Royals go on a Robins rampage

Well, what do I know? Clearly smarting after the unlucky midweek defeat at Turf Moor, Reading reacted in emphatic style by thumping Bristol City 4-1. A brace from The Doyler and  a goal each for Noel Hunt and Kalifa Cisse (a belter) ensured maximum points were taken away from home for only the second time this season. It was a well deserved victory against a side who hadn't conceded a goal in over 400 minutes of football. What a season this is turning out to be - the proverbial roller coaster ride. I predicted a defeat today based on recent results and performances, but you don't turn into a bad team overnight as they say! Next up are Derby County at home, and a chance to get back to winning ways at the Madejski Stadium too.

Royals wretched away form continues

Reading went down to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Burnley at Turf Moor this evening. Robbie Blake scored the only goal of the contest on 81 minutes. This means we have inexplicably won only once on our travels all season. Simply put, this sort of form means a top 6 finish at best come May next year. Even more of a concern is that the home form has suffered a dip too, so we can't even rely on that to keep us in contention. Our frailties away from home are there for all to see; Burnley were swept aside at the Madejski a few weeks back, but would have certainly fancied ther changes in the return fixture - after all we had already lost to Ipswich, Preston and Charlton this season. Worrying times indeed, and I can only predict another defeat on our travels at Ashton Gate this Saturday, by which time we could have dropped a few places in the table.

Fortress Madejski breached

Today's match report comes from guest contributor, Glutes. Sadly, I was unable to attend Saturday Night's, erm, 'thriller'.

"A disappointing evening at the Madstad saw QPR become the first team to take points from the Royals at home this season. The visitors had clearly done their homework and came to defend from the outset; their five man midfield proved difficult to break down and they enjoyed the lion's share of possession throughout the match. The home side looked distinctly under par with far too much aimless hoofing which was comfortably dealt with by the visitors athletic back line and a combined failure to get the ball under control and play passing football. Both sides had chances in the first half with the Royals going close through Kebe’s shot, lashed narrowly wide and Noel Hunt’s downwards header saved by keeper Cerny. A bright start to the second half saw Reading unlucky not to get what looked like a certain penalty when QPR midfielder Kevin Mahon clearly handled Noel Hunt's cross. Late in the game the Royals pressure resulted in a series of corners, with Cisse going close with a great header which forced a good save from the Rangers keeper.All in all a draw was probably a fair result.

Hard to pick a man of the match, as no one was outstanding, Rosenior looked good going forward, but failed to provide much end product, Armstrong did OK, Bikey looked both sublime and ridiculous in the same movement. Doyle worked hard but didn’t really get a sniff of goal. With two tricky away games to come starting with Tuesday night’s visit to Burnley, the rest need to improve if we are to threaten the automatic promotion places."