Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do, and they were all Yellow… As those infamous lyrics were played by some guy at an open acoustic night as I sat down for a meal in Oxford Friday night I realised we’d win the following day, and normally being more of a pessimist was quite shocked at my new found optimism. I just knew it, I could feel it, - the Pre Match Tension had arrived early. My week has been rather eventful and bizarre and I just sensed it would cumulate in a rare Watford victory – it just seemed inevitable. I arrived in Reading at 11.30 and eventually found the town centre (having left the wrong exit, not the one right outside the town centre!). My intention was to find the Back of Beyond Wetherspoons, where an old friend from school and now at Reading Uni works. Having filled up on Strongbow, Corona and ‘the lucky’ Apple Sourz (the choice of drink between a select few in Aber) I departed to catch the bus to the stadium. On the bus I was surrounded by Reading fans going on about how ‘if I was to miss a game it would be this one blah blah’ I almost turned to say ‘remember where you came from’ but refrained myself. I just had that feeling Aidy and the Boys would teach the new plastic fans a lesson in grace – where were half those fans back in the days of Elms Park? The first half was rather poor and uneventful, yet again the singing and the banter between the fans making up for the action. The Reading fan in the pink shirt will probably never wear it again, though fair play to him he reacted well to the chants. It was also good to see supporters from both sides sing (and stand!) to ‘Stand up if you hate Stewards’. As the Disco in the back rows continued, those further forward began to participate and two Australians (?) who I assume were neutrals because they never cheered once still seemed to love the atmosphere being generated. That it was 0-0 at half time was largely due to the quick thinking of Foster and the lack of sharpness from Lita, but 0-0 it was and up for grabs in the second half to the team who showed the most willing. To be fair that wasn’t the case, Reading continued to create more chances but we weren’t outplayed, and the fans out sung the Reading fans, who were clearly unhappy at the poor show in what was the final home game. It was meant to be their disco, their celebration party, but Danny Shittu soon made sure it was our party when he had probably the easiest finish of his defensive life. A free kick came in, Marlon left it, Hahnemann was fooled, and big Danny passed the ball (for the first time?!) into the back of the net. A quick (surely it was too good to be true) look to the linesman confirmed the goal would stand and the party really began. We wouldn’t throw it away this time. Foster continued to act when needed saving a good attempt from Seol when he was clear on goal, but this was going to be our day and the Reading fans knew it as they fell even more silent. Even when they occasionally sang blue army, it seemed to morph into Rinaldi! 1.0 became 2.0 when some good play between Smith and Powell left the former free, the cross was poor and comfortable for Hahnemann despite the space Smith had. However the keeper fumbled the ball and the King scored. Things really wouldn’t get better. Reading fans tried to sneak out, rather disrespectful to their players who have done so well this season. Some of the loyal fans who clearly were there back in the days of Elm Park clearly thought so and tried to stop some leaving, next minute a guy was falling down 3 rows and mini fights broke out. If that’s what the Premiership does to big-small teams then I really don’t want to be a part of it regularly. Great result and a great atmosphere (even before the goals I should add!) Scunthorpe on a Tuesday night here we come!
indeed a very good read , the atmosphere was amazing and some great / funny songs were sung . reading 0 - 2 WATFORD GET IN!!!!!!!
I enjoyed that. Having had parental duties on Saturday its nice to read something and actually feel that your there. 10/10
