Report: Reading Score A League Goal - But Still Lose

28 April 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Reading finally managed to score a league goal this evening, after six full league matches. That was the good news. The bad news was that it was simply a consolation goal as Oliver Norwood scored with 87 minutes on the clock.

Reading were defeated 1-2 at Rotherham United this evening - one of the few teams below us in the Championship table. Rotherham probably couldn't believe their luck, coming up against a Reading team so out of form, when they needed a win to ensure survival this season. The three points for Rotherham mean that relegation from the Championship was confirmed for Millwall and Wigan who will join bottom club Blackpool in League One next season.

For Reading fans there is real concern that this winless, and mostly goalless, run will continue into next season unless something drastic happens over the summer. Reading have just a single game left this season, at Derby next weekend, to prevent the season ending with ten consecutive games without a win.

Tonight's defeat was almost even worse for Reading as the home side dominated the game until a late effort from the Royals. After a first half without a goal, the home side wrapped up the win with two goals in six minutes early in the second half. The goals in the 52nd and 58th minutes were both from close range well inside the Reading box. The statistics were damning for Reading heading into the last 15 minutes. The Royals had managed just two shots in the entire game and failed to win a corner.

Oliver Norwood produced Reading's first shot on target as the game started heading towards a close - producing a good save from the Rotherham keeper as the ball looked to be heading into the top corner. A few minutes later and Norwood got on the scoresheet as Reading fans finally had a league goal to celebrate - even though Reading still faced another defeat against weak opposition. Kelly earned the assist and Norwood scored from outside the area.

Read Dave's full match report here.

• Rotherham United 2 Reading 1 - Full match report
• Discussion: Rotherham United 2 Reading 1 - Match thread

Share this article: