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 Sheffield Utd 01.10.05

After eleven games of the season, Reading were in second spot six points behind the leaders Sheffield Utd, the next team to visit the Madejski Stadium. In this highly competitive top of the table clash, Reading came away victorious with a 2-1 win, thanks to two goals from Brynjar Gunnarsson. The first only after three minutes from a Glen Little corner, and his second an 88^th minute headed goal.

Brynjar Gunnarsson heads a free kick goalwards from distance 

Paddy Kenny dives desparately to stop the ball...

.......but watches helplessly as the ball goes into the net

The Reading fans applaud and cheer the goal

Gunnarsson is joined by Glen Little & Bobby Convey to celebrate

The Reading players mob Gunnarsson while the Sheffield players are clearly upset

One of many thousands of images I captured during the 2005/6 season, the last one above would go into my top ten. Such a contarst between in the background the joy of scoring and celebrating what was to be such an important goal, and in the foreground the disappointment and annoyance of conceding so late in the game, great stuff.