Despite giving another great account of themselves on only their second ever Premiership outing, Reading were undone by a hardworking Aston Villa side fired up by the wave of euuphoria surrounding Martin O’Neill’s first home game in charge of the team.
Despite the new golden era surrounding Villa at the moment it was the Royals who got off to a better start and caught The Lions napping somewhat when Seol turned Jlloyd Samuel inside out before crossing for Kevin Doyle to head into the far corner, and give the Royals a well deserved fourth minute lead.
This platform was capitalised on by the Royals who created a number of good chances and had the better of the play with Sidwell missing a gilt edged chance, and Lita, Convey, Doyle and Seol all impressing with their work-rate and persistence in getting at a Villa side clearly on the back foot.
At this point Reading were looking more like the established Premiership team and were controlling a lot of the play, with their team-spirit and work ethic clear for all to see.
As the game wore on Villa slowly found their feet and started to come back into the game despite a lot of promising possession from the Royals still.
Soon after Juan Pablo Angel had the ball in the back of the net to confirm Villa’s emergence into the game only for the offside flag to be correctly raised.
With 34 minutes on the clock a long goal kick from Sorensen slipped past Ingimarsson and Villa’s Luke Moore was in on goal. Sonko found himself to be the last covering defender and made a hash of his challenge as he clumsily brought down Moore in the penalty box concluding in a red card for Sonko and a penalty kick for Villa, giving them a chance to officially come back into the tie.
A lot of opinion from pundits, fans and players after the game agree that a red card was harsh on Sonko as there was no malice in the tackle (if you can call it that), and it was not an attempt to block Moore’s attempt at goal but rather the Senegalese centre half finding himself under Moore’s feet bringing him down.
With the scores level and Reading down to ten men it looked like the game could be about to turn on its head as Coppell replaced striker Leroy Lita with utility centre back Brynjar Gunnarsson in a tactical move.
With little more of the half remaining Reading looked to get into half-time with scores level so they could regroup and re-assess the new situation they were facing.
Despite starting the second half obviously weakened this didnt stop Reading from willingly attacking when given the chance with the pacy and energetic Doyle being complemented in attack by wingers Seol and Convey and midfielders Sidwell and Harper whenever the situation allowed.
Reading were still enjoying some good possession and even the odd chance with Doyle particularly impressing in his new lone striker role, mainly because of his eagerness to get at Villa and his fearlessness in this task.
Just a minute after a good chance fell for Sidwell, created by Convey, then Seol, Villa finally had the ball in the net, and something to show for their numerical advantage on the field.
Sub Peter Whittingham beat Gunnarsson down the left hand side before playing in a great ball for Barry to evade his marker and head home. Despite the feeling that this goal had been in the pipeline, a clearly demoralised and tired Royals side ploughed on in the hope of leaving with something of their own to show from the game.
After this Villa seemed to raise the tempo, and raise in confidence as Reading merely faded despite their best efforts to remain competitive.
Despite this Villa nor Reading created many clear cut moves for either keeper to be troubled. In a last roll of the dice young Irish starlet Shane Long was thrown on in the hope he could pull something out of the bag with the surprise factor, and the energy of some fresh legs.
Despite this nothing came and the game ended in Reading’s first Premiership defeat although nothing but pride, promise and potential can be taken from this game with the guarantee of plenty more to come from the Royals this season as they look to carry on from where they left off last year.
Without the red card, which I feel was harsh and unjustified, this could have been a totally different game and Reading would have most likely left Villa Park with something to show from their troubles although given the circumstances they did not let themselves down in any way and sent out a warning signal of intent to other Premiership sides that despite being written off by a number of pundits, fans and journalists alike they are here to make a damned good go of it and show the world what they are capable of.
Player Ratings
Hahnemann – 6
Another solid display by the stopper despite not being called upon a great deal. The goals he conceded are probably not an accurate representation of his performance.
Murty (c) – 6
Still finding his feet at this level, although put in a captain’s performance in keeping spirits high.
Shorey – 6
Looking more and more comfortable with each game in the top flight.
Ingamarsson – 6
Was caught out a few times, and picked up a booking for his troubles. A tough game for him in the middle although he came through it.
Sonko – 5
Again looked shake and unsure of himself, but was unlucky with the sending off. Could have possibly been avoided though.
Seol – 8
Again a very promising game from the Korean, constantly willing to torment defences and go for the throat causing defenders to panic. I never remember him being like this at Wolves??
Sidwell – 7
Scuffed a couple of half decent chances that others had worked hard to create. Worked hard in the middle and impressed.
Harper – 6
Patchy game but was willing to fight until the end for the cause. Trooper.
Convey – 7
Comes in and out of games too much sometimes, although looked impressive and threatening when he was given time. Will grow in confidence after first goal.
Doyle – 8
Pure class, worked his socks off and showed why he is rated so highly. Number one is Kevin Doyle…
Lita – 5
Low rating purely because he was never given a chance to get into the game properly. Someone has to be sacrificed after a sending off and unfortunately it was Leroy, although did show potential again.
Gunnarsson – 6
Tried his best in extremely difficult circumstances and didnt do badly although was lacking at times.
Hunt – 6
Not given a chance to make a mark on the game although full of running and heart as ever.
Lacked minutes like Hunt although tried when he came on.
Manager Rating
Coppell made the right change after the sending off, and allowed the team to continue to play their natural game despite the obvious hindrance. Would have been proud of the teams spirit. Feel he could have maybe brought on fresh legs up front earlier given the ground a lot of the lads were having to make up tonight.
Opponent Rating
A good start to the season for the Ulsterman and he seemed energetic and vibrant on the touchline, although he was bound to be given the reception. I have a feeling he will push Villa into the top 8 this season with an average team.
