC/status/650334529966764032">October 3, 2015</a>
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<h4>It seems that the whole of the football world has an opinion on "that song"</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Must be time to give this another spin, the cheesetastic Eurovision entry from Madejskistan <a href="http://t.co/woZxlWi62V">http://t.co/woZxlWi62V</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NulPoints?src=hash">#NulPoints</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/borolive?src=hash">#borolive</a></p>
— anthony vickers (@untypicalboro) <a href="https://twitter.com/untypicalboro/status/650284279117819904">October 3, 2015</a>
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<h5><i>(Ed, can we run a campaign for this to be our Eurovision Entry?)</i></h5>
<p> </p>
<h4>However this is a little harsh!</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">'13 Reading Fans'. This following on from their club anthem... Cringiest team in England? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/royals?src=hash">#royals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/utb?src=hash">#utb</a> <a href="http://t.co/15hL5SGuIo">pic.twitter.com/15hL5SGuIo</a></p>
— Infant Hercules (@MFCHercules) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFCHercules/status/650309777822756864">October 3, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>Seems tho there is still a little faith in Boro from their fans</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"<a href="https://twitter.com/_katieliv">@_katieliv</a>: Disappointing but not the end of the world, onwards and upwards! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/utb?src=hash">#utb</a>" Still walk the league, if Karanka stops changing team</p>
— Steven O'Sullivan (@StevenOSulliva4) <a href="https://twitter.com/StevenOSulliva4/status/650338948221435904">October 3, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<h3>Media</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Given that we are just under a quarter of the way through the season (well give or take a few games!), a meeting of two sides in the top 4 positions was going to generate a bit of coverage in the news outlets.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The one thing I love about a Danny Williams goal is that the Americans quickly jump onto it and we get coverage! This week <a href="http://www.socceramerica.com/article/65946/us-abroad-williams-scores-after-15-seconds-yed.html?" target="_blank">Soccer America Daily</a> say that Danny scored what was the winning goal after 11 seconds in a 2-0 win. OK, pause reading this article and just think about that for one second… <a href="http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/how-the-irish-fared-skipper-paul-mcshane-key-for-reading-357478.html?" target="_blank">The Irish Examiner</a> also do a piece highlighting Paul McShane’s contribution to the team.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">OK, back to sensible reporting! Starting with the mainstreams, and the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3258815/Reading-2-0-Middlesbrough-Danny-Williams-Nick-Blackman-goals-end-Borough-s-Championship-winning-streak.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a> - it seems that we are fast becoming a favourite of theirs as they continue to give us good write-ups. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/03/reading-middlesbrough-championship-match-report?" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> are getting totally on the Reading bandwagon, with their comment that <i>"there was a sense that something special could be developing".</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The press in the North East don’t pull any punches with the <a href="http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/watch-reading-2-0-boro-10197834?" target="_blank">Tees Gazette</a> calling it disappointing and that Boro’ didn’t really make us work for it, whilst the <a href="http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/boro/reading-2-middlesbrough-0-boro-run-is-ended-after-royals-stunning-start-1-7496200" target="_blank">Yorkshire Post</a> pick up on Aitor Karanka’s comment about not conceding early. <a href="http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough/13803140.Pay_attention__Karanka_tells_Middlesbrough_as_run_comes_to_an_end/?" target="_blank">The Northern Echo </a>also echo(!) this, highlighting Reading’s affinity for quick starts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Looking at the national outlets then, <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/reading-vs-mboro/report/339647?" target="_blank">Sky Sports </a>as always have their video roundup, and I must say viewing that – it was some pretty nifty work from <span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span> to set up Danny Williams. They go on to to make comments about the pace running through the team. The <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34366118" target="_blank">BBC’s </a>effort is a little dry, mainly sound bites to the game itself, but they do say that we are full of confidence and carry the now well-repeated quote from Karanka about not conceding in the first minute!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A few other outlets to mention; <a href="https://www.clubcall.com/middlesbrough/clarke-not-getting-carried-away-by-in-form-readings-defeat-o-1784119.html?" target="_blank">Clubcall </a>lead with Clarke telling the players and the fans not to get carried away, <a href="http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-reaction/339647/-?" target="_blank">Sporting Life</a> are very similar although they call it a comfortable win. <a href="http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/match-review-solid-reading-overcome-middlesbrough-test/?#LloLw1qCkCDjzFOX.97" target="_blank">Football League World</a> say that it was a convincing win from a solid Reading side and <a href="http://www.shoot.co.uk/round-up-championship-reading-see-off-in-form-middlesbrough/?" target="_blank">Shoot </a>give us 5 lines!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As always, don't forget to check out our own <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">The Tilehurst End</a> and <a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/all-about/reading-fc" target="_blank">Get Reading </a>for all things <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/">Reading FC</a> including video, stats and verdicts! Finally, on the <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.football-league.co.uk/news/article/2015/six-talking-points-from-the-football-league-weekend-2727974.aspx" target="_blank">Football League Website </a>we feature in their "6 talking points from the weekend" article - yep, you guessed it, a certain American scoring after 15 seconds!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That’s it for this week and I will be back after the Charlton game with all that’s being said on social media and the media world, hopefully reporting on a Reading side that’s in an automatic slot!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/10/6/9454933/reading-fc-2-0-middlesborough-the-alternative-viewdavemc_exile2015-10-06T07:00:02+01:002015-10-06T07:00:02+01:00Further Reading: Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading sealed an impressive win at the weekend, triumphing 2-0 over visitors Middlesbrough at the Madejski Stadium. But what more can be taken from the game? Bucks Royal provides us with some further reading... </p> <h3>Controlling the game without controlling the ball<span> </span>
</h3>
<p>On looking at the basic stats for the game against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/middlesbrough-fc">Middlesbrough</a>, you'd be forgiven for thinking that we were playing away. After all, the 39% possession Reading had on Saturday mirrors the 38% the Royals had in their triumphant trip to Turf Moor just a week earlier. Consecutive wins with such a low control of the ball would normally suggest that Reading have gone back to how they typically played under Brian McDermott: keep things tight at the back, nick a goal down the other end, take all three points.</p>
<p>If that were true, Reading's dominance in chance creation doesn't fit the narrative, Reading having 14 shots to Boro's 6. So how do the Royals manage that attacking prowess whilst the other side bosses the ball? I put it down to a pair of hard working, energetic midfielders that have highly impressed this season: Oliver Norwood and Danny Williams. Their performances of late show them to be the archetypal 'all action' midfielders that excel both in defence and going forwards.</p>
<p>The dynamic duo of Norwood and Williams attempted six and five tackles respectively on Saturday, putting them both in the top five performers between the two sides in that category. That's certainly a good explanation for why Reading not only kept a clean sheet, but only faced one shot on target in the 90 minutes - very impressive when you consider that 'Boro were the league's top scorers going into the weekend's fixtures. We may all have our doubts about Ali Al-Habsi, but even he can't fumble shots if they're not coming at him in the first place.</p>
<p>Up the other end of the pitch, Norwood and Williams also performed to a high standard. The former has been orchestrating the play from deep excellently this season, and pulled off three 'key passes' on Saturday (second on the day behind <span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span>). As for Danny Williams, his maiden strike at the Madejski Stadium made the headlines, but in hindsight we shouldn't be surprised that he added a goal to his tally. For a tough-tackling centre midfielder, Williams loves to be involved in the final third: with three shots, he was the second most involved on the day behind <span>Nick Blackman</span>. As it happens, he did even better last week, firing off five shots at Burnley's Tom Heaton - and these shots aren't all hopeful punts from distance: of his nine efforts in the last two games, a third of them have been from inside the box. Don't be surprised if the ex-Hoffenheim man runs up a good tally before May.</p>
<h3>Piazon vs Quinn</h3>
<p>One of the Royals' stand-out performers so far has been Stephen Quinn, who very much made the left wing his own before succumbing to injury. The ex-Hull City man has impressed me not only with his attacking contributions, but also his defensive work-rate. On Saturday, his replacement in the side appeared to be Lucas Piazon, who started the match in Quinn's space on the left side of a four man midfield. But, in contrast to the previously mentioned pair of Williams and Quinn, I don't think think that Piazon had a particularly good afternoon.</p>
<p>Much of that is down to playing style: whereas Quinn is a natural orthodox left winger, Piazon is a different prospect. Physically speaking, he's more lightweight, and is probably better suited to a central attacking role that doesn't need the same level of defensive work and positional discipline. Therefore, it's not surprising to note that Piazon approached his duties on the left flank rather differently to Stephen Quinn. Here are the heat maps for the pair's last two home games - Stephen Quinn vs Ipswich first, and Lucas Piazon vs Middlesbrough second. In both cases, Reading are shooting left to right.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Stephen Quinn heatmap Ipswich" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jpBixxfVzOKtZ74dG3dZlBDcQHg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4125706/Stephen_Quinn_heatmap_vs_Ipswich.0.PNG">
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<img alt="Lucas Piazon heatmap Middlesbrough" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QG-bh4vusHWP2xjXk-jvQXzp3PM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4125712/Lucas_Piazon_heat_map_vs_Middlesbrough.0.PNG">
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<p>On comparing those two images, Stephen Quinn is clearly the more orthodox of the two - despite tucking inside quite a lot, the Irishman hugs the touchline a lot more than Piazon, who covers less ground (although he was substituted on 63 minutes to be fair). Going from that, I don't think Lucas Piazon is the natural replacement for Stephen Quinn.</p>
<p>In Steve Clarke sides, the whole midfield has to work hard and cover a lot of ground - part of the reason why Danny Williams and Oliver Norwood are vital to this team is that they're so good at that. Certainly, Lucas Piazon could fit into a more advanced free role behind the striker that requires less defensive work, but I'm not convinced he's a good fit for anything tougher than that.</p>
<h3>Reading's magnificent seven</h3>
<p><span>Much has been made in recent weeks about how much strength in depth the squad now has after a very impressive <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors" class="sbn-auto-link">summer transfer window</a>. With the exception of right back, there's competition for places all over the pitch, which naturally drives up the quality we see from those that actually manage to make it into the first team. But it's becoming clear that Steve Clarke can rely on a core of regulars to build the rest of the team around. So, who are those players?</span></p>
<p><span> Well, statistically speaking, there are seven of them - in this case, I'm counting everyone that's appeared in 75% or more of the available minutes in the league this season. They are... Jonathan Bond, <span>Chris Gunter</span>, Paul McShane, <span>Jordan Obita</span>, Oliver Norwood, Danny Williams and Nick Blackman. As it happens, Stephen Quinn missed out by one minute. </span></p>
<p>If I'd asked you to name those seven without knowing who they were, you'd have been able to guess without too much difficulty. After all, they're the ones we've become most accustomed to during the 2015/16 campaign. What sticks out for me is that those players are spread all across the pitch - defence, midfield and attack - if you included Stephen Quinn, you'd get an even broader range. In contrast, last season saw five players get into that category - granted, not a big difference to this season's seven, but the spread of players in that group very much is. In fact, they were all part of Reading's back five: <span>Adam Federici</span>, Chris Gunter, <span>Michael Hector</span>, <span>Alex Pearce</span> and Jordan Obita. Noone in the midfield or attack got a look in, perhaps because they were all so inconsistent?</p>
<p>The point I'm trying to make is that you need a group of consistent, reliable performers all over the pitch - we haven't had that in recent seasons, and the team has suffered as a result. With the likes of Nick Blackman and Oliver Norwood being as regularly impressive as those at the back, it seems that Steve Clarke has solved that problem.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/10/6/9449809/further-reading-reading-fc-2-0-middlesbroughBucksRoyal2015-10-04T14:47:52+01:002015-10-04T14:47:52+01:00Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough: Player Ratings
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s how Becka rated the Royals after their impressive 2-0 victory at home to Middlesbrough.</p> <h4>Ali Al-Habsi: 6</h4>
<p>The experienced international didn’t have a great deal to do during the game, but was confident when called upon. He made a tricky but decent save to deny Stewart Downing in the first half, and his catching and clearing was much better than in recent games.</p>
<h4>Chris Gunter: 6</h4>
<p>He had a decent game at right back, keeping the Middlesbrough attacks quiet and non-threatening. However, as I said in my match report the formation looked lopsided, so Gunter was missing a winger to link up with at times. This meant he wasn’t getting forward and crossing as much as we sometimes see him doing, hence the lower score.</p>
<h4>Michael Hector: 7</h4>
<p>This was easily the best I've seen from Hector this season and he looked calm when he was making tackles and clearing the ball. The communication between the back five seemed to be a lot better and I think Hector’s game is really benefitting from playing alongside experience like McShane.</p>
<h4>Paul McShane: 7</h4>
<p>Sporting a very fetching black headband, he looked solid in defence; making well timed tackles and his headers were strong. You can see why opposing teams are finding it difficult to score when he’s in defence.</p>
<h4>Jordan Obita: 6</h4>
<p>A very similar game to Gunter on the right, although there appeared to be more support down the left wing for Obita.</p>
<h4>Nick Blackman: 7</h4>
<p>Steve Clarke in his post-match interview stated that he had asked Blackman before the game to play a more defensive role for this match, which I think he did quite well. However, he did sometimes leave the right wing slightly open. Scored one of the coolest penalties I’ve seen though and his goalscoring run continues.</p>
<h4>Danny Williams: 8</h4>
<p>Another kind of display that we’ve come to know and love from Williams. His header after 15 seconds was the perfect way to start the game, and he looked dangerous throughout.</p>
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<a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/10/4/9448959/reading-2-0-middlesbrough-match-report">
<h2>Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough: Match Report</h2>
<img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NVKc1GoPGwBG4oX8jyPXtfZGbR8=/0x17:3408x2289/709x473/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47330146/GettyImages-491165578.0.jpg"> </a> <span>Relive the game with Becka's match report.</span>
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<h4>Oliver Norwood: 7</h4>
<p>An understated performance from our often unsung hero. He was strong in midfield, watching the game well and making some impressive passes.</p>
<h4>Lucas Piazon: 5</h4>
<p>He had a couple of good runs and a good chance at goal, but sadly Piazon looked like he could be stronger during periods of the game. However, it’s good for him to get game time as he will improve throughout the season.</p>
<h4>Hal Robson-Kanu: 6</h4>
<p>He made a great run and cross for Williams’ goal, but it was a reasonably quiet afternoon for the Welshman. That said, he didn’t do much wrong, just not much memorable either.</p>
<h4>Orlando Sa: 6</h4>
<p>A reasonably quiet return for the Portuguese striker, however, he did get into some good positions and was unlucky not to score at the end of the first half.</p>
<h3><u>Substitutes</u></h3>
<h4>Ola John: 6</h4>
<p>Looked slightly stronger than Piazon when he came on, although he didn’t really get into the game too much.</p>
<h4>Aaron Tshibola: N/A</h4>
<p>Didn’t have enough time to make much of an impact, although he looked lively when he came on.</p>
<p><b><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></b></p>
<h4><u>Season's Ratings (click for a larger version):</u></h4>
<p><img src="http://i.imgur.com/UPy51vt.png"></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/10/4/9448977/reading-v-middlesbrough-player-ratingsBecka_Ellen2015-10-04T14:42:39+01:002015-10-04T14:42:39+01:00Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough: Match Report
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Royals continued their impressive form in the Championship with a victory over promotion contenders Middlesbrough. Here’s Becka’s match report from a pleasing afternoon in Berkshire.</p> <p><span>Saturday’s game at the Madejski Stad was potentially one of the most important games of the 2015/16 season so far. Middlesbrough travelled south on the back of five consecutive league wins which saw Aitor Karanka’s side sitting in second place.</span></p>
<p><span>Reading had slipped a place overnight after Burnley’s Friday night victory at Rotherham, but Danny Williams’ goal after 15 seconds, and a late penalty from in form attacker Nick Blackman ensured that the Royals went back to third. They also closed the gap to their opponents to just two points, and Brighton being held to a draw at home to Cardiff meant that the Royals are within four points of the top.</span></p>
<p>Steve Clarke made two changes from the team who picked up three points at Burnley last Saturday. Orlando Sa came straight back into the side for Garath McCleary, after serving his three match ban, and Ali Al-Habsi got his first start in the league for Reading; replacing Jonathan Bond who had picked up a calf strain. With an abundance of centre midfielders on the pitch, the shape looked somewhat lopsided at times, with the right wing looking slightly weaker than the left. However, the attacking strength we have got used to seeing this season was in full force again, with lots of chances being created.</p>
<h3>First Half</h3>
<p><span>In recent games, Reading have made a habit of scoring early goals, but I don’t think anyone was expecting Williams to head home the first goal of the afternoon after just 15 seconds; the quickest in the league so far this season. Hal Robson-Kanu made an impressive run and crossed in from the left hand side; finding the USA international unmarked in the box who headed home his first home goal in Reading colours.</span></p>
<p>After this quick goal the Teesiders knew they were in for a difficult afternoon, and even though they dominated possession for long periods of the game, they never really looked like scoring. The Royals, however, made plenty more opportunities before the break. The most notable of these was when Blackman was denied by Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, only for the ball to fall to Orlando Sa. His right footed shot was headed impressively off the line by Daniel Ayala.</p>
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<a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/10/4/9448977/reading-v-middlesbrough-player-ratings">
<h2>Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough: Player Ratings</h2>
<img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Vahcvq_h-0Bmz-ClLCydPUl67So=/0x132:2363x1707/709x473/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47330230/GettyImages-491144862.0.jpg"> </a> <span>Here are Becka's player ratings from the game.</span>
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<p>Boro’s only shot on target came just before the break. Stewart Downing took a low free kick, but was denied by Ali Al-Habsi even after his view was restricted by a crowded penalty area.</p>
<h3>Second Half</h3>
<p><span>The second half continued much like the first, with Boro enjoying lots of possession without creating much of an end product. Even though they built in confidence, they just couldn’t seem to get going, and this was the first time they’d failed to score in their last seven games in all competitions. Grant Leadbitter had a 30 yard shot which sailed just wide of the post on the hour mark, and substitute Carlos De Pena headed just wide with 10 minutes to go.</span></p>
<p>However, the home fans got behind the Royals, and they started to push for another goal. Their efforts were rewarded two minutes from time, when Blackman was brought down in the box by Fernando Amorebieta. He stepped up to take one of the coolest penalties I’ve ever seen; stuttering his run so Konstantopoulos was committed to the left hand side of his goal whilst Blackman rolled it in to the right. This was the striker’s ninth goal of the season, and sealed Reading’s fifth win of the campaign.</p>
<h3>Closing Thoughts</h3>
<p><span>This was a very much an impact win from Reading. Successive fixtures of Burnley away and Middlesbrough at home looked difficult on paper, and I think before the game last Saturday I would have been reasonably happy at taking two-three points from those two games. To come away with the maximum on offer is pretty awesome, and shows that we could genuinely be going places this season.</span></p>
<p><span>It was another comfortable attacking display, and the defence looked as solid as ever with the ever reliable Paul McShane and Michael Hector making some great tackles and blocks. It was the perfect result heading into the international break, and I have every confidence we can keep building on this impressive run.</span></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/10/4/9448959/reading-2-0-middlesbrough-match-reportBecka_Ellen2015-10-04T11:44:52+01:002015-10-04T11:44:52+01:00Clarke On Boro Victory And Sunderland Rumours
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Is Steve Clarke considering a move to the Premier League? Hear what the Reading FC manager himself had to say on that one plus the big win over Boro.</p> <p>A superb 2-0 victory against a good Middlesbrough side left all Reading fans leaving the Madejski Stadium very happy yesterday afternoon. Each and every player worked their socks off and it was a thoroughly deserved three points and I think it's the best victory of the season so far.</p>
<p>After missing the last three games to other arrangements and not witnessing a goal this season, I was beginning to think that I was bad luck, but these thoughts were gone within 15 seconds when Danny Williams scored the opener. Man of the moment Nick Blackman scored a cool penalty late on to start the celebrations.</p>
<p>Of course, Steve Clarke was absolutely delighted with the win, he told the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">Official Club website</a>,</p>
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<p>I think everyone is satisfied. It was nice to do it at home - it was good for the crowd. We had a big crowd in today, and we got off to a flying start which got the crowd vocal right from the beginning of the game.</p>
<p>We knew that it was always going to be difficult, but getting that early goal just changed the dynamic of the game a little bit. We have made a habit of it in recent weeks and it's a very good habit to have.</p>
<p>Middlesbrough would have been speaking before the game about being solid, inviting us on to the them and maybe trying to pick us off on the counter-attack because they have got players that can do that. That goal changed it and meant that Middlesbrough at some stage would have to open up and come out at us.</p>
<p>To be fair to them, they kept their shape well and kept probing away in the first half. When the game opened up in the second half, we had three or four really good opportunities on the counter to get the second goal. We didn't make the most of that but eventually we got the late penalty - that probably put a bit of gloss on the performance.</p>
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<p>Ali Al-Habsi came in for the injured Jonathan Bond and after a difficult start to the season for Al-Habsi, he put in a fantastic display along with the back four to keep a clean sheet. Clarke added:</p>
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<p>I'm absolutely delighted for Ali Al-Habsi - he's had a little bit of criticism this year. He is a senior goalkeeper and he understands the job, and he knows that he has made one or two mistakes in games. Today there were no mistakes. Perfect handling, one save from a really difficult free-kick in the first half especially.</p>
<p>The rest of the time when the ball comes in your box and the goalkeeper comes and catches it or punches it with a good connection, it just gives your defenders a bit more confidence. Mind you, Michael Hector and Paul McShane in front of them and the two full-backs don't need much confidence at the moment because they're defending really well.</p>
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<p>Before kick-off yesterday, rumours were flying around that Clarke in fact had been linked with the not yet vacant job at <a href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sunderland</a>, but Clarke laughed these rumours off telling <a target="_blank" href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/all-about/reading-fc">GetReading</a>,</p>
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<p>My wife would kill me. She's happy that we don't have to move around the country!</p>
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<p>Now with two weeks off due to the international break we can reflect on what a fantastic run of games for us and hope to build on that when everyone returns! URZ!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/10/4/9448653/clarke-on-boro-victory-and-sunderland-rumourssophierfc102015-10-03T16:54:26+01:002015-10-03T16:54:26+01:00Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough: Instant Reaction
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In a battle of fourth against second at the Maddejski Stadium, a goal just 16 seconds in set up a massive win for Steve Clarke's side.</p> <p><b>Reading</b>: Al-Habsi, Obita, McShane, Hector, Gunter, Norwood, Williams, Robson-Kanu (Tshibola), Pizaon (John), Blackman, Sa</p>
<p>The big team news saw Jonathan Bond miss out due to injury with Ali Al-Habsi making his first league start between the posts for Reading, while Orlando Sa returned from suspension to lead the line.</p>
<p>Any pre-match concerns over the goalkeeping situation were soon at the back of the mind, after Reading put the ball in the net just 16 seconds in. Hal Robson-Kanu's cross ending up on the head of Danny Williams to give us a massive early advantage.</p>
<p>That would be about the only time that Reading got into the Boro half for the next 20 minutes as Aitor Karanka's side enjoyed almost all the possession without really troubling Al-Habsi. The only real danger in the first half was referee Keith Stroud, who wasn't haven't the most consistent day at the office, much to the annoyance of the home fans.</p>
<p>While not enjoying much of the ball, Reading still had the better of the chances, seeing one cleared off the line and several long-range efforts whizz past the woodwork. At the other end, Al-Habsi had just one real save to make, pushing a stinging low drive past the post.</p>
<p>Into the second period and both sides began to tire. Oliver Norwood saw a free-kick sneak past the post but no team really took firm control on the contest. Boro had plenty of nice approach play but struggled to get efforts away on target, although a couple of drives did flash past Al-Habsi's post.</p>
<p>The final third of the game was a nervy one for Reading fans but five minutes from time those nerves were eased when Nick Blackman won a penalty. The TTE Player of the Month stepped up and rolled it home to give Reading a 2-0 win with his eighth goal in as many games.</p>
<p>We'll have a full review of the game as well as player ratings a little later this weekend here on The Tilehurst End.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/10/3/9445029/reading-fc-2-0-middlesbrough-fc-madejski-stadium-instant-reactionWimb2015-10-03T10:34:23+01:002015-10-03T10:34:23+01:00Reading v Middlesbrough: Match Preview
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<figcaption>Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading host high flyers Middlesbrough at Madejski Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Royals have won their last two games but Boro are on a run of seven wins in all competitions and will be looking to extend that run in Berkshire. </p> <h4><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/">Reading FC</a></h4>
<p><span><b>Form (all comps): WLWLW</b></span></p>
<p>Reading's Stephen Quinn and Matej Vydra (both knee) will be absent on Saturday. Anton Ferdinand is still sidelined (thigh), but the Royals are boosted by the return of Orlando Sa after a three-match ban.</p>
<div class="pullquote">Reading FC vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/middlesbrough-fc">Middlesbrough</a> FC:<span>3 October 2015</span> <span>15:00 KO</span> <span>Madejski Stadium, Reading</span><span>Referee: Keith Stroud</span>
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<h4>Middlesbrough FC</h4>
<p><span><b>Form (all comps): WWWWW</b></span></p>
<p>Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has no new injury concerns and will be looking for his side to build on their good form. David Nugent has scored three in his last four games and will likely spearhead boro’s attack again against The Royals.</p>
<h4>Lineups From Last Game</h4>
<p><b>Reading</b>: J. Bond, P. McShane, C. Gunter, M. Hector, H. Robson-Kanu, G. McCleary (O. John 82), D. Williams, O. Norwood (J. Cooper 90), J. Obita, N. Blackman, Lucas Piazon (A. Tshibola 71)</p>
<p><b>Middlesbrough</b>: D. Konstantopoulos, F. Amorebieta, G. Friend, Daniel Ayala, T. Kalas, S. Downing, G. Leadbitter (A. Forshaw 87), A. Adomah (Nsue 77), A. Clayton, D. Nugent, C. Stuani (D. Fabbrini 56)</p>
<h4>What The Opposition Think</h4>
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<p>Last season we only scored 68 league goals at a average of 1.47 per game, this season that's upped to 1.88 and that's after we lost top scorer Patrick Bamford back to parent club Chelsea! The addition of David Nugent and Stuani to go with Kike really means we look like scoring where as last season we had no plan b as such. We have yet to really be hit by any injuries and seem to have good depth in positions this season with our defense especially being very stingey!</p>
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<h4>Last Five Meetings</h4>
<p>10 Jan 2015: Reading 0-0 Middlesbrough (League Championship)</p>
<p>30 Aug 2014: Middlesbrough 0-1 Reading (League Championship)</p>
<p>22 Apr 2014: Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough (League Championship)</p>
<p>29 Dec 2013: Middlesbrough 3-0 Reading (League Championship)</p>
<p>25 Feb 2012: Middlesbrough 0-2 Reading (League Championship)</p>
<h4>Head To Head</h4>
<p>Reading v Middlesbrough: W:8 D:10 L:9</p>
<h4>YouTube History</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gVlicyC5f88" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
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<h4>Prediction</h4>
<p>Reading 1-2 Middlesbrough</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/10/3/9440771/reading-fc-v-middlesbrough-fc-madejski-stadium-october-3-2015-match-previewPhil902015-10-02T18:37:02+01:002015-10-02T18:37:02+01:00Ref-Watch: Middlesbrough (H)
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<figcaption>Clint Hughes/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It's been a quite a journey for this week's ref KEITH STROUD, as he has gone back and forth from the Premier League throughout his career.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It feels slightly strange writing that Reading will be involved in a top of the table clash this weekend, but the visit of second placed Middlesbrough means that that is indeed the case, and the Football League have appointed one of their most experienced officials for the game.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Keith Stroud will be the man in the middle at the Madjeski, a ref who has taken charge of Premier League fixtures before, but it hasn’t been as plain sailing as it looks. The Hampshire born whistle-blower first officiated in the top flight in 2006 and hoped to go on to become one of this country’s most established refs like Messrs Webb or Atkinson. Unfortunately for Keith it wasn’t to be. After a run of errors, Stroud was removed from the Select Group in 2009. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">But don’t start crying into your tissues just yet. The 46 year old has still taken charge of numerous high-profile Football League matches in his career including a couple of play-off finals. Then, in September 2014, he was given a Premier League fixture to take charge of for the first time since 2008, and everyone lived happily ever after. Umm…not quite. He wasn’t given another first division match until last month, meaning his struggle to get back to the top permanently continues. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">In total so far in 2015-16, Stroud has officiated nine games, handing out 36 yellow cards and one red card in the process. He has also awarded two penalties which have come in his last three games. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Overall, Reading have won three, drawn one and lost three when Stroud has been the ref. Last season, he took charge of our 1-0 home loss to Bournemouth in April, resisting the urge to send off an already booked Michael Hector four days before the FA Cup Semi-Final. For that Keith, we, and I’m sure Hec, will be forever grateful.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/10/2/9440539/ref-watch-middlesbrough-h-reading-fcOlly_Allen