An evening in Staines!

The Royals reserves were in action on Tuesday night at Staines and a number of the clubs out of favour pro`s were in action. We ran out 3-0 winners with Nicholas Bignall grabbing a brace, and young sub Harry Harding adding a third with a simple tap in.


The side was managed by Eamon Dolan and he set the Royals up in a 4-4-2 formation with Dave Mooney the link man between midfield and attack. Mooney didn`t get himself on the scoresheet, however at times he looked a class above any other player on the pitch with a fantastic first touch and some wonderful passes. Unfortunately though at other times he looked a poor player and his composure in front of goal was sadly lacking. Nothing I saw on Tuesday night suggests he has a future here.


Scott Davies was meant to be the driving force from midfield but was overshadowed by his partner in the middle, young James Rowe. He had a hand in two of the goals, setting up the first with an exquisite through ball to set up Bignall.


Shaun Cummings captained the side from right back but summed up his Reading career so far by allowing a simple pass back from kick off to go under his foot and out for a throw in! To be fair though he did well in defence, got forward to good effect and had a decent game after his early hiccup!


Bignall, as I have already mentioned, scored twice and looked quality up top. His pace is phenomenal and he took both his goals well and led the line all evening. You can see why he has been on the fringes of the first team squad already and has a big future in the game.


Abdulai Bell Baggie, who spent time on loan at Rotherham last season, did a decent job on the wing but could probably benefit from another stint out on loan as he makes too many mistakes to be anywhere near the first team this coming season.


The keeper Simon Locke, who came on against Farnborough earlier in pre season, had a great game in goal and looks to have joined a long line of fantastic young keepers at the club. He looks very brave, commands his area well and made the right decision on his crosses with one superb punch in the second half.


All in all it was a good evening out, there was plenty of interaction between our small number of fans and the coaching staff and we saw some goals as well.