Reading Match thread

They were guilty of some fouls for sure but so were we, and they too went unpunished with cards.  Good or bad he was consistent in allowing stuff to go.  The issue is we see clearly those fouls against us (9) but seem to miss those we commit (17).  Don’t think we have too much to complain about on that score.  The yellows were yellows according to how the laws are now applied.

Update.  Just reading the Reading forum and they complained about the referee not taking action over our continued shoving of their players!

On your basis then they should have had 2.5 yellows !
Also how can you use the 17:9 ratio and say it’s fair as it’s only based on what the ref blew for and not the reality of what he SHOULD have blown for. He either doesn’t like us or he is a homer

Yes we did. My daughter who was with me at the game said she couldn't believe how one sided it was. Reading only showed threat in patches.

I don’t believe for one second referees go into a game with bias. That is seriously challenging their integrity. If they did the other three officials would see it as would many others. In truth the real bias comes us fans and it is that bias that affects how we view the game and decisions made.

The game itself wasn’t a dirty game by any stretch and the 26 fouls out there were pretty routine stuff and didn’t really warrant a card, and didn’t get any. The referee was sensible. In fact his use of advantage was excellent. But if you believe Reading were worse than us and got away with stuff I suggest you read their fans forum where they suggest the referee allowed us to get away with too much. Bias from there fans too. That’s football and we are all guilty. 

The yellows were correctly given according to the current application of the laws and in my opinion damned right too. We need our players to stop being stupid.

Referees can never win. Whatever they do will please some and annoy others. The nature of the beast. It’s a tough gig. Fan Bias Rules. We know it.

How did Ball do?

Did Graham get much of a look in?

Ball had a cameo at best but looks like a solid signing. He will only get better with games. Just what we needed. Been there, done it, got the tee shirt.

Graham, not really too much chance to shine, coming on when Reading were searching for an equaliser and us playing deep. Ring rust. Nothing outstanding but that’s to be expected.

Currie I thought looked good on his league debut. Definitely an improvement in my opinion. The guys a player with talent. I’d be happy with a permanent deal.

And I liked Clare in midfield, he looks a natural in that role. James back doing what James does.

All in all an injection of experience.

A mention for Agyie who, despite perhaps not looking spectacular, was a constant pain in the A for the Reading defence before going off knackered. And Beckles who I thought had a really solid game.

Of course football is a matter of opinion. Mine being it was never that one sided but of the two teams for much of the game were better both when we had the ball and when we were chasing the ball. We worked really hard and chased. They didn’t.  And deserved to win albeit a goal I could have saved, but what goes around comes around and we deserved a bit of good fortune.

In all honesty neither side showed that much threat other than in patches. Can’t recall their keeper having loads to do. Hemming on the other hand pulled off one great save, a couple of routine saves and of course they hit the woodwork. And some of our bodies on the line defending was superb as was a couple of our last ditch tackles. Happe, Currie, Beckles all made crucial tackles.

The best team won.

Agree with your synopsis doh but it’s still early days with Currie imho. In the same way it was wrong for some to slam Hemming after two games, it’s too soon to talk about permanent deals after two games. That said , like you I think he looks a considerable upgrade on Sweeney so far. With James at RB we have the makings of a good duo there.