We sat outside in the shade under a nice umbrella to keep out of the scorching sun. At about 2.30 we walked up to the Station and caught the bus to the ground (£2 return - not included in your match ticket like the Albion!).
We were soon inside the ground and as we walked up the stairs towards the back Molango had put us 1-0 up. I won't describe the goal because I cant, I also missed it on the ITV highlights programme on Sunday morning.
By the time we had settled in Kitson was on his own and it was 1-1. He was in acres of space and our defence was all at sea.
We looked like startled rabbits during the first half and soon another big mix up and it was 2-1 to Reading with a goal that went in, in slow motion. Kuipers looked off the pace and not very happy.
Second half and I thought we played some good football. Nicolas looked solid to me, I think it was a reasonable debut, especially losing Oatway so early on.
Currie gave away the ball and then Harding put in a pussy cat tackle/block to leave the Reading forward a free run on goal and it was 1-3 after a terrific finish, Kuipers had no chance.
I thought we were down and out, but on came Robinson and we switched formation. Robinson took his goal so coolly. He controlled the ball on the edge of the six yard box, looked up, picked his spot and it was 2-3.
Reading hit the post at least once, late on Robinson miss hit a good chance and Molango gave everything and nearly set up the equaliser late on.
Overall not too bad, but I have to say I hope Roberts is fit soon! I reckon about 3,500 Albion fans, and we once again for most of the game out sang the Reading muppets who relied on either a drum or records after goals to get the supporters out of their seats!
I thought that the Jarrett booking was very harsh, and I think Cullip was lucky the player was running away from goal when he got his feet tangled with him otherwise it may have been a red card.
Kuipers - 5 didn't look sharp or confident
Harding - 4 off the pace all game and was soundly beaten several times
Virgo - 4 not a great game, gave away the ball too often
Cullip - 5 recovered from a shaky start, but we looked all over the place at times
Butters - 5 as above
Nicholas - 5 gave 100% and stood up to a dominant Reading midfield Oatway - 6 shame he was injured and was putting himself about Jarrett - 6 good first game, cant wait til him, Knight and Malonga have played together a few times
Reid - 6 passed the ball around well in the second half
Currie - 5 needs to be more involved, but did chase back and harry the Reading players
Molango - 7 my MOTM and looks promising
Subs
Hinshelwood 5 - started in midfield when he replaced Oatway, but covered well at right back once Virgo replaced by Robinson
Robinson - 7 great finish, nearly had a second, good prospect again Jones - 4 didn't do anything but lose the ball
Mayo and C May not used
I am glad we have another game so quickly as I think we deserved at least a point on Saturday,
My starting XI would be
Kuipers (Roberts if fit)
Hinshelwood Virgo Cullip Mayo
Currie Nicholas Reid Jarrett
Robinson Molango
Subs
Harding, Jones, C May, Butters, Hart
Mark R
