HEAD TO HEAD

Wigan have not beaten Reading in the last six matches between the two teams. The last time the Latics came out on top was back in 2000 when a Neil Redfearn penalty secured a 1:0 win for Wigan at the JJB Stadium in front of just 5855 spectators. Since then Reading have had much the advantage over Wigan recording five victories in the last nine meetings.

The latest result was a 1:1 draw at the Madejski Stadium back in November of last year when Lloyd Owusu cancelled out a deflected Alan Mahon free kick. Click Here to read the match report from that game.

Of course one of the greatest Reading matches in recent times was played between the two sides. Back in 2001 a 2:1 win in the second leg of the Division 2 Play-offs secured Reading's place in the Play-Off final against eventual winners Walsall. Although that season is now best forgotten for Reading's defeat in the final, the 2:1 win over The Latics was a memorable night for Reading supporters as The Royals came back from a goal down to score twice at the death.

It was a night striker Nicky Forster will also always remember as he came off the subs bench to be the catalyst for the victory. Just five minutes after coming on Forster broke down the right wing and pulled the ball back for Martin Butler to make no mistake and send Reading fans into ecstasy. As the game headed for extra time Forster broke down the right wing again and after beating his marker the striker was brought down in the box and the referee Mr Law pointed to the spot. Up stepped top scorer Jamie Cureton, the penalty was saved by Roy Carroll only for Forster to follow up and coolly finish. The comeback was complete and Reading were heading to Cardiff.

Unfortunately none of the games since have been so exciting since but Reading have had a clear upper hand. The last time Reading visited the JJB Stadium The Royals left with an impressive 2:0 win thanks to a double salvo by Nicky Forster. Although after that win Reading went on to lose three games on the bounce over Christmas all by 3:0 to Stoke City, Crystal Palace and relegated Wimbledon. It was again another low attendance at the JJB with only 7,512 fans at the game.

So as we had towards Sunday and Reading's biggest game of their season, although Reading need to produce a fantastic performance at Wigan and hope for a bit of help from Watford, the omens are certainly on the side of The Royals...Long may it continue.