The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 2-1 Bolton Wanderers: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2015-11-23T11:30:01+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/95338552015-11-23T11:30:01+00:002015-11-23T11:30:01+00:00Reading 2-1 Bolton: The Alternative View
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<figcaption>Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After a week in which Steve Clarke dominated the sporting headlines for all the wrong reasons, Reading returned to the Madjeski and league action.</p> <p><span>With his stay/go saga well and truly taking up everyone’s Twitter timelines on Thursday, it did seem that we were destined to be managerless come 3pm on Saturday. However, in a u-turn that put Didi Hamman signing for Bolton for half a day before moving to Man City in the shade, it transpired that our illustrious manager never actually considered leaving us and that he went there for a "professional chat".</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That topic is no doubt one that will be debated long and hard over the coming months, but what it did do is give Bolton the impetus in a very sombre Madjeski stadium and if it hadn’t been for some heroics from Al Habsi then we could easily have been at least 2, maybe 3 down after 15 minutes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Looking at the Twitter feed from the Trotters' fans it does seem that they have resigned themselves to relegation, have no hope, a manager that looks like he has lost the trust of the fans and a financial situation that makes the Zingarevich era look like a small overdraft. You can’t blame them for thinking this, however this is football and we all know that strange things happen, so <b>#BWFC -</b> keep believing!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On to the social scene and it’s dominated by the owners, the manager and Al Habsi. Here's the best below...</p>
<h3>Social</h3>
<h4>Well at least Lennon has some support</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Read the Reading fans posts on Twitter. They know they were lucky. We played well. If you judge Lennon as a mgr on this you are thick <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BWFC?src=hash">#BWFC</a></p>
— BWFC Fan (@BWFC_Fan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/BWFC_Fan_/status/668192381611712512">November 21, 2015</a>
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<h4>Fans will forgive many things but not a lack of effort!</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I lost count yesterday on the amount of times players backed out of challenges. No fight at all. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeagueOne?src=hash">#LeagueOne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bwfc?src=hash">#bwfc</a></p>
— Kieron Wilson. (@wilsonbwfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/wilsonbwfc/status/668471091011170304">November 22, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What can Lennon do about a CB that can't control and clear a ball, and our best player giving the ball away in midfield? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BWFC?src=hash">#BWFC</a></p>
— ⚫️⚪️ (@samjames1401) <a href="https://twitter.com/samjames1401/status/668441755650535424">November 22, 2015</a>
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<h4>Losing the faith (or the will)</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sad to see your football club slowly die . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BWFC?src=hash">#BWFC</a></p>
— Scott Cullen (@scottybwfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/scottybwfc/status/668195963123728385">November 21, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BWFC?src=hash">#BWFC</a> _ Despite off-field problems, desperately difficult remaining upbeat when you can't see where the next point is coming from! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/helpless?src=hash">#helpless</a></p>
— Chris Chapman (@blackheath99) <a href="https://twitter.com/blackheath99/status/668110590108442624">November 21, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I think I prefer International breaks. At least I know that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BWFC?src=hash">#BWFC</a> won't lose.</p>
— Kasey Smith (@TheKaseySmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheKaseySmith/status/668105369869279233">November 21, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anyone believes Bolton can stave off relegation must believe in Santa Clause <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bwfc?src=hash">#bwfc</a></p>
— Beer Swiller (@dennpoet) <a href="https://twitter.com/dennpoet/status/668092056200486912">November 21, 2015</a>
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<h4>However there’s always a positive</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">One bright point is we already have league 1 footballers in the squad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bwfc?src=hash">#bwfc</a></p>
— Pete O'Neill (@Leigh_Wigan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Leigh_Wigan/status/668114749012492288">November 21, 2015</a>
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<h4>How many live corpses do you see………?</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm seen more fight in a bunch of dead corpses <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bwfc?src=hash">#bwfc</a></p>
— Markus (@MarkusBWFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkusBWFC/status/668106632329617408">November 21, 2015</a>
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<h4>The last word with the man of the moment….</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Three things certain in life: death, taxes & Al Habsi having a worldy against us <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bwfc?src=hash">#bwfc</a></p>
— Jordan Mason (@jordanmason19) <a href="https://twitter.com/jordanmason19/status/668088973907075072">November 21, 2015</a>
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<h3>Media</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Given the nature surrounding Clarke’s position, you would have expected there to be a fair bit of news headlines surrounding the Trotters game. However, this wasn’t the case with most reports containing references to Hector’s supposed recall to Chelsea (There are more than a few fans who would welcome this!).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The pick of what was around on Sunday’s roundup of the games were as usual <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/reading-vs-bolton/339733" target="_blank">Sky Sports </a>who have their usual video highlights package as well as a fair write-up about us. However, saying that they weren’t exactly complimentary towards Reading, calling us "unorganised" which is probably a nice way of saying the first 28 minutes were awful.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34817259" target="_blank">Beeb </a>follow this up with a similar report, saying that our Omani international made three crucial saves, and that Bolton had good spirit and we were patient. Patience isn’t a word I would use to describe our performance on Saturday - I can think of many, many others.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As usual Danny Williams scoring a screamer from outside the box is always going to get the attention of our friends over the pond, and this week is no different. The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2591816-usmnt-watch-bedoya-returns-to-action-williams-nets-goal-for-reading?" target="_blank">Bleacher Report</a> gives Danny five lines saying he caught the ball outside the box and scored the eventual winner. You have to love American reporting of football. For example on <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/21/american-exports-tim-howards-everton-pile-further-misery-brad-guzan-aston-villa-4-0" target="_blank">MLS Soccer </a>– in part of Danny’s write up, the "Man of the Match also connected on 43 of 49 passes while piling up six interceptions and four tackles on the defensive end." Interceptions? Defensive end?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Back to the UK and the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/football-league-blog/2015/nov/21/football-league-your-thoughts-blog-brentford-nottingham-forest" target="_blank">Guardian </a>have us only in their roundup of the Championship section. However, the <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/6756371/Reading-2-Bolton-1.html" target="_blank">Sun </a>give us a full article, but reckon that Bolton threw everything at us, with Al Habsi being our saviour.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a style="font-size: 12px;" href="http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/match/422750/reading-bolton-wanderers/report?" target="_blank">ESPN FC</a> and <a href="http://www.sport.co.uk/football/reading-21-bolton-match-report/7106043/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SportcoukNewsRssFeed+(Sport.co.uk+News+RSS+Feed)#8lxTsrUv3b8Q8l5L.97" target="_blank">Sport.co.uk</a> as usual carry SkySports' report, stating that we were unconvincing. <a href="http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/reading/result/result-late-fightback-not-enough-for-bolton_258470.html#%24%24ny8b2n&&FYX9+JFGEeW/IhKp/GPoWQ%24%24" target="_blank">Sportsmole </a>say that Bolton dominated and were a little unlucky, whereas <a href="http://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/manager-steve-clarke-heaps-praise-on-reading-fans_sto4998591/story.shtml" target="_blank">Eurosport</a> lead with the Clarke angle but also point to us being barely in contention until Piazon's goal.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a style="font-size: 12px;" href="http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-things-we-learned-from-readings-2-1-win-over-bolton-wanderers/?#LsjTFj5bhMjDjx0M.97" target="_blank">Football League World's</a> three things we learned about the teams is a little strange with the focus on Clarke, Bolton’s defence and <span>Garath McCleary</span> being back to his best. The first two I can understand, but GMac has a little more convincing to do before we can say that he is back on form.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Looking at the local outlets and the <a href="http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/14095637.PLAYER_RATINGS__BOLTON_WANDERERS_v_READING/?ref=mr&lp=3" target="_blank">Bolton Evening News</a> is a little like its football team in regards to reporting (I will let you make your mind up) with the match report a link to the BBC site. However, <a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/all-about/reading-fc" target="_blank">GetReading </a>do their normal sterling job and this week I can’t help but think they have been a little bit lenient with the team. That said, for the latest warts and all, don’t forget to check out <a style="font-size: 12px;" href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">T</a><a style="font-size: 12px;" target="_blank" href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/">he Tilehurst End.</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That's it for this week and I will be back after the Forest game, hopefully getting the news & views following another Royals win!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/11/23/9778536/reading-2-1-bolton-wanderers-the-alternative-viewdavemc_exile2015-11-23T07:00:02+00:002015-11-23T07:00:02+00:00Further Reading: Reading 2-1 Bolton
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading returned to winning ways with a scrappy 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, but what more can we take from the game?</p> <h3>Reading struggled to assert dominance in the middle of the park</h3>
<p>Normally when I sit down to look through the stats after a home game, a familiar story emerges. Typically, we have quite a lot of possession and make a lot more touches and passes than the opposition - giving us a fairly solid control of the game, despite our lack of productivity in the final third.</p>
<p>However, things were rather different on Saturday - to put things into perspective, and to show you just how bad we were against Bolton, I've compared some of the basic stats against the ones from the Brighton game - in each match the away side was pretty poor on the day, but it's important to remember that Brighton and Bolton are at the opposite ends of the table.</p>
<p>Against the then league leaders, the Royals racked up an impressive 53% possession, 549 passes to Brighton's 450, and 738 touches to 611 - and that was hardly a stellar Reading performance. In contrast, the equivalent figures for the Bolton game were 50%, 399 to 408, and 569 to 576. If you swapped those numbers round, you could reasonably argue that Reading were outplayed by one of the best sides in the division but, obviously, this wasn't the case.</p>
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<div class="pullquote"><span>What did you make of Saturday's game? Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.</span></div>
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<p>The statistics clearly show that the home side simply didn't play like the home side - Reading didn't get stuck in to the opposition and then assert themselves onto the game. There may well be a good explanation for this drop in performance (*cough Steve Clarke cough*), but what I saw on Saturday was still dire nonetheless.</p>
<h3>Player in focus: <span>Garath McCleary</span>
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<p>One big positive to take away from the match was an encouraging performance from Garath McCleary. In the international break, <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/11/16/9720940/the-curious-case-of-garath-mccleary-reading-fc-royals">I wrote about how we needed to get the Jamaican back on form</a> - as, when he's at his best, he can be so very dangerous from out wide. Well, judging by the Bolton game, it looks like we might be seeing that sooner rather than later.</p>
<p>Crucially, McCleary was given a much wider role on Saturday than he had been in previous weeks. Here are his heatmaps from Huddersfield and Bolton respectively...</p>
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<img alt="McCleary heatmap Huddersfield" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MNdxE1c194AO1KWjFvyJL8CVOFU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4230045/McCleary_heatmap_Huddersfield.0.PNG">
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<img alt="Gmac heatmap Bolton" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L2pSgGmuS8wwpUuxO13Pmz2p5N4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4289615/GMac_heatmap_Bolton.0.PNG">
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<p>What a difference there is between the two above images! In the first, McCleary drifts infield a lot, rarely hugging the touchline. However, in the second, he does just that - even spending a lot of time in the dangerous space by the corner flag where he can potentially beat the full back before getting in behind the defence. That's exactly what I think Reading have lacked of late, so it's very encouraging to see it coming back into our game. Although you obviously want some variation going forwards, the breakdown of Reading's attacks against Bolton show that Steve Clarke saw the importance of utilising Garath McCleary...</p>
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<img alt="Reading attack breakdown Bolton" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/abXOi8XjKokfROFkZLu_UdzdFJs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4289625/Reading_attack_breakdown_Bolton.0.PNG">
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<p>Indeed, that wide positioning paid dividends for McCleary on Saturday afternoon, as shown by his personal stats. He made the most dribbles (7), crosses (16) and key passes (7), and even won corner duty off Oliver Norwood - who's been fairly unimpressive in that category recently. With Reading in need of midfield replacements for the injured Stephen Quinn, Aaron Tshibola and <span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span>, McCleary is making a strong case to be given the run of starts that he needs to get back to his best.</p>
<h3>Reading continue to struggle against the lower sides</h3>
<p>We're a fair way through the season now, and have only six more sides to play before we start getting into the reverse fixtures. Looking at the worse sides in the division, we've gone up against almost all of them (seven out of the bottom ten to be exact), but the results don't make for especially pretty reading.</p>
<p>In fairness, we haven't yet lost to anyone below 12th in the table, but we've still struggled against the basement boys. Of the previously mentioned seven, we've only beaten three of them (Bristol City, Charlton and Bolton) - drawing the other four matches (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/">Leeds United</a>, MK Dons, Huddersfield and Rotherham). What's more, as I see it, we haven't been that convincing in any of those three matches we've actually won. The trip to Ashton Gate was a routine, yet fairly dull, 2-0 win, with Reading struggling to break down either Charlton or Bolton when they visited the Madejski. In other words, Saturday's performance was the latest in a long line of sub-par showings against teams that we really should be beating comfortably if we want to get back into the Premier League.</p>
<p>You may be wondering about those other three games against Championship strugglers. As it happens, those teams are <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.inthetopone.com/">Nottingham Forest</a>, QPR and Preston - our next three opponents. If we're to think about turning this season around and climbing up the table, we have the perfect opportunity to do just that in the coming couple of weeks - starting with next Saturday's trip to the City Ground.</p>
<p><i>All stats and graphics are taken from WhoScored.com. </i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/11/23/9778538/further-reading-reading-fc-2-1-bolton-wanderers-royals-trottersBucksRoyal2015-11-22T11:26:11+00:002015-11-22T11:26:11+00:00Clarke On Important Bolton Win
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>He has divided supporters in the last few days but what did Steve Clarke actually have to say on the last week and Saturday's much welcome three points?</p> <p>After what was a really difficult week for the Royals, it was time to return to the bitterly cold Madejski Stadium in a vital clash against Bolton Wanderers. A win was much needed after the events of the last few days and three points was exactly what we got.</p>
<p>Crucial saves from Ali Al-Habsi kept us in the game early on, but Lucas Piazon scored after a mix up in the Bolton defence and then Danny Williams doubled our lead to put us two ahead before half time. The Trotters scored a late consolation from a penalty.</p>
<p>Steve Clarke’s word of the day was important and he was happy with an "important three points", he told the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">official club website</a>, "It was a tough game, a difficult game in which we had to weather an early storm. Bolton started really well and my goalkeeper was excellent, making some really good saves for us.</p>
<p>"Ali has been good since he got into the team; Jonathan Bond did well for me early in the season, but he picked up an injury and Ali has grabbed his chance. He’s looked every bit of the goalkeeper I knew he was when I brought him to the club in the summer and he has been playing well – today he made some terrific saves.</p>
<p>"And after that I thought we started to get a foothold and we grew into the game. We got ourselves our noses in front, made it two before half time with two goal, clinical finishes and put ourselves in a nice comfortable position.</p>
<p>"Garath McCleary was causing them a lot of problems down the right, Lucas had been quiet until he got his goal and from then he made a really good contribution for us. And once we got to 2-0 it was important to keep that lead going into the break.</p>
<p>"In the second half, nothing much was really happening, we were seeing the game out comfortably without being spectacular. And then Neil (Lennon) decided to throw on a couple of big ones up front and they went very direct.</p>
<p>"I tried to counter it by bringing on Jake Cooper, but just as I made that change they got the penalty, which made it a nervous ten or 15 minutes. But we saw it through well and we had three or four opportunities to score a third on the counter attack had we done a little bit better."</p>
<p>Clarke was honest about our performance after the game and with this being our first win in six. We still sit just outside the play-off area in seventh with another important game against Nottingham Forest next weekend. He added: "Today the result was all important for us. We weren’t fantastic today, but we hadn’t won in five before this afternoon, so it was just important to get the win today. And the three points were very welcome.</p>
<p>"I think you saw towards the end the team were maybe a little bit nervous because we were so desperate to get the win today. You saw the desire and the commitment of the players towards the end, but ball’s going into the box and we’re getting our head on it, we’re getting there first to the second balls, we’re getting the ball up the pitch.</p>
<p>"They know that in the context of the season, it was an important three points today – we want to stay in and around the top of the table, we want to be competitive and this result keeps us nice and close.</p>
<p>"We knew we had a chance to close the gap on the teams above us and that was part of the pre-match talk today. You always think in this league that somebody is going to drop points up there, today it was Birmingham City’s turn.</p>
<p>"We want to be in the mix and our performances this season have been very, very good. Now I wouldn’t put today’s performance as a very good one, but it was a very important performance. And a very important win."</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/11/22/9777686/steve-clarke-on-reading-fcs-important-win-over-bolton-wandererssophierfc102015-11-21T19:03:04+00:002015-11-21T19:03:04+00:00Reading 2-1 Bolton: Player Ratings
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<p>Here's how we rated the players in Reading's Championship victory over Bolton - make sure you vote for your man of the match too.</p> <h4>Ali Al-Habsi: 8</h4>
<p>Had it not been for the Royals' keeper, Bolton could have built up an insurmountable lead by the fifteen minute mark. Three important saves from the Omani inside the opening quarter of an hour before the rest of the team decided to turn up too. Only beaten twice - once, the crossbar denied Shola Ameobi; the other, a powerful penalty from Liam Feeney that he still got a hand to.</p>
<h4>Chris Gunter: 6</h4>
<p>Nothing too terrible, but reverted to the Gunter of old who was scared to take a chance and instead preferred to play the easy passes.</p>
<h4>Michael Hector: 6</h4>
<p>After a nervy few games, a far better performance from Hector who was rarely troubled, despite the dominance of possession by the away side. Set up the second goal with a good interception and quick pass to Sa.</p>
<h4>Paul McShane: 6</h4>
<p>Booked after five minutes after needlessly giving the ball away and conceding a free-kick, McShane recovered from that and, just like Hector, looked okay without ever standing out for the right or wrong reasons.</p>
<h4>Andrew Taylor: 6</h4>
<p>Steady. Not much more to say.</p>
<h4>Garath McCleary: 6</h4>
<p>Shades of his best but the age old problem of production came up again with McCleary, who found himself in great positions and situations but rarely made the best of them.</p>
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<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/11/21/9775244/reading-fc-2-1-bolton-wanderers-cold-luck-bwfc-championship-match-report/in/9533855">
<h2>Reading 2-1 Bolton: Match Report</h2>
<img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H5uDg5FNovdG-exTLFqv9Nn_4iM=/0x151:4032x2839/709x473/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47712673/IMG_5693.0.0.JPG"> </a> <span>Read our match report of Saturday's win at the Madejski Stadium.</span>
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<h4>Danny Williams: 6</h4>
<p>A well taken goal for the American but outside of that, he gave the ball away too often and showed his lack of touch all too frequently. Couldn't control the game with Norwood.</p>
<h4>Oliver Norwood: 6</h4>
<p>More of the usual from Norwood, who kept things ticking around the midfield area but never really looked forward or played an incisive pass.</p>
<h4>Lucas Piazon: 6</h4>
<p>Showed up on the scoresheet again, but just like usual he failed to impress consistently on the pitch. Still looks lightweight and not fully understanding of his teammates, but you can't complain if he continues to produce key moments.</p>
<h4>Nick Blackman: 6</h4>
<p>A quiet game, though Blackman did try to make things happen whenever he got the ball. Unfortunately teams are finally figuring out how to stop him - though you feel he will come through this tough spell.</p>
<h4>Orlando Sá: 6</h4>
<p>A frustrating afternoon for the striker, who took the limited opportunities he had to show his quality, holding the ball up well and bringing others into play, including Williams for the second goal.</p>
<h3><u>Substitutes</u></h3>
<h4>Jordan Obita: 6</h4>
<p>Brought on to shore up the midfield, and did so... just about.</p>
<h4>Jake Cooper: 6</h4>
<p>Brought on to nullify the threat of Emile Heskey, and did so... just about.</p>
<h4>Matěj Vydra: N/A</h4>
<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><a target="_blank" href="http://i.imgur.com/qNeDRlP.png"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/qNeDRlP.png"></a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/11/21/9775418/reading-fc-2-1-bolton-wanderers-fc-player-ratings-bwfc-championshipjonnafon2015-11-21T18:21:11+00:002015-11-21T18:21:11+00:00Reading 2-1 Bolton: Match Report
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<p>The Royals only just escaped with victory against now-bottom of the table Bolton Wanderers. Here's our report from a freezing day at the Madejski Stadium.</p> <p>It looked like the perfect game to get the Royals back on track after five games without a win, and for Steve Clarke to perhaps let the events of the last week or so fade into the background. The reality was far from the prediction, though - and one attempt at a "Steve Clarke's Barmy Army" chant from the north-west corner drummer was muted at best.</p>
<p>Reading were quiet too, with Bolton far quicker to find their stride as Ali Al Habsi was forced into a number of early saves that at least staved off the frostbite he might have been expecting in the bitterly cold Madejski wind. Paul McShane gave away the ball, and a free-kick, out wide in the fifth minute; Jose Casado's free kick was met by the head of Shola Ameobi, who forced Al Habsi into a low save. The Omani had to be quick to react when Reading gave the ball away in the middle of the park - Mark Davies was played in by Liam Feeney, but Al Habsi spread himself and again saved the Royals' blushes. Then Feeney provided a cross for Darren Pratley, whose header was tipped over by the busy Reading keeper. A great start for him, but for the rest of the side, a wake-up call.</p>
<p>And with the fans just about starting to turn, a stroke of luck on the half hour mark. Lucas Piazon charged down an errant clearance and got the rub of the green with the deflection, charging in on goal to chip over Ben Amos in the Trotters goal. It took an eternity to cross the line, but against the run of play, Reading were in the lead. Oliver Norwood nearly doubled the lead straight away with a pop from 20 yards from a short corner but Amos palmed away.</p>
<p>Soon enough though, it looked like Reading were finally finding their stride, and some of the swagger displayed in the victorious run earlier in the campaign. Michael Hector intercepted a pass and played the ball quickly up to Orlando Sa, who in turn found Danny Williams charging towards goal. He could have played in Nick Blackman for a one-on-one, but instead the American went alone - and luckily, brilliantly, found the bottom corner of Amos' net. The game had turned, and suddenly the blue and white shirts were in control. Piazon could have had a second had he met McCleary's cross with a firmer head, whilst the Jamaican winger, showing glimpses of his flying best, had a shot blocked from another quick break. Two-nil at half time, though you might have suspected the away side would be the team comfortably in the lead had someone asked you after 25 minutes.</p>
<p>---</p>
<p>In truth the second half was a lame duck, though it very quickly became tense with Bolton's late goal to give them hope. Before that, Ameobi had hit the bar from a header (for once, it wasn't Al Habsi who denied Wanderers), whilst Blackman had a shot into the ground which troubled Amos unduly, the ex-Man Utd keeper having to tip over at full stretch. Clarke seemed happy to lock in at 2-0, with defensive substitutions introduced to try and secure that clean sheet and three points.</p>
<p> </p>
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<h2>Reading 2-1 Bolton: Player Ratings</h2>
<img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B8j0UoQc66jokd7U9ZNfEq4v9mk=/0x211:4032x2899/709x473/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47712969/IMG_5706.0.0.JPG"> </a> <span>See how we rated the players and VOTE for your man of the match.</span>
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<p>The nerves were jangling, though, once Oliver Norwood had tapped the heel of Pratley just as the midfielder was pulling the trigger, the referee not hesitating to point to the spot. Al Habsi got a solid hand to Feeney's penalty, but not enough as finally the Trotters got the goal their play deserved. And from there, it really was a backs to the wall job, an unnecessary one you would hope with the home side harbouring ambitions of promotion and the away team dropping to the bottom of the league. A few long balls into the box later, Reading had escaped with victory, but sadly the match produced more questions than answers.</p>
<p>What has happened to the team that put Ipswich Town to the sword earlier in the season? In truth Reading never looked in serious, immediate danger (the first fifteen minutes aside), but this was not a match that filled you with hope that we will once again be challenging at the summit. Time wasting, aimless clearances and an inability to control the match were only causing more panic in the Royals ranks. This could have been a "statement" game but instead it was a match which produced little optimism.</p>
<p>And have the events of the past week been forgotten? Absolutely not. Granted, Clarke was never going to be instantly forgiven, no matter what the circumstances that invoked the "will he, won't he" saga which brought Reading to a standstill in the last three days. But no vocal support of the manager from the stands - it'll take more positive results and certainly better performances for the Royals faithful to truly forgive and forget. A good result, yes, but there are plenty more questions that the team - both management and playing staff - need to answer before the good times will roll again.</p>
<p><b>Reading: </b>Al Habsi, Gunter, Hector, McShane, Taylor, McCleary (Cooper - 79), Williams, Norwood, Piazon (Obita - 68), Blackman (Vydra - 93), Sa. Subs not used: Bond, Hurtado, John, Liburd</p>
<p><b>Bolton: </b>Amos, Vela, Gouano, Wheater, Casado, Feeney, Spearing (Clayton - 65), Danns, Pratley, Davies (Heskey - 77), Ameobi (Madine - 65). Subs not used: Dervite, Rachubka, Wilson, Twardzik</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/11/21/9775244/reading-fc-2-1-bolton-wanderers-cold-luck-bwfc-championship-match-reportjonnafon2015-11-21T16:57:28+00:002015-11-21T16:57:28+00:00Reading 2-1 Bolton: Flash Report
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Royals' first game since the Clarke confusion ended with a win for Reading. Read the instant report below.</p> <p>So, how do the players respond when their manager almost leaves them? Well, on this performance, it's hard to tell.</p>
<p><i><strong>Reading</strong>: Al-Habsi, Gunter, Taylor, Hector, McShane (c), Norwood, Piazon (Obita), Williams, Blackman, McCleary, Sa. <br>Subs: Bond, Vydra, Obita, Hurtado, John, Cooper, Liburd.</i></p>
<h4>First Half</h4>
<p>The game kicked off after a minute's silence to remember those that tragically lost their lives in Paris last week.</p>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A minute's silence observed immaculately here in memory of those who died tragically in Paris last week. <a href="https://t.co/kneyrkAkK3">pic.twitter.com/kneyrkAkK3</a></p>
— <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Reading FC</a> (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/668082023819554816">November 21, 2015</a>
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<p>The football on show in the opening half hour was subdued, to say the least, with Ali Al-Habsi forced to make a fantastic save from a free kick — the defence clearly not learning from the last time out at Cardiff — and again when Davies was played clean through.</p>
<p>The deadlock was broken was Lucas Piazon got lucky with a ricochet and poked home around the half hour mark, while Danny Williams doubled the lead shortly after with a strike from distance. <b>2-0, the Royals lead.</b></p>
<p>Momentum then seemed to be with Clarke's men, as they continued to search for another goal, but the half time whistle put a stop to that endeavour.</p>
<h3>Second Half</h3>
<p>The second half saw plenty of sparring between the two sides, with nether side really able to dominate the game. Ali Al-Habsi was forced to make another fine saving, tipping over an Ameobi header onto the bar, but Bolton struggled to find an opening.</p>
<p>Amos wasn't left to twiddle his thumbs though, as a Blackman shot bounced off the turf and looked destined for the net, only for the former Manchester United goalkeeper to get to the ball and tip it wide.</p>
<p>Things weren't all rosy though, as Norwood was adjudged to have fouled in the box, with Feeney stepping up and putting the penalty away. <b>2-1, with ten minutes to go.</b></p>
<p>Another penalty shout for Bolton in the 90th minute had a number of fans on the edge of their seats, but nothing was given.</p>
<p>Five minutes of added time were given, with Bolton continuing to throw the kitchen sink but <b>Reading held on to gain a vital three points</b> and put a few smiles back on the faces of disgruntled fans.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/11/21/9774746/reading-fc-2-1-bolton-wanderers-flash-report-sky-bet-championshipRoyal Hoops2015-11-21T10:19:29+00:002015-11-21T10:19:29+00:00Bookie Watch - Bolton (H)
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<figcaption>Martin Willetts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bookie Watch is back, for another game against a side languishing in the bottom half of the table. Readingfanman takes a look at the odds available on the game.</p> <p>#gAfter a turbulent week at Reading FC behind the scenes, the first team still line up this weekend to play at home against a very poor Bolton side. Bolton currently sit 23rd - having only picked up 11 points in 16 games. The main problem at Bolton is their lack of goals, having only scored 10 goals so far, with only 4 in 8 games away from the Macron Stadium. They currently are without a win in 10 matches.<br> <br>Reading to win currently is at 4/6. The draw is 3/1 and Bolton to pull off a win is 11/2 best price currently. Reading odds currently imply a 66% chance of victory according to the odds. It is unlikely there is much value in taking Reading to win outright unfortunately, especially given injuries to Vydra and McCleary coming into the weekend from the international break.<br> <br>Reading have also struggled with goals at home against teams who sit back against them having misfired against Leeds and MK Dons, followed by only scoring 1 against Charlton. Bolton are likely to play in a very similar manner to those teams, and a low scoring game could be expected given Bolton's lack of goalscoring threat as well. Under 2.5 at 9/10 implies a 55% chance, so far, Reading have had 75% of home games under 2.5, and Bolton have had 62.5% of away games under 2.5 goals. Corrected odds would give us odds at 68%, which would convert back to 8/17, giving us 13% edge here.<br> <br>The half time market has the draw currently priced at 5/4. This implies a 44.44% implied probability. Bolton however are not a team who lies down easily during the first half of games. With 6 of their away games so far having been draws at half time, and 4 out of the 8 home games Reading have had also been draws at half time, this would lead us to have implied probability of 62.5%, or implied odds of 3/5. I feel the bookies have priced this one up a long way out, and if Bolton are prepa<span>red to sit back against Reading, a draw at half time should be closer to evens.<br></span> <br>Despite Bolton being strong (in relative terms!) during the first half, the second half of games, Bolton are liable to concede, and have conceded 9 goals during the second half, going on to lose 2/3rds of the games they've been drawing at half time. The draw/Reading option at 37/10 offer us implied probability of 21.28%. Given the implied probability of 62.5% calculated for the draw, and Reading having won 1/4 of drawn games at half time, we're looking at 31.25% implied probability or odds of only 3.2, giving fair odds of around 3.5. Odds on offer of 4.7 give us a tasty edge to get after.<br></p>
<h4>Recommended Bets:</h4>
<p>Under 2.5 Goals 2pts @ 8/17<br>Half time Draw 1.5 pts @ 5/4<br>HT Draw FT Reading 1pt @ 37/10</p>
<p>#gambleaware</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/11/21/9774272/bookie-watch-bolton-hReadingfanman2015-11-21T10:00:02+00:002015-11-21T10:00:02+00:00Key Battles: Reading FC v Bolton Wanderers
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After yet another international break, Reading are back at the Madejski Stadium tasked with facing Bolton Wanderers. The Royals seek their first since the 1-0 victory over Charlton on 17th October. Steve Clarke, after making a U-turn from joining Fulham yesterday, will be desperate to make amends against a Bolton Wanderers side languishing second-from-bottom in the Sky Bet Championship.</p> <h3>
<span>Nick Blackman</span> vs <span>David Wheater</span>
</h3>
<p>Frustrating as it is to repeatedly see me focus on Blackman as our one-to-watch, Reading have offered little threat from elsewhere in recent fixtures. We're all desperate to see a change in fortunes to resume our good form from late September to early October. One major cause of this is the fact that Nick Blackman is the only player at the moment that looks likely to lead a revival.</p>
<p>Bolton's 6ft 5in centre-back David Wheater is Bolton's response to Blackman's threat. Wheater has played 80 times since joining the Trotters from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/middlesbrough-fc">Middlesbrough</a> four years ago, only seven of those appearances have been in this season's Championship. The 28 year-old has not been on the winning side so far this season as Bolton's only win came against Wolves in September when he was injured. If Blackman plays as well as he has done recently, Wheater should not provide too much competition. This will hopefully mean the start of a revival for Blackman due to a small goal draught recently.</p>
<h3>Oli Norwood vs <span>Darren Pratley</span>
</h3>
<p>After five games without a victory, Norwood will be aching to control the midfield as he has done so well when on form. It will be an interesting battle to watch Norwood against Bolton's captain Darren Pratley. Pratley was made club captain following former Royal Matt Mills' move to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.inthetopone.com/">Nottingham Forest</a> in the summer and has been at the heart of Bolton's midfielder almost ever since. Pratley was a catalyst for Swansea in 2011 and some fans may remember his goal from the half-way line in the Championship play-off semi-final against Nottingham Forest and also came on as a second-half substitute in the Play-Off final against Reading. Pratley can be likened to a traditional centre-midfielder - energetic, box-to-box and hard in the tackle. Oli Norwood will have to be at his best going forward and on the defensive to overcome the threat Pratley brings to his team.</p>
<h3>
<span>Chris Gunter</span> vs <span>Stephen Dobbie</span>
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<p>Reading's first choice right-back Chris Gunter will have to keep a close eye on former Blackpool and Swansea forward Stephen Dobbie this afternoon. Stephen Dobbie has scored an impressive 94 goals in 287 League appearances in his career and will again pose a threat to Reading's defence.</p>
<p>Gunter, on the other hand, has been in less-than-impressive form of late. The Welshman has, however, remained strong when under threat from pacy wingers and tricky midfielders. He has played an impressive 14 games with Squawka giving him a performance score of just 115 - Paul McShane has 370, Oli Norwood has 541 and Nick Blackman has 541. Gunter will need his electric pace to deal with the threat of Dobbie.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p>Hopefully Reading can pull out a good performance against Neil Lennon's side at 3pm today and resume the good run of form from early last month. URZ!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/11/21/9769706/key-battles-reading-fc-v-bolton-wanderers_EStacey