Royals on a Roll

Even the most optimistic Reading fan could scarcely have imagined it. Five games into their first ever season in the Premiership, the Royals already have three wins to their credit and are in 6th place in the table and if they are able to maintain that kind of form, they could be in line for a place in Europe.

Their latest triumph was a victory over fellow Premiership new boys Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, thanks largely to a fine first half display which rocked Neil Warnock’s side. It took Reading just 16 seconds to grab the lead, as Kevin Doyle seized on Bobby Convey’s astute through ball to beat stand-in Sheffield keeper Ian Bennett with ease.

There was more dismay for Bennett in the 25th minute, when Lita shrugged off Leigh Bromby to set up the impressive Korean Seol Ki-Hyeon, who blasted the ball in from some 20 yards.

United rallied in the second half, but despite a superb goal from Rob Hulse, Reading hung on for a valuable three points and after the game, manager Steve Coppell was at pains to point out that “there’s still a long way to go”. There is, but Coppell’s quiet, efficient and intelligent approach has enabled him to build a well organised side with a growing confidence that they can survive in the top league. And they may be right.