COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

Two goals in the first half was enough to seal the points despite Cardiff having a late rally and scoring a consolation goal near the end.

Reading looked the much more posing team going forward, Cardiff looking rather lightweight upfront without goal machine Robert Earnshaw. With Glen Little out through injury Dean Morgan started on the left wing with Hughes on the right and both looked dangerous in the final third.

And it was Morgan who opened the scoring for the Royals after his good run down the wing and shoot from a tight angle with Tony Warner misjudged with the ball beating him at his near post. It was Morgan's first goal of the season, his only previously goal for The Royals came in the win at Ninian Park last season where the former Colchester man scored a late winner.

After the goal neither team were looking threatening making the game scrappy. It looked to be heading to a one nil score line at half time until a characteristic run by Nicky Shorey created a chance for Dave Kitson who did well to take the ball round Warner and tuck the ball away to double Reading's advantage. Kitson showing good close and control and strength to finish off the chance and become top goalscorer in the league.

Half Time: Reading 2:0 Cardiff City

Neither team made any changes at half time. Cardiff captain Graham Kavanagh had looked to have made the Bluebirds task even harder when he was sent off for serious foul play after looking to have stamped on Steve Sidwell.

Reading though failed to take advantage as they were not able to extend the lead and put the game in no doubt. Dave Kitson was twice unlucky with headers and Andy Hughes had a glorious opportunity after being picked out and from the penalty spot and unmarked but his shot was straight at Warner and it went for a corner.

Reading were made to sit back in the late stages as Cardiff looked to throw everything they had. The Welshmen did grab a goal back three minutes before time when a Willie Boland cross was not claimed by Hahnemann and Cameron Jerome made no mistake heading the ball home.

Cardiff sensed the chance to claim a point but the ten men were unable to convert a couple of injury time opportunities, the best of which falling to James Collins but he could only head the ball over the bar. Steve Coppell's men took all three points as they ended City's impressive run of seven games unbeaten and closed the gap at the top to two points after Wigan lost their second consecutive game at QPR.

Full Time: Reading 2:1 Cardiff City

Man Of The Match: Steve Sidwell

Bossed the midfield with a determined performance winning the tussle between him and Kavanagh .

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

20th November 2004, City Ground. 15:00 PM Kick Off

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