Remember the Game!

The Royals were on the fringes of the play off places in 2004 when they travelled to Highfield Road in Steve Coppell`s first season in charge but were in the middle of an injury crisis in defence. Marcus Hahnemann was missing, meaning Jamie Ashdown was in goal and the back four included full back Ricky Newman at centre back, and midfielder Andy Hughes at left back.


John Salako gave us the lead after just ten minutes when he curled a free kick from the wide position into the middle, evading everyone and into the corner of the net. It was a dream start for the travelling Royals fans.


Shaun Goater extended the lead with a neat finish from Steve Sidwell`s cross and we looked destined to cruise to a rare, and comfortable, away win. However Sidwell picked up a second yellow just moments after laying on Goater`s goal despite only making minimal contact with the Sky Blues player.


It was backs to the wall for Reading from then on and Gary McSheffrey scored on the midway point in the second half and the home side threw everything forward to get the equaliser, but an appearance from Kevin Watson in midfield sured things up and we held on for a narrow win. Coventry included a number of experienced pros including the likes of Stephen Warnock, Julian Joachim and Steve Staunton so this was an excellent victory.


The Royals missed out on the play offs after a final day defeat to Watford, whilst Coventry settled for a mid table finish.