Royals produce late fight back for a superb win

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Reading earned a magnificent three points at table toppers Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Two second half goals from Dave Kitson cancelled out Julio Arca's earlier effort. In front of the television cameras Reading produced a superb second half comeback after Arca had put the Mackams in front early on in the second half.

Steve Coppell made changes to the side which beat Millwall on Tuesday night, in came Paul Brooker and James Harper with Glen Little out through injury and Andy Hughes dropped t the bench.

Sunderland controlled much of the first half with Reading happy to sit back and soak up the pressure. Mick McCarthy's side missed a number of good chances to put themselves in control of the game.

Sunderland most dangerous threat was left winger Julio Arca who was causing The Royals defence numerous concerns. And it was Arca who had a great chance early on to give Sunderland the lead. A Chris Brown cross found the head of Arca but the Argentinean could only head straight into the arms of Hahnemann.

The Royals created very little in the first half with their best openings coming from set pieces. A Nicky Shorey cross found Sidwell but his header failed to find the target and went harmlessly behind for a goal kick. Sidwell earlier had a shot that went well over Myhre's bar.

Sunderland continued to attack and look threatening and as the half came to a close the Mackams should have been in the lead. Former Oxford United midfielder Dean Whitehead was put through but Hahnemann did well to close down the angle and Whitehead could only shoot straight at the American. Then from a Liam Lawrence freekick Carl Robinsons header came off the bar and was cleared.

Half Time: Sunderland 0:0 Reading

Sunderland made a halftime switch with goalkeeper Thomas Myhre replaced by Michael Ingham for what was though to be an injury.

Sunderland continued to press in the second half and eventually they found the breakthrough. It was poor defending from The Royals who failed to clear the earlier danger and eventually Marcus Stewart crossed to find Julio Arca at the back post unmarked for a simple header.

Many Royals supporters could have been forgiven for thinking Sunderland would then go on and win comfortably. But instead of looking to finish the game off, Sunderland looked more then content to sit back and soak up Reading pressure. As the half went on Reading started to look more and more threatening. Ivar Ingimarsson was replaced with Martin Keown and tighten things up. Although Ingimarsson can feel more then harshly treated as Ibrahima Sonko had given more then his far share off possession and had looked shaky at the back.

Les Ferdinand was also introduced replacing Ricky Newman and it proved another masterstroke by Coppell similar to Tuesday night. Ferdinand was not given the most of friendliest welcomes, there was a chorus of boos and jeers for the former Newcastle United player from the Sunderland supporters. With Forster moving out to the right wing Reading started to become much more of an attacking unit and with fifteen minutes remaining Reading got a deserved equaliser. A long ball up field from Hahnemann was flicked on by Ferdinand and after a mix up between Kitson and Forster the ball broke kindly for Kitson and he finished to level up the contest.

The Reading supporters didn't think it could get much better but it did when substitute Jeff Whitley fouled Sidwell from behind in the box and referee Lee Mason awarded Reading a penalty. Kitson stepped up and thumped the ball past Ingham to send the 500 or so Reading fans into ecstasy.

The Royals managed to hold on in the last ten minutes after late pressure from Sunderland to record a fantastic and vital three points. Although all the teams around them won again Reading still remain in a strong position although dropping down a place to sixth after Derby moved above them thanks to a better goal difference.

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Full Time: Sunderland 1:2 Reading

Man Of The Match: Marcus Hahnemann

Made a string of outstanding saves in the first half, just edged Paul Brooker who again had a very good game on the left wing.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

16th April 2005, Madejski Stadium, 3:00 PM Kick Off

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