Poor Start Sees Royals Defeated At Home

09 December 2020
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Reading paid the price for a lack lustre first half performance against a well organised and physical Birmingham City side. It was a poor first half showing from the Royals in every respect. There was a marked lack of energy and creativity in midfield with Joao and Meite tightly marked Reading failed to register a shot on target before half time. The Royals defence were practising social distancing around their own penalty area and City's Toral took full advantage scoring two goals from the edge of the box leaving Reading an uphill task in the second half. Ejaria and Olise were disappointing to say the least. Revitalised by the introduction of Samedo and Esteves, Meite reduced the lead with a close range finish and then won a penalty. Joao capped an indifferent performance by failing to tuck a way the spot kick and Reading lost the momentum gained from the goal even though Dean's dismissal in conceding the penalty had reduced City to ten men for the last twenty minutes. City continued to waste time at every opportunity and broke up the play with incessant fouls all over the pitch and comfortably saw out the ten additional minutes of stoppage time to claim the points.
Read More...

Reading paid the price for a lack lustre first half performance against a well organised and physical Birmingham City side. It was a poor first half showing from the Royals in every respect. There was a marked lack of energy and creativity in midfield with Joao and Meite tightly marked Reading failed to register a shot on target before half time. The Royals defence were practising social distancing around their own penalty area and City's Toral took full advantage scoring two goals from the edge of the box leaving Reading an uphill task in the second half. Ejaria and Olise were disappointing to say the least. Revitalised by the introduction of Samedo and Esteves, Meite reduced the lead with a close range finish and then won a penalty. Joao capped an indifferent performance by failing to tuck a way the spot kick and Reading lost the momentum gained from the goal even though Dean's dismissal in conceding the penalty had reduced City to ten men for the last twenty minutes. City continued to waste time at every opportunity and broke up the play with incessant fouls all over the pitch and comfortably saw out the ten additional minutes of stoppage time to claim the points.<br/><a href="https://www.royals.org/matchreport/091220/Reading_1_Birmingham_2"><Strong>Read More...</strong>
<ul>
<li><A href="https://www.royals.org/matchreport/091220/Reading_1_Birmingham_2"><Strong>Match Report and Fan Opinion:</strong> Reading 1 Birmingham City 2</a></li>
</ul>

Recent News

02 May 2026
Gloomy End Of Season As Royals Finish With Defeat

20 April 2026
Summer Changes Are Afoot For Reading After Promotion Disappointment

18 April 2026
Another Team Promoted At Reading

11 April 2026
Season Over After Defeat At Doncaster

09 April 2026
Vote For Player Of The Season

News By Month / Year

May 2026
April 2026
March 2026
February 2026

Hob Nob Anyone? - Home (Non-AMP)