Reading fans have had to wait a long time for a convincing home win, but this was worth waiting for. It may have given many Royals fans particular satisfaction to put one over their former manager but for me that was the least significant aspect of this fine performance. Dave Kitson once again demonstrated how simple scoring can be if you take up good positions and keep your head when the chances arrive. His hat trick was the end product of a solid all round team performance. West Ham were simply outplayed in every department and never really looked like threatening Reading's superiority.

As so often this season the Royals steamed into their opponents from the kick-off, but today, after Newman's 30 yard dipping volley had hit he post, they made the pressure tell. Morgan won a free kick wide on the left and Shorey's delivery to the far post was nodded nonchalantly down inside the post for the opening goal. Their tails were up and clearly there was to be no intention of sitting back. Little ripped the Hammers defence to shreds with a run into the box leaving a trail of lunging defenders behind him. His cross caused problems but was scrambled away for a corner. We did not have wait long for the second, another header at the far post from Kitson. This time Hughes flicked on a corner at the near post to provide the chance. Morgan might have added a third when Kitson played him in with an incisive through ball. Unfortunately he failed to lift he ball over the onrushing Bywater. A great cross whipped in by Hughes only just eluded Sidwell's lunge as Reading finished the half with a flurry of corners roared on by a Madejski crowd that finally had something to cheer about.

The Hammers fans tried to lift their team after the restart, and with Chadwick replacing Fletcher their team responded with a more positive display. Reading were prepared to trade punches and gave as good as they got, and a bit more. Sidwell missed a sitter as Reading carved open the Hammers defence before Morgan wriggled into scoring position only to have his shot blocked. Kitson was alert to the situation and at the second attempt spun sharply to drive the ball into the net with the defence all over the place. The away fans began to indulge in a bit of humour but when Reading began stroking the ball around to cries of 'Olay' it was more than they could take and they began leaving in droves. It was a joy to behold! Back on the pitch Sheringham slid the ball into Reading's net for a consolation. Morgan, who had a superb first half with his positive running and link up play, became over indulgent and wasted several good opportunities to really rub it in by hanging on to the ball too long or, as on one notable occasion falling over it.

Today everything went right for Reading. There was less hoofing the long high ball forward and more sharp penetrative passing and running from midfield. Kitson dropped off the defence and linked up well with midfield. Sidwell made more forward runs that usual, and Hughes played like a man possessed. The crowd found its voice. The team regained their confidence. Suddenly the play offs looks to be a possibility again.
Report by John Wells