Reading FC vs Port Vale

LEAGUE DIVISION TWO
READING 1 PORT VALE 0 (Half Time: 0-0)

Reading Scorers: Butler (78 minutes)
Port Vale Scorers: -

Date: 3 February 2001
Attendance: 9,026

Reading: Whitehead, Newman, Viveash, Hunter, Gurney (Gray), Parkinson, Caskey, Igoe (Butler), Cureton (Jones), Rougier, McIntyre. Subs not used: Howie, Gamble.

Port Vale: Goodlad, Carragher, Tankard, Walsh, Bridge-Wilkinson, Widdrington (Minton), Cummins, Brammer, Smith, Naylor, Brooker, Lowe. Subs not used: Delaney, Burton, Burns.

Bookings: Newman (Reading); Widdrington (Port Vale).
Referee: M North (Bournemouth)

Once again it wasn't the best match for the neutral, but once again it ended with Reading winning three more vital league points. The scoreline of 1-0 was identical to Reading's last league match - the home win against Bristol Rovers two weeks ago - not the most exciting results but as long as we keep winning then the confidence and performances from earlier this season will soon be on their way back. Today's victory over Port Vale, just four places off the bottom of the Division, was hardly a convincing victory despite Reading having nearly all the play throughout the game. Port Vale seemed to be a very poor side happy to come and take a point - something they might well have done without the introduction of Martin Butler.

However, they'd been plenty of signs that Reading might win the game more comfortably during the first half after Reading got off to a decent start. After complaints from fans about our recent long ball game and an Friday Evening Post denial from Pardew that we're "not long ball merchants" the Royals got off to a different pattern of play. Reading were playing some fantastic football all across the park with the ball flowing along the ground Rougier and Cureton started working well together and even Newman and Gurney were happy to play the ball out of defence for a while. Gurney's performance didn't last long after going down under a hard tackle and being replaced by Gray - thankfully the injury to his leg didn't look too bad in the end. However, wiith Parkinson and Caskey controlling the midfield and the potential of Igoe and McIntyre playing wide it all looked quite promising for a decent attacking game from Reading.

While we were playing "proper" football we probably looked the most dangerous depite failing to create a massive amount of chances. Twice during the first half we seemed certain to score with the ball being knocked around in the area - but both times we failed to get in a decent shot on target, Jimmy McIntyre hitting an effort just millimetres wide of the post when it looked like we'd scored. Perhaps the best shot of the half came from Darren Caskey with a free-kick from way outside the area. After the usual bit with players running over the ball Caskey sent in a great shot that curved to hit the base of the crossbar - but failed to cross the line.

Down the other end we seemed to be doing our best to downgrade the game. Hunter was showing an amazing lack of footballing talent and his big long hoofs up the park to nobody were just the same as the last few games. Whitehead didn't seem at his best either - firstly almost making a fatal mistake when changing his mind when throwing the ball out - after dropping it he then had to take on a Port Vale forward and just about got away with it. After that Port Vale broke the offside trap with their first real attack of the game - Whitehead made a good save, but then just sat their waiting for another shot rather than just pick up the ball. The first half started tailing off quite early and the second half started in just the same way - Reading having plenty of the ball but failing to do enough with it and Port Vale happy to play out time.

Rougier had another bizarre game alternating from being crap to being something rather special indeed. His ball control kept letting him down and during the second half he was obviously completely knackered, however a couple of flashes of brilliance almost warranted his starting appearance. Rougier could have put Reading ahead before Butler eventually did after winning the ball in a similar position. He did well to get past his two men, but his shot was poor - well wide to the left. After that he nearly put in a superb cross from the right wing after beating a man and nutmegging another. And after Butler had won the game for the Royals, Rougier burst through the middle of the park beating player after player before unselfishly knocking the ball into the path of Butler.

Jamie Cureton had a great chance to put Reading ahead as well after a cross from the left went straight to his feet - if he'd have stuck his leg out it would have been a goal but instead he seemed to let it go as it went flying across the face of goal. After these wasted chances the game seemed to be slipping into a goalless draw until twelve minutes from time when Butler, who had come on as a second half substitute, eventually claimed the full three points for the Royals. Butler won the ball just inside the right diagonal of the box, just inside the area, and after beating his two markers fired the ball in off the far post to make it 1-0. Massive relief across the ground and a good excuse for the Beard Band to make even more noise in the corner of the stadium.

It was then just a case of playing out time - and Port Vale never seemed likely to threaten for a late goal. There was just enough time for Keith Jones to come on to the normal reception of boos across the Madejski Stadium. Still, a victory and some promising signs. But we're going to have to play far better than this if we're going to get the points at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

Following report from Neil Cole:

Another win, another clean sheet, and a much better performance from the Royals today as Port Vale were beaten by a second half Martin Butler goal. While the scoreline wasn't as convincing as perhaps it should have been, Reading dominated the game and thoroughly deserved the win.

The defence was changed again, as Stuart Gray was dropped to the bench. There was a surprise recall for Andy Gurney at left-back, who has been ignored by Pardew lately despite some good performances earlier in the season. Amazingly, four games in a row proved to be too much for Graeme Murty, who sat this one out with another injury. That allowed Sammy Igoe to continue at right midfield, with Newman switching to right-back.

Tony Rougier was given another start up front, against the side he left in the summer to join the Royals. He looked keen to impress against his former employers, and had a lively first half. However, at times he was trying too hard, and ended up tiring himself out and disappearing from the game. Again he failed to score, despite a couple of good chances.

At times the football played by Reading was very good, and a lot better than we had been forced to endure in the Bristol Rovers and Swansea games. Cureton and Rougier showed signs they are beginning to form a partnership, and linked up nicely a couple of times in the first half.

Jimmy McIntyre nearly put Reading in front with another cracking right foot shot, which went narrowly wide. He nearly scored from a similar position at Swansea, and again today the luck didn't go with him. It seemed like it was one of those days, when Darren Caskey hit a wonderful long range free-kick against the underside of the bar. It was still goal-less at half-time despite Reading dominating the game.

Port Vale improved in the second half and the game was much more even that it had been before the break. Vale played some good stuff, but looked so inept up front it's no surprise they're in the relegation zone. The Reading defence did it's best to go back to the long ball game, as Hunter and Viveash again looked clueless in possession. However, our attack looked the best it has been for a long time, and we could easily have scored three or four rather than the solitary goal which eventually won us the game.

Things improved with the introduction of Martin Butler at the expense of Sammy Igoe. Butler surely did enough in the half hour he was on the pitch to win him his place back in the starting line-up. With a tricky trip to Bournemouth coming up on Tuesday, Butler's commitment and finishing ability could well be needed in the team. He showed what he is capable of with a goal twelve minutes from time, which was probably one of his better goals this season. After picking the ball up on the edge of the box, he comfortably turned a Vale defender and fired into the far corner via the post.

The goal killed Port Vale off, and it was all Reading for the least ten minutes. It could have been two shortly afterwards, as Cureton was just inches away from making contact with a McIntyre cross. However, it finished 1-0, and the three points keep Reading in sixth place and close the gap slightly on some of the teams above them.

For the second year running, Beard Day has brought Reading a win, giving the large number of Beards even more to sing about. The atmosphere in the North-East corner was superb, with the Beard Band yet again putting the club's efforts to shame. It was also nice to hear a lack of music after we scored, showing that perhaps the club do listen to us sometimes.

Post Match Opinions

Three very welcome points, but a wholly unconvincing performance. We simply do not look good enough for promotion. What has happened to the team that srolled confidently to emphatic victories earlier in the season?
It seems likely that there is a major problem in the dressing room. Are Pardew and Allen experienced enough to deal with such things? Do they need a steadying, more mature voice urging them not to panic when there are temporary hiccups?
The breaking up of Butler and Cureton's partnersip after a couple of lean games seemed premature. Uncertainty in front of goal, caused by lack of confidence causes frustration with the team and the crowd. Strike partnerships should be allowed to develop without constant fears of being dropped if they fail occasionally.
The sad and untimely death of Maurice Evans seems to tie up with our dip in form. Was he even more of an influence than we knew?
-- Kevin. (Worthing Royal)

Yet another dismal performance that produced three points.This raises an interesting discussion point, would we be happy watching this crap every week, yet still scrapping 1-0 victories, I think we would to secure promotion, but better teams than Vale would surely punish us.
The game however did have it's highlights and star of the show must be Barry "Twizzle" Hunter who gave one of the most entertaining pathetic performances seen for a long time. With the passing skills of a giraffe he managed to get himself caught in possession many times, unfortunately he wasn't helped by having "Rikay" Newman along side who too, seems to have eaten he same food that has produced a player who seems incapable of passing the ball more than two yards to a fellow blue shirt.
With the long term injuries in defence, Pardew better sign some defenders quickly if we are to maintain and improve on our current position. What the bloody hell goes on on the training field that has produced this long boot team, it's certainly getting worse as each week goes by. Surely good management is about instilling confidence in the players, not knocking it out of them, and Pardew's clear inability to pick a settled side is having it's effect. Why on earth is Butler not starting? It was his class that produced a very good goal. Rougier huffed and puffed but continues to give the impression of a lazy playing who inevitably ends up running up his own arse most of the time.
One other thing, Keith Jones may not be the best player we've had, but what on earth is all that booing going to achieve?
There is still hope with those games in hand, Bournemouth on Tuesday will be a severe test, the heart says we can do it, the head says different.
-- Nick Newbury

Have to disagree with some of above I thought this was a great game for a neutral especially in the second half when we witnessed some serious end to end stuff.I hope Vale avoid the drop, whatever their plight they always try to play good football.And to-day so did we.This wasn't a perfect performance but it's the first time since October that we've looked like we might stuff someone 4-0.
Although it didn't always fire on all cylinders this afternoon I Iiked the midfield McIntre,Casky, Parky, Igoe. Given current form I think Igoe & McIntyre offer the best attacking wingers whilst being able to defend as well.Although Vale had their chances 1-0 didn't do us justice.Apart from the missed chances that should have been put away, we hit the woodwork twice and had an effort cleared off the line.I can't recall such heady stuff during the last three months. I know some will disagree but this performance and our point at Stoke are the two most encouraging for some time the latter because we showed we can play decent opposition on our travels and get a draw, the former because playing like this we'll win more than we loose especially if re-install Martin Butler upfront. A point at Bournemouth on Tuesday will do very nicely.
-- WOODCOTE ROYAL

I think Barry Hunter is trying to get himself a transfer to London Irish, will someone please try to explain that it is better in football to pass to someone in the same colour shirt and not kick to touch all the time. He used to be an International player for God sake! The sooner Williams and Casper get back to fitness the better and is Mackie injured? He wasn't as bad as Hunter. Another 3 points of course but why is so damn frustrating being a Royals fan recently, I haven't been 'convinced' and completely satisfied with a performance for ages....and this with a team in the top six and one of the best scoring records in the Division.....some of the football has been really sub-standard in recent games, almost like a completely different team to the one which had such a great start to the season.
Someone above mentioned results not being the same since Maurice Evans died, well I'm not sure how much influence he would have had on the actual playing side but there must be some good reason. Anyway, it's a shame to be negative, but that's the problem I don't WANT to be negative, I want to get behind the team whole-heartedly but they are not making it easy!
The booing when Keith Jones came on was very bad, there was obviously a hell of a lot of people booing so I may be in a minority but what good will it do? I mean I'm disappointed in Jones but has he really done anything SO bad? He has hardly had a chance to establish himself so if he does get that chance I hope he can do what Jimmy McIntyre has done...I mean he was booed off nearly every game when he first came to Reading but he has shown he is a worthwhile addition to the Squad. It would be interesting to read an e-mail from someone who actually booed Jones to hear their opinion.
Plus points for me were Jimmy McIntyre, he's improved into a steady and skillful player, winning lots of headers and showing some nice touches. Parkinson was his usual indispensable self, his passing has improved so much, whereas in the early days he was more of a destructive force, he is laying the ball off well and is always totally committed. Good to see Igoe start too. Rougier and Cureton don't look an ideal pairing up front as they lack the height, it has to be Butler and Cureton up front from the start with either Rougier or MacIntyre as a left winger. The atmosphere from the home crowd was excellent, the band were great and I hope they can make it a more regular thing, especially to a bigger game, I mean I know Port Vale did have a small following but it was one of the few times where we haven't been outsung by the away fans!
-- Steve W

What a mixture! Neither good nor bad. Flashes of both. We created more chances than of late but gave the ball away far too often. Rougier summed it all up with his performance which varied from the inept to the brilliant. All the players had moments when they did something excellent, only to spoil it at some point later. Whitehead made some good saves and threw the ball to one of their players to encourage him to score. Hunter made some good tackles and then constantly gave the ball away or put it into the stand. Cureton made some good runs, but missed the best cahnce of the match.
We did hit the woodwork twice in the first half, Jimmy Mac's good shot and a Caskey special. I thought Caskey was easliy our best player. The more we can get him on the ball, the more likely we are to create. He won't hit high balls up for Cureton to stare at! It was also good to see the full backs being used from Whitehead though towards the end it was back to the big punt to Cureton who just does not compete.
The most important feature of the game apart from the three points, was the fact that Butler scored. It was a goal that he made, and was only really a half chance. He adds more to the team than the other front men. I hope he keeps his place.
-- Ken C

I was watching from the West stand on Saturday, not normally the most vocal place in the ground, but behind me there were several voices laying heavily into Pardew. The comments being mostly to bring on Martin Butler and to put Rougier back on the wing. There was some sense in this, since Rougier was certainly best when running with the ball at his feet.
However, like various comments already made, I would really like to know why people are booing Keith Jones? Okay he may not be playing at his best, but will booing your own players help either them or the team? What on earth has he done to deserve this? Someone please tell me? When Jones came on, someone in the crowd cried out "okay Pardew now you've got all your friends on". What does this mean? Is there a feeling that say Butler is not sucking up to the Manager and Jones is? I would have thought that putting a defensive midfielder on at that time to secure the points was a sensible move.
Having said all that, the performances were poor. Compare our teams organisation and fluency to what we saw of Millwall a couple weeks ago. Support is needed though, not booing!
-- Lawrence G.

It constantly amazes me that, with the exception of one or two players, a tallented team like Reading can so consistently, play such crap, meaningless, inarticulate football. I love winning and I want to see the team get out of division two and if that is the sort of football that will do the job I can forgive them. Unfortunately I don't think the kind of tactics they are employing at the moment will gain them promotion and that will be unforgivable. Right now their home form is just about adequate, however, their away form is abysmal. Pardew seems to think that you have to employ fancy tactics whatever the opposition home or away, especially away. I think it's about time he realised football is not an intellectual game, it's about having a team with fitter and more skillful players than your opponents and maximising the use of their tallents. His approach to games home or away should be the same, play to win by out playing the opposition. And why the hell does he keep messing about with the team? By messing with the team as he does, he is only demonstrating his uncertainty which could go a long way to explaining the way his team plays. Butler and Cureton are our best goal scorers and should play in every game, taking them out of the team to make them "more hungry" is a load of bollocks. It has'nt made Caskeys game any better except perhaps in Pardews mind. I say get them fired up and get them playing real football.
On a final note, I am disgusted by the way our so called fans boo Jones when he comes on to play. For my money he is one of our best players and is probabl best suited to playing in division one. He is skillful, tactically and positionally astute and is always ahead of the game, that is possibly why fans don't like him. He makes space, is quickly in position, is always available to recieve the ball and knows what he is going to do with it before he gets it. By the time the rest of the midfield, notably that headless chicken Parkinson and the defence have got the ball under control and are ready to pass the it the moment has gone and Jones is made to look stupid. Certainly our mid field would improve if they took his example of speed of thought and quickness of distribution.
-- Chris Maskell.

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