Rams Secure Second As Fantastic Finishing Robs Reading!
Saturday, 18th Oct 2014 17:25 by Daniel J Sewart

There is no doubt that Reading were the better team for much of the clash at the Madejski — but in the end it was Derby that were able to finish, taking all 3 points and 2nd spot on the table.

Reading came out of the blocks at a million miles an hour and put The Rams under massive amounts of pressure from the outset. Creating chance after chance - it seemed only a matter of time until The Royals scored.

Derby had their moments in amongst the home teams’ dominant display but didn’t look as likely. That was until the 18th minute when a corner from Ward was headed down by Martin, took a slight touch off a defender and found its way into the net.

0-1.

Reading kept coming as they tried to even things up - but for twenty minutes it was the same story as they could not - but once again The Rams did!

A great pass on the outside of the box from Bryson to Ibe, who until that point had been slightly worse than average, resulted in a weaving run that was nothing less than pure class, before he pulled the trigger to score a sublime goal.

0-2.

Half time came with injuries to both Ward and Keogh but somehow the Rams left the field ahead after chasing hoops for much of the first 45.

I suppose the clue was in Derby scoring from a corner — because when that happens - you know it is likely to be their day!

The second half was a 30 minute display of Reading not just smashing at the door, they also were punching, pulling and battering at the door but somehow they still could not score. Lee Grant (who was absolutely sensational!!) and the team had all hands to the pumps as they defended bravely and despite the fact Derby could not get the game on their terms, they managed to keep their opponents out - which is all that matters in the end.

As was the script all day - just when it looked like the home team might score and set up a grandstand finish - instead some great build up play and that ability to show class when it counts - manifested itself into a probing run by Russell that led to Martin muscling past Royals defenders to superbly finish with a perfectly placed strike.

0-3.

Reading won the battle but Derby won the war as some gutsy last ditch defending and three moments of class ended up in The Rams taking home all 3 points.

Many times we have bemoaned a great performance not netting us all we deserved, today we got more than we deserved from an average performance.

But when that average performance nets you 3 goals and takes you to 2nd on the table — it’s not how you do it, it’s just that you did!

RamZone match reporter I.Saw was at the Madejski to witness The Rams rob Reading and tomorrow we will present a full match wrap with all the reaction, stats and more!

Until then — don’t get dizzy as you look down from the auto promotion places!

COYR!!