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With 18,500 in the Mad Stad, this was the largest crowd for a game against one of the poorer sides in the division. Despite only being ninety minutes drive away and playing against one of the divisions top sides the BHA away support was disappointingly low. Even though they were depleted in numbers they were very vocal for large periods of the game.
The game started slowly, with Brighton clearly setting their stall out early with only one striker up front. The confidence levels between the teams was marked, particularly evident when dealing with defensive situations. Reading would calmly pass the ball out of defence, with their counterparts wildly hacking. Despite this there was little to note for the majority of the first half; Brighton happy to play on the break with a lively Leon Knight, and Reading with the lion's share of possession, but seemingly unable to string much more than a couple of passes together.
Brighton's main concern was on their own team sheet with Gary Elphick (BHA) participating in some over enthusiastic tackling. Elphick's received a booking that was to haunt BHA later on, although it was perhaps slightly harsh on the young debutant who was clearly just a little over zealous.
Reading's breakthrough came on the 27th minute; Little picked up the ball on the right of the box, went past two Seagull players and provided a powerful, low level cross. Avoiding the Royals front line it was left to Brighton's Captain, Charlie Oatway, to steer the ball into the back of his own net.
The rest of the half was played out with more vigour by the home side, but they still lacked the final ball. On the whole Brighton looked a well-drilled, physical side and at the time only Watford and Reading boasted a better record at avoiding defeat away from home. As the first half ground to a halt, there was little else to note other than a penalty claim from Bobby Convey (RFC) and a Steve Sidwell (RFC) drive from a free kick.
The second half started with Reading pressing, and this led to the pivotal moment in the game. A through ball to Dave Kitson saw him make the most of a clumsy challenge from the aforementioned Gary Elphick. The referee produced Elphick's second yellow, and was swiftly followed up by the red. An unfortunate full debut for Elphick and I'm sure some valuable lessons learnt.
This incident led to profuse protestations from the Seagulls players directed towards both Mr Taylor and Dave Kitson. Seagulls No. 9 Gary Hart was the most prominent, who then, for the rest of game, proceeded to spray vitriolic abuse to anybody who came within 20 foot of him. And if any Reading player was near the ball, swift physical retribution was dealt out. Although Hart's passion for the cause was admirable, he was lucky to escape any punishment.
The subsequent free kick led to a melee in box, and Kitson was again the victim of a dubious foul. Further protests and general abuse from Brighton failed to unnerve Kitson as he coolly sent the seagull keeper, Alan Blayney, the wrong way and slotted the ball into the back of the net on 51st minute.
Brighton were now 2 – 0 down, a man down, and playing a side that had the qualities and confidence to stretch the game. That is exactly what Reading did for the next 40 minutes. The ball was confidently played from one side of the pitch to the other, with Little and Convey both enjoying the freedom of the flanks. It was only the persistent strategy of Reading trying to walk the ball into the back of the net that stopped them from extending the lead further.
This changed on the 70th minute; Nicky Shorey sent a speculative shot towards Blayney's goal. It was heavily deflected and looped to the right hand side of goal, only for Kitson to leap above a Seagulls defender and head into the net.
The game continued in the same vein, with Reading dominating possession and pulling the Brighton team all over the pitch. The inevitable fourth goal arrived on the 75th minute from a trademark Nicky Shorey cross and supplied substitute Stephen Hunt his first for the royals.
Brighton then seized on a rare defensive mistake to arguably score the best goal of the game. Colin Kazim-Richards, on for Sebastien Carole, latched onto a loose pass 35 yards from goal. With no obvious support he took the only option open to him and unleashed a spectacular swerving drive from 25 yards, giving Marcus Hahnemann no chance. The strike was that good, that many of the Royals supporters stood up and applauded the goal. A move that may have seemed mildly patronising to the travelling fans but was meant with sincerity.
This was a rare moment illumination in the game for the Seagulls, as Reading quickly established the same pattern. Pulse after pulse of Reading attacks rained down on the Brighton defence who were in desperate need of the final whistle. But just as the sanctuary of the dressing room was within Brighton's grasp, Dave Kitson's completed his hat trick and added Readings fifth. Sidwell provided the cross for Kitson to deliver a looping header, which despite a touch from Blayney, crossed the line before Stephen Hunt could claim a final touch.
The result, and even the score line could have been predicted, but this was far from a routine win for Reading. Brighton showed enough organisation and passion to suggest that their fate is far from sealed, and, but for a couple of questionable decisions, might have made this a far tougher game.
As the final whistle brought the game to a close the poor judgement of Mark McGhee reared its head yet again. In his after match press conference he decided to deliver a rather rancorous outburst towards the Reading support. A move that the assorted press saw not only as sour grapes but a diversionary tactic for the mounting pressure to keep Brighton in the Championship.
Royal Bungle
Royal Bungle