Surprisingly I have come home disappointed We were the better side and played much better than any game since QPR but we just lack any confidence in front of goal and are too shaky at the back Midfield looked much better today probably because Schopp was forced into playing Gomes who I thought played well but despite dominating we relied on a great save from Collins to keep us level just before half time and one of the Reading strikers when clean through suddenly thought he was playing for us and instead of slotting it past Collins checked back and gave the defence time to put a block in also a great tip around the post from a decent shot outside the box. We created plenty of opportunities but never forced more than a regulation save from their keeper I think we could still be playing tomorrow and not score That’s a real problem I actually think that even with the injuries we have the team that started today is easily good enough to be mid table but they are totally lacking of confidence especially in the opposition box and our defence is just too fragile I don’t see it changing with the current manager though he doesn’t give the impression he can set up the team. Also give me a lucky Manager any day and Schopp isn’t that. The one time we nearly did score Britain crashed a good chance against the post. Under a luckier coach you best chance doesn’t fall to a player who will never score for us not matter how good the chance I can’t see where our next goal or point is coming from
If you have just got back from Reading you want your Licence taking off you...........................................................................................oh yeah.................
Today’s team wouldn’t be good enough for mid table under any manager. Reading are a poor team. Don’t be fooled by their recent form - they will be bottom half this season.
Our best chance was Woodrow failing to connect with the ball from Big Vic’s pin point low cross after good work by Brittain to break free. Because he didn’t connect nobody is mentioning it, but Britain’s volley was a great hit and arguably the most difficult of our 4/5 real chances.
I don’t agree. Reading are the leagues form side and for most of the game we made them look poor. Last season until January our attack wasn’t much better than today’s Iseka looks decent Woodrow still here and I think Victor has improved considerably add in Cole and Frieser and we should be able to score more than one goal every 4 games Today’s defence had really only Moon in for Anderson from one that could have started last season and finally playing Gomes the Midfield looked ok today Obviously with Dike and Morris up from we would be better and Anderson and Mowatt are a loss. But those playing aren’t as bad as some are making out. I think they just lack confidence and a clear plan
Woodrows Chance was at the far end to me so I didn’t really see it. I’m not criticising Brittain for hitting the post it was a great effort but Ishmael and Struber seemed to have luck on their side Schopp doesn’t. As I tend to follow the view that luck is something earned I don’t see it changing with the current Head Coach
Their defender was blocking Brittain from a clear strike on goal so I thought he did well to get it so close.
Different system, different ideas, different approach needed. The season can still be salvaged if we make the change now. I can't see what they are waiting for, Morris and Anderson won't change anything.
Thanks for the report and hats off to you for your support. Good to read a review of the game from someone who has made the trip.
I think Reading have got injury problems like us but I wasn't impressed by them at all. I totally agree with you that we've still got a lot of good players that are capable of doing far better with a clearer plan or a different manager.
I see their goal came from a wide player getting in behind Brittain with the back 3 being quite narrow. The formation isn't working and we're getting punished like this far too often...
Schopp focused on the substitution of Palmer for Hondermarck, about 5 minutes before goal. Kept returning to it in his post-match interview. "A couple of guys have to understand how important they are for us and, if they can't do it any more, we have to have a better bench" From Doug o Kane on twitter. No wonder the players can't stand him.
He's saying that Palmer runs out of steam every week, which is true. Saying he was the same last season.. which is also true. Now I'm not Palmers biggest fan. But I'm not so sure a public slating is the best idea from the coach tho.. what about trying to get him fitter?
Surely Palmer has some responsibility to get himself fitter too? He's undoubtedly talented but he needs to put the hard graft in. I forget the context but it seemed to be a bit of a running "joke" amongst the players about Palmer not lasting the 90 minutes last season under Val.
Apart from his tendency to try and pull off a trick in inappropriate places, I thought Palmer was way better today than otherwise recently.
It is his local game though so you would expect him to make the trip - only 23 miles. Had I still been in Princes Risborough I would have been making a similar journey today. However, being over a thousand miles away (until mid-December) I didn't bother! I couldn't even be bothered to purchase the iFollow coverage, having wasted enough on that this season. Seems I missed a better game but I can't say I was that bothered, nor was I in the least surprised when they scored. It's all just so inevitable at the moment.
Whatever they wanted for dike would have been money well spent. Could have got him instead of the 3 new ones. And bought a rising star for their ‘investment’ portfolio.