Reading edged a little closer to the title today gaining a point against an impressive Wolves side. Although Wolves threatened to take all three points near the end, Reading should have put the game beyond their reach by half time. Sonko connected with a header which somehow drifted past the post just before the interval when it looked easier to score. That surely would have settled the result had it gone in.

Reading had the better of the first half with Convey revelling in a freer role in the centre of midfield looking particularly impressive. He ran at defenders competed for the ball and was constantly making himself available to keep the ball moving. His most significant contribution came on twenty two minutes when Oster's cross was half cleared and fell at his feet. It sat up nicely for him and he finished confidently with powerful shot which made the net bulge. Oster also had a good half taking on his man and putting over some decent crosses. He also made a great run to the near post to force a save out of Postma after Shorey and Convey had combined well to create room for the cross. Wolves had looked edgy at first but gradually settled down to pass the ball well and their centre backs coped well with Kitson and Doyle. There were a couple of anxious moments for Reading, notably a lapse in concentration which allowed Frankowski in, but he poked his shot wide. A spell of Reading pressure in the closing stages of the half threatened to yield a goal but apart from a smart strike back across goal by Doyle there were few clear cut chances.

The Royals began the second half brightly and looked likely to increase their lead. Harper had a good shot turned away and Doyle spun and shot but his effort was blocked. Wolves began to push forward more. Aliadiere was posing problems running at defenders and the Wolves midfield were pushing on looking to play one twos off their front men. Their enterprise finally paid off when Miller continued his run, collected a return pass, and stroked the ball past Hahnmenann for their equaliser which they probably deserved. Both teams continued to look vulnerable in defence and careless with their final pass in attack. Doyle broke through and with no other option came close with an ambitious lob. Kitson might have put himself into a scoring position if he had dropped off the defence, but chose instead to run towards a crowded near post area. I was disappointed with Kitson today. He seemed slow to react to situations and reluctant to compete in the air.

Hahnemann had another solid game and commanded the penalty area taking high balls cleanly and dropping smartly onto loose balls. Sonko had to compensate for Murty's lack of pace one occasion with a great last ditch tackle. He hit two superb long passes as well as winning most of the long balls in the air. Ingamarsson was equally solid. With Leeds dropping a point again and Sheffield United losing at Norwich, dropping two points did not matter. It would be nice to clinch promotion within the next couple of weeks so we can enjoy the last two home games free from anxiety!
John Wells