COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Pathetic you could call it or maybe trash, garbage or more stronger phrases which aren't suitable to publish. The fact is the last three games of the season Reading supporters have had to watch a side lacking motivation, ability, drive, passion and flair. Not one player on that football pitch wanted it enough.

Reading went into the game against Premiership hopefuls, Wigan Athletic needing a win to have a realistic chance of the Play-Off's so Reading supporters may have been forgiven for thinking their team might attack, something they did little of last Saturday at home to Wolves. But oh no they sat back and just humped the ball up field to the front two who were left as frustrated as the large contingent of away supporters.

It allowed Wigan to stroll to a comfortable victory and secure Premiership football at the JJB Stadium next season. Goals early in the first half through Lee McCulloch and Jason Roberts put the game out of reach before Nathan Ellington made it three late on with a header. The Royals did pull one goal back just about even with four striker on the pitch, midfielder Steven Sidwell scoring a header a few minutes before the end.

Reading never started and to be honest just should not have even bothered turning up for the game such was their lack of skill and ability. The Royals could not even muster up an effort on goal till five minutes before half time.

Half Time: Wigan 2:0 Reading

The second half was as forgettable as the first, Reading fans had to even wait till ten minutes into the second half for Steve Coppell to realise we needed to change it. On came Les Ferdinand for what could be his left ever professional match. He deserved a better send off.

The long ball continued with Ibrahima Sonko leading by example as usual, no wonder why we never create chance as we don't build from the back instead its hoofed up field and usually goes out for a throwing.

Nathan Ellington made it three with ten minutes remaining, appalling defending again left the leagues topscorer unmarked and his header creped inside Hahnemann's post.

Steve Sidwell scored Reading's last goal of the 04/05 season with a header. It may also be his last goal for the club if the newspaper stories linking him with a move away for the Madejski Stadium are to be believed.

So in a whole the ninety minutes today summed up our season. What started out full of promise as ended a disaster. Who is to blame? Well the players for their lack of motivation and general ability, Steve Coppell for his bemusing tactics at times and general negative tactics. I would imagine even the chairman will come in for stick for his constant speeches saying how much he wants premiership football without the investment we have so badly needed throughout times this season. Maybe Mr Madejski you could take note of Wigan chairman Dave Whelan.

As it is the last game of the season everyone at 1871Royals would like to wish you a happy and safe summer and look forward to seeing you back at the Madejski Stadium. As they say... things can only get better!

To see a round-up of all the weekends Championship results please Click Here

Full Time: Wigan 3:1 Reading

Man Of The Match: No Player

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