A moment of madness on the stroke of half time costs Reading as they lose at home to Derby.
Orlando Sa was sent off just before half time for an off the ball altercation with Jason Shackell. The Reading striker was deemed to have headbutted the Derby man by the officials.
It was a real shame as Reading were on top throughout the first half, zipping the ball around beautifully and restricting Derby to little attacks.
The Royals started the game in similar fashion to Friday’s thumping win over Ipswich. They won a corner down the right in the early moments of the game. From the resulting set play, the ball fell kindly to the on rushing Tshibola who saw his shot blocked.
Derby then created a chance of their own on the break as a similar moment occured with Butterfield firing wide for the visitors.
Reading continued to control procedures, but neither keeper were really called to make a really difficult save despite good efforts from Norwood and Blackman.
However, the biggest moment of the game can on the stroke of half time. Just as we thought we were going in at 0-0 with every chance of picking up a positive result, Reading’s forward, Orlando Sa saw red. This resulted in Orlando going from hero to zero in just four days after his hat trick on Frdiay. It was a pivotal moment in this contest and meant a whole new team talk for the gaffer.
Reading came out for the second half with their backs to the wall from the word go and Derby dominated possession despite not creating many chances.
The home side then started to get back into the game with Blackman pulling off some lovely turns and flicks.
However, Derby made the extra man count in the 69th minute when Tom Ince poked home from 12 yards out. This lead to a harsh bit of criticism for keeper Jonathon Bond when there was not much he could do.
The game petered out somewhat and Reading just couldn’t get that equaliser.
Player Ratings
Jonathan Bond 6
Bond was arguably to blame for the goal. His kicking was a bit better, but again didn’t have much to do
Chris Gunter 7
Usual solid performance from Chris against a tricky customer in Johnny Russell
Paul McShane 7
Class again from McShane. He kept one of the best strikers in the league quiet. Caught out a little for the goal
Michael Hector 6
Filled the boots of Anton due to injury. Not quite as assured but still showed moments of class. Always a mistake in him and tends to hoof it a lot.
Jordan Obita 8
Great performance from Obita. Made Ince look average. Some brilliant, strong tackles flying in. Committed.
Nick Blackman 7
Some nice turns, touches and skill. One great shot in the first half. Difficult second half for any forward.
Aaron Tshibola 6
Dived in early leading to a yellow. Comfortable on the ball.
Oliver Norwood 8
Controlled the midfield again. Top work rate and commitment aswell as passing and vision.
Stephen Quinn 5
Yes, he worked hard, but you need abit more from Quinn. Final ball terrible and also lacked pace.
Orlando Sa 4
He actually played well in the first half, but stupidity costed his side totally.
Matej Vydra 5
Poor first half. Good movement and work rate but his touch let him down on numerous occasions. Impossible for him to do anything in the second 45.
Garath Mccleary 6
Looked lively when he came on. One great ball through to Gunter, but a matter of wrong player, right time came into play as he fired over.
Danny Williams 5
Williams came on on the right hand side of a narrow midfield and all he did was constantly lose his man. Both Russel and Forsyth ran straight passed him and put in crosses. Unlike Williams
Booed by some fans when he was brought on. Kanu is certainly not a fans favourite, but he conducted himself well and did some lovely turns. Decent cameo.
