A must win game for Reading at the Madejski Stadium resulted in a woeful 0-2 defeat at the hands of relegation rivals Bolton.
Reading started off brightly but were unable to convert possession into goals and the game changed in Bolton’s favour when they were handed a penalty in the 23rd minute.
Although Royals ‘keeper Marcus Hahnemann saved the spot kick from Matt Taylor, the chance filled Bolton with confidence and they were ahead ten minutes later.
A long hoof up field by Jussi Jaaskelainen typically found the head of Kevin Davies. His header was met by Kevin Nolan who finished for his fifth goal of the season.
Reading put Bolton under some immense pressure in the second half and were nearly rewarded for their dominance but Danny Guthrie cleared off the line from a dangerous Reading corner.
Bolton killed the game against the run of play, a ball from Matt Taylor found Heidar Helguson, who beat the offside trap and slotted past Hahnemann.
Reading tried their best to get back into the game, but Bolton defense was too strong for a Reading side who have now gone three games without scoring.
The result was Reading’s sixth defeat in a row and leaves them just a point above the relgation zone.
Bolton are only three points ahead of the Royals, but they will be boosted by this win and due to their solid defensive display and all round physical strength, it would be very surprising if they were dragged into a relegation dog fight.
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Botlon were too big and too strong and will almost definitely stay up. We need to seriously sort ourselves out if we are to stay up. Matejovsky might just be the key as he looks a class act, but our strikers need to start scoring and our defenders need to start defending…
you lot are in freefall – second season syndrome (or is this your third in the Prem?)
It is our second season. Can’t ss syndrome tho, doesn’t help that we lost two of our best players (sidwell to chelsea, little to injury) and never bothered replacing them. We just haven’t shown any ambition and we’re getting just what we deserve. I love the club, but seriously am growing inpatient with the chairman and the directors. They were’nt willing to compete with the financial side of the premier league, thats why we havent competed witht he football side this year.
Fair Point. Although you appear to have enough quality to stay up.
I’d be worried if I were you lot. At one stage you were comfortably mid table, I think as high as 11th – if your form doesn’t pick up soon you’re in real trouble. Whatever happens you’re in for the fight of your lives, with so many teams bunched so closely together. Good luck.
Looking bleak lads……..and Coppell looks like hes ready to crack again
Yep. I think if we do go down, coppell will ‘take a break’. Then we’ll end up with an up and coming manager and will be hovering around the play offs for a few years before disappearing into midtable obsurity or worse. On the other hand, if we stay up, hopefully we will learn from our mistakes and build for next season. The next few months could be pivotal for the future of reading fc,a nd unfortunately it is looking pretty bleak at the moment.
Starting To Get Worried Yet?????????????
Yep definately second season syndrome, after last season most of you wouldn’t be expecting this!!?
For the first time on a very long time I’m dreading weekends. We’ve had it easy for the last couple of years, now things are finally going against us, it’s time for the players to stand up and be counted. I just hope they’re up to it.
Have to say the relegation battle looks set for a thrilling climax!