Leicester vs Royals
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Reading fans can finally pop the champagne corks after a 1-1 draw against Leicester City sealed their place in the top flight for next season. But it was by no means an easy game at the Walkers Stadium, as Leicester took a deserved lead against a somewhat sluggish first half Royals performance.
Whether it was down to nerves or just an underperforming side, away supporters were starting to wonder whether they would have to wait a bit longer for that confirmation.
Iain Hume's potent finish after being set up by Matty Fryatt, giving the Foxes the early advantage. It could have been worse for the visitors soon after, Joey Gudjohnsen striking the post from a beautifully curled free kick. Things didn't get a great deal better in the second half, Gudjohnsen with a long range effort which looked to have beaten Hahnemnann until he managed to avert the ball to safety with an outstretched left boot.
However things soon took a turn for the better as far as Reading fans were concerned, when boss Steve Coppell took off Gunnarsson and Oster for Sidwell and Shane Long on the hour. Reading upped the tempo almost immediately after, changing tactics to use a more aerial threat. Both sides going on to miss gilt-edged chances to win the game.
With around 20 minutes to go, Sonko failed to convert a cross and headed over missing out on the eagerly anticipated equaliser. Joey Gudjonsson's corner minutes later was put over by McCarthy.
Then with only five minutes left on the clock, goal machine Kevin Doyle got the all important equaliser that would send Reading to the summit of English football for the first time in their 135 year history.
James Harper with a corner headed on at the near post by Ingimarsson and Doyle did the rest. The Royals faithful were on their feet in raptures applauding their team who had finally gained that long deserved promotion to the premiership.
They also became record breakers by clinching promotion at the earliest point in the season. Coppell praised his team's achievement and work ethic:
“This as been dream-like in many ways, but a dream based on hard work and players of tremendous ability. They're a small squad who give everything for the club and we've had a tremendous year.”
Chairman John Madejski was a happy man, adding his pleasure at seeing the fruits of his labour finally paying off. "This is the fulfilment of a dream, it's what we set out to do 16 years ago."
Chairman John Madejski was a happy man, adding his pleasure at seeing the fruits of his labour finally paying off. "This is the fulfilment of a dream, it's what we set out to do 16 years ago."
Players, fans and all those associated with the club can now look to next season facing the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea. But first they must focus on the more immediate challenge of clinching the Championship title.