Reading v Preston North End 25.02.06

Having lost their own unbeaten record in their previous game, Reading were in no mood to let Preston North End extend their own 22 match unbeaten run, when the two teams meet at the Madejski Stadium.

All the goals came in the first half, with Reading opening the scoring through Steve Sidwell in the 6th minute. Sidwell bundled the ball over the goaline, after Ivar Ingimarsson had fired a Bobby Convey corner back across the goal. This lead only lasted 2 minutes until Callum Davidson's left-footed free kick beat Marcus Hahnemann who was unsighted by the wall.

In the 40th miunte Leroy Lita came on to replace a concussed Dave Kitson, and had an almost immeadiate impact on the game. On 45 minutes Lita fired home a low shot into the far corner to make it 2-1 Reading.

With no goals in the second half, Reading resummed their winning ways, adding another three points to their seasons total of 86 from 36 games, still 12 points clear of second placed Sheffield Utd.

Steve Sidwell celebrates scoring the opening goal against PNE

Leroy Lita in "full flight" having scored his 45th minute goal

Luton Town v Reading 17.02.06

When Kevin Doyle scored inside the first minute at Kenilworth Road, it looked like Reading were set to continue their unbeaten Championship run, having not lost since the opening game of the season to Plymouth. The Royals found themselves 2-1 down by half time, having conceded two Rowan Vine goals in the space of five minutes.

Things only got worse for the Royals just after the start of the second half, when former Royal dean Morgan hit a low strike past the helpless Hahnemann in the Reading goal.

Kevin Doyle did manage to pull one goal back in the 90th minute, but it was too late to extend Reading unbeaten run of 33 Championship games without defeat.

Sheffield Utd v Reading 14.02.06

When first met second, on Valentines day at Bramall Lane, no love was lost in this key fixture in the race to be Champions 2005/06.

Within 9 minutes from the kick off the home side were 1-0 up, with a goal from 30 year old striker Bruce Dyer. This lead didn't last long though, as the Royals drew level with a goal from Dave Kitson, stretching at the far post to guide in a cross from Bobby Convey. Not for the first time this season, Reading had scored an equalising goal within minutes of conceding. At half time the score remained 1-1.

During the second half both sides traded chances at either end, but niether could convert them. In injury time Sheffield conceded a penalty, as Paddy Kenny in the Sheffield goal pulled Bobby Convey back in the box. Dave Kitson took the penalty, but missed the chance of extending Reading's lead at the top with three more points, Kenny saving the penalty.

As it turned out, a draw was as good as a win for Reading, maintaining a 12 point lead over Sheffield Utd in second, and a massive 21 points over Leeds in third spot with a game in hand.

Reading v Southampton 10.02.06

The biggest crowd of the season (23,845) were at the Madejski Stadium to see Reading take on George Burley's Southampton.

Leroy Lita opened the scoring for the home side, when on 16 minutes he simply slotted home a neat cut back from Glen Little, who had dispossessed a hesitant Nathan Dyer.

Kevin Doyle doubled the score, controlling and drilling home  a long clearance from Marcus Hahnemann on  38 minutes. Reading went into half time 2-0 up, which after an uneventful second half, remained the winning score.

Bobby Convey strikes for goal

Goal scorer Kevin Doyle beats the Southampton player to the ball

Leroy Lita holds off the Southampton player

Ibrahima Sonko heads for goal

Leroy Lita celebrates his 16th minute goal with Kevin Doyle

Kevin Doyle battles for the ball

Birmingham City v Reading FAC 07.02.06

Reading travelled to St Andrews for their fouth round FA Cup replay with Birmingham City.

At the end of the game, reading had lost 2-1, having put up a good performance with a relatively inexperienced side. Now out of all cups, the Royals could concentrate on the Championship and winning the vital promotion they deserved into the Premiership.

Crewe Alexandra v Reading 4.02.06

When top met bottom, who would have predicted such an end to end game with seven goals. That's just what happened when high flying Reading, met bottom of the table Crewe Alexandra.

Despite being the underdogs, Crewe went into the lead on 14 minutes with a simple tap in for Luke Bell after Marcus Hahnemann had turned a swerving shot from Luke Rodgers into his path.

As was becoming quite the norm in this exceptional season, Reading hit back with two goals in two minutes. Nicky Shorey's left footed free kick and a headed goal from Steve Sidwell on 24 and 26 minutes respectively, gave Reading the lead. Leroy Lita added a third just before half time, giving the Royals a seemingly comfortable half time lead 3-1.

Crewe had other ideas though, and on 51 minutes they pulled a goal back through Gareth Taylor, 3-2. Leroy Lita gave Reading a fourth goal only two minutes later, glancing in Bobby Convey's low cross at the near post.

Reading conceded a penalty for Nicky Shorey's hand ball, Crewe scoring from the spot kick to make the score 4-3. Kenny Lunt was sent off for pulling Stephen Hunt back late in the game, and Reading hung on for another away win.

Having played 32 games, one more than second place Sheffield Utd, the Royals were on 79 points, 10 points clear at the top of the league and heading for alomost certain promotion.

Reading v Norwich City 31.01.06

In the final game of January 2006, Reading played host to Norwich City at the Madejski, giving them a lesson in how to finish.

Within 6 minutes of the start, Kevin Doyle surged pass gary Doherty, forcing the ex-spurs defender to pull him back. From the resulting 25 yard free kick, Nicky Shorey stepped up and curled a well placed left foot shot past the City keep Robert Green. This goal was Shorey's first of the campaign.

Nine minutes later, Steve Sidwell scored Reading's second goal, stooping low to head home a Glen Little cross. The score at half time was a comfortable 2-0 to Reading.

Early in the second half, Kevin Doyle once again beat Doherty to supply Leroy Lita with a simple chance from inside the six yard box.

On 69 minutes, Bobby Convey completed the scoring, racing 40 yards to score a well taken fourth goal.

This result gave Reading 76 points, 10 ahead of second placed Sheffield Utd. Even more impressive was a plus 50 goal difference, testiment to how well the Reading defence had palyed so far in the already record breaking season.

Bring it on ! Proud and Loud !

Ivar Ingimarsson takes on the Norwich defence

Ivar Ingimarsson ball watching

Marcus Hahnemann prepares to kick the ball

Ivar Ingimarsson keeps his feet

Reading v Birmingham City FAC 28.01.06

The fourth round of the FA Cup saw another Premiership side visiting the Madejski Stadium, this time it was Birmingham City's turn to take on Steve Coppell's high-flying royals.

With no fewer than eight changes to the side that took on Crystal Palace, Steve Coppell gave a start to new signing John Halls, resting Graeme Murty.

On 31 minutes, Reading opened the scoring through Shane Long scoring his first goal in front of the home fans, with a well struck low shot that beat Mark Taylor at his right hand post. At half time Reading were 1-0 up.

On 57 minutes David Dunn replaced Emile Heskey in the Birmingham side. Picking up a Chris Sutton flick 10 minutes after coming on, Dunn easily swept in an equalising goal past Stack. The final score ended 1-1, earning Reading a replay at St Andrews.

New boy John Halls is challenged by two Birmingham City players

Brynjar Gunnarsson chasted by Chris Sutton

Stephen Hunt persued by Jermaine Pennant

James Harper gets ready to shoot

Goal scorer Shane Long is tripped by Tebily

Pennant, Harper & Hunt challenge for the ball

Steve Sidwell give the thumbs up

Crystal Palace v Reading 20.01.06

Reading's unbeaten league run continued at Selhurst Park, as Reading earned a point in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

After a goaless first half, Crystal Palace opened the scoring on 79 minutes, when England's Andy Johnson convert the penalty he had won, after being tripped by Marcus Hahnemann.

Within seconds of the restart, James Harper found the net after being set up by Leroy Lita's pass, to drive a powerful shot pass Kiraly. The game ended 1-1 but only thanks to Marcus Hahnemann's dramatic double save to deny Johnson, then Soares to earn the away point.

By the end of game, Reading's lead at the top of the 2005/6 Championship had been extended to 10 points, with Sheffield Utd having played one game less. The gap to third place, however, was an impressive 22 points.

Reading v West Brom FAC 17.01.06

A second half fight back from Steve Coppell's Royal's forced an exciting extra time victory, beating Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion 3-2, earning a home draw against Birmingham City in the next round of the FA Cup.

It didn't look very likely at half time, as the Royal's went in two Richard Chaplow goals down. Leroy Lita replied in the second half with two goals of his own on 50 and 65 minutes, resulting in extra time.

Three minutes into the first period of extra time leroy Lita latched onto a pass from James Harper to squeeze a strike pass Kirkland in the West Brom goal to make it 3-2.

Reading v Coventry 14.01.06

Returning to Championship action, Reading's next opponents at the Madejski were Coventry City. Captained by ex-royal Adie Williams, Coventry were in the lower half of the table, a massive 37 points behind Reading.

At half time the score was 0-0, Williams picking up a yellow card on 42 minutes.

Within one minute of the restart, Dave Kitson broke the deadlock, clipping the ball over the City goal keeper Martin Fulop, having been put through by an accurate pass from Bobby Convey. At the other end of the pitch, Marcus Hahnemann was making some incredible saves to keep the Royals ahead. After the game Steve Coppell praised Hahnemann saying "he was the biggest factor in our victory, making four top-quality saves".

The score remained 1-0, until the 78th minute when Dave Kitson scored his second goal of the game, tapping in after Stephen Hunt's clever footwork set him up with an easy goal. The final score ended up at 2-0, keeping the Royals 9 points ahead od seconded placed Sheffield Utd.

Adie Williams leading out his Coventry City side

Dave Kitson looses his balance

Dave Kitson celebrates his first goal

Dave Kitson is joined by the rest of the team to celebrate his second goal of the game

Dave Kitson brings the ball under control

Stephen Hunt set up Reading's second goal

These young Royals fans celebrate another win and three more points

West Brom v Reading 07.01.06

In a break from league action, Reading travelled to the Hawthornes for the next round of the FA Cup.

Brian Robson fielded a strong side to face the Royals, including Curtis Davies, Nathan Ellington and Nwankwo Kanu. Shane Long started for Reading, reward for scoring his late goal against Derby.

On 82 minutes, West Brom opened the scoring after Chris Makin was adjudged to have pushed Geoff Horsfield in the box, Zoltan Gera converting the resulting penalty. Reading replied 2 minutes later with a goal from their own penatly, after Albrechtens handled the ball on the line. Kevin Doyle stepped up to hit an unstoppable spot kick. The game ended 1-1.

Reading v Cardiff City 02.01.06

The first game of the new year was at home to Cardiff City.

In an impressive display from the Royals, Dave Jones' Bluebirds were thumped 5-1. With goals from Steve Sidwell 32 71, Ibrahima Sonko 32, Dave Kitson 51 76, Cardiff proved no match for a rampant Reading side keen to restore, with Sheffield Utd losing what turned out to be a 10 point, advantage at the top of the table.

Derby County v Reading 31.12.05

The third of four games over the busy Christmas period 2005/6 season was away to Derby County at Pride Park.

Reading conceded the first goal on 32 minutes as Seth Johnson fired home from close range. Within two minutes of the restart, however, Kevin Doyle popped up at the near-post to head home a Glen Little chipped cross. At half time the score was 1-1.

Johnson scored his second goal of the game when he took advantage of a poor clearance to make it 2-1 to Derby. With time running out, Derby looked the more likely to add to their score. Shane Long replaced Bobby Convey  on 70 minutes, and within seconds was brought down by Andrew Davies who received his second yellow card of the game and was sent off. Reading now began to press and take advantage of the extra man. On 88 minutes Shane Long jumped high to nod home Steve Sidwell's cross to earn an away draw, 2-2 and one point.

The Royals remained in first place, still 7 points clear of Sheffield Utd in second place, and significantly 18 points ahead of third place Leeds Utd.

Reading v Leicester City 28.12.05

Coming only two dats after the away win at Wolves, the Royals next game was at home to Leicester City. Leicester had conceded 12 goals in their last seven league games, compared to Reading who had only conceded two. Despite this, Reading had to be on form if they were to maintain their advantage at the head of the table.

The first half ended 0-0, although Dave Kitson had been denied what looked like an obvious penalty when he was tripped by the Leicester City keeper Rab Douglas. Marcus Hahnemann also denied Mark de Vires at the other end, making a sharp save to his left to keep a clean sheet.

Reading opened the scoring in the 60th minute, when Kevin Doyle latched onto a through ball from Dave Kitson. Finding himself goalside of the Leucester defence, Doyle calmly slotted the ball wide of oncoming Rab Douglas to make it 1-0 to the Royals.

Despite their relative league positions, Leicester kept battling until Brynar Gunnarsson headed home Nicky Shorey's cross on 88 minutes to seal another victory and three more points.

First Team Coach Kevin Dillon pre-match talk

Kinsley encourages the fans, while the team "huddle"

Marcus Hahnemann saves from Mark de Vires

Bobby Convey takes control of the ball

Alan Maybury appeals to referee Alan Wiley

Kevin Doyle heads the ball under pressure

Shane Long is tackled on the edge of the box

Brynjar Gunnarsson heads an 88th minute goal for 2-0

Dave Kitson needs some help with cramp

Wolves v Reading 26.12.05

The Royals stayed on the road for this years Boxing Day clash, playing Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

Early in the game Dave Kitson managed to find the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds when consecutive headed attempts were kept out of the net. The striker made sure, however, when on 29 minutes Kitson headed home a cross from Glen Little at the far post to make 1-0 to the Royals.

Dave Kitson's goal set another record, do you know what it was?

Bobby Convey added a second goal in the second half on 64 minutes to make it 2-0 to Reading, another win, another three points, and ensured the Royals would stay top of the Championship.

Millwall v Reading 17.12.05

With still 4 games to play in 2005, Reading travelled up the M4 to London to take on Millwall at the New Den. A win here would extend Reading's consecutive league wins to eight.

Bottom of the table Millwall conceded the first goal in the 40th minute, when Steve Sidwell smashed homed a blistering shot from 15 yards, pass a static Lion's keeper Colin Doyle.

Kevin Doyles pace upfront was causing havoc in the Millwall defence, so much so that Tony Craig was forced to manhandle Doyle in the penalty area, and was subsequently sent off by referee Mr Hall. Dave Kitson stepped up to take the resulting penalty but it was saved.

Kevin Doyle wrapped up the points for Reading by finishing off a Nicky Shorey pass, neatly placing the ball beyond the reach of Doyle in the Millwall goal. Millwall 0-2 Reading.

This away win gave the Royals 59 points, still leading the table, 6 points ahead of Sheffield Utd.

Reading v Brighton 10.12.05

Next visitors to the Madejski Stadium were Mark McGhee's struggling Brighton & Hove Albion. McGhee, a former Reading player and Manager of the Royals, was hoping for some away points, but with only two wins and eight draws from 22 games so far this season, his Brighton side were always going to find this a difficult game.

Brighton gifted a goal to Reading on 26 minutes, as visiting captain Charlie Oatway could only steer Glen Little's cross into his own net. Things went from bad to worse for Brighton when early in the second half Gary Elphick pulled back Dave Kitson inside the box, only to recieve a second yellow card and was sent off. Kitson scored the resulting penalty, his 25th in the Championship, giving Reading a 2-0 lead.

On 71 minutes Dave Kitson added a second goal to his tally, nodding home Nicky Shore's deflected shot at the far post. Four minutes later Stephen Hunt scored his first goal for the club to make it 4-0 to the Royals.

Brighton did manage to pull one goal back, when on 84 minutes Colin Kazim-Richards struck a powerful 25 yard drive that beat Marcus Hahnemann. Dave Kitson, however, rounded off the game with his third goal, and the only hat-trick of the league campaign, to make the final score Reading 5-1 Brighton.

Team huddle against Brighton & Hove Albion

Young Royals fan shows her support for the team

Chalie Oatwat slices an attempted clearance

and pass his own keeper to score an own goal

Bobby Convey

Elphick is booked for the second time

Dave Kitson takes the resulting penalty



An unhappy Mark McGhee

John Oster steers the ball between two defenders

Stephen Hunt is mobbed after scoring his first goal for the club

Steve Sidwell controls the ball

Graeme Murty on the ball

Dave Kitson is keeping that ball for scoring a hat-trick

Reading v Luton Town 03.12.05

Any doubts about the effect of losing to Arsenal were soon squashed, as Reading beat Luton Town 3-0 in their next Cahmpionship game at the Madejski Stadium.

Steve Sidwell opened the scoring just before the half time braek, with a deflected drive from distance to beat Marlon Beresford in the Luton goal.

Dave Kitson added a second goal on 76 minutes, beating Beresford to the ball and heading into an open net. Kevin Doyle sealed the points for Reading heading home a Glen Little cross on 88 minutes.

This home win kept Reading in first place 4 points ahead of Sheffield Utd.

Young Royals Fans eagerly await the start of the game

Heads or Tails

Team huddle before the KO against Luton Town

Bobby Convey ghosts pass a Luton player

Steve Sidwell's drive to make it 1-0

Two Royals fans show there support

Dave Kitson out jumps the keeper to make it 2-0

Kevin Doyle's 88th minute headed goal

Kevin Doyle celebrates, Hunty is along for the ride

Graeme Murty applauds the fans at the final whistle

Fans celebrate anothe three points