Bolton Wanderers Fans Verdict: Reading Put To The Sword
09/23/2024 03:41 AM
How the fans reacted to a tough afternoon in Greater Manchester.
I mentioned in my match report that it would've been very easy to forget that we had a game this weekend with the week we've had to endure.
And most of us had probably taken no notice to Bolton Wanderers' mini-crisis due to the magnitude of our own. But Saturday was a chance to throw a cat among the pigeons and start trying to put the fiasco of last week behind us.
However, a first half riddled with really bad errors was our downfall in the end, despite a courageous second-half showing. Here's how the fans reacted...
Error-stricken first half
In open play I thought we more than held our own against what is, undoubtedly, a team a lot further on in their development arc than us. However, when you make mistakes like we did in that first half, you deserve to get punished.
Silly penalties, questionable goalkeeping and some Sunday League defending were all on show as Bolton notched four first-half goals.
The fans were not happy with what they saw...
Want to defend this team but you just can't make an argument for some things. Stupid penalties. Hopefully Bindon learns but Mbengue never does. Criminal from both. That 30 mins by Dorsett, how can a footballer look that unfit? Too open and stretched out of possession. #ReadingFC
— Alex Sheppard (@Alex_Shep_Urzz) September 21, 2024
I'm proud of this second half. Shame we let ourselves down with those silly mistakes in the first half. #readingfc
— Ethan Lewendon (@EthanLewendon) September 21, 2024
Brain dead defending from both centre backs to each concede penalties #readingfc
— Jamie Harden (@MrCompo) September 21, 2024
Amateur from Mbengue, you can't do that at any level and not give away a penalty #ReadingFC
— Milo (@MiloRoyal1871) September 21, 2024
How can Mbengue complain about that? Clear as day a penalty #readingfc
— Mark Sugar (@marksugar) September 21, 2024
No excuse for Button not defending that side of the goal from the free kick! Wall is set up to defend the other side #readingfc
— Jamie Harden (@MrCompo) September 21, 2024
I know things are awful off the field but that's no excuse for this performance. Awful. Dorsett should be booked now. Lazy #ReadingFC
— Ben (@BenParsons89) September 21, 2024
A better second half
It's a lot easier to play with a bit more freedom and expansiveness when you're 4-1 down, granted. But still I think the players deserve a bit of credit for how they came back in the second half.
We dominated the second half really, until Bolton got their fifth (another really cheap one from our perspective) and the game opened up.
The fans were impressed a lot more with the second half than they were the first, that's for sure...
Much better second half. We've not been anywhere near as bad as the scoreline would suggest. Made it harder for ourselves with amateurish defending #ReadingFC
— Milo (@MiloRoyal1871) September 21, 2024
Since this we've definitely improved, great second half and haven't given up despite a 2 goal deficit, up the ding. #readingfchttps://t.co/LIujPcWLwm
— adam #sellbeforewedai (@adamReadingFC) September 21, 2024
Scoreline that really doesn't reflect the match today. Our first half was poor yes, but only really undone by set pieces & some awful refereeing. 2nd half much better and it was a decent performance. However not clinical with our chances and caught by a cross again #readingfc
— Tom Maynard (@ttmaynard) September 21, 2024
We move on to Huddersfield. We were much better in the 2nd half and atm we just have to continue to suck it up. #ReadingFC
— Mark (@MarkHopgoo44290) September 21, 2024
Good start to the 2nd half and a much deserved goal back #readingfc
— Tom Maynard (@ttmaynard) September 21, 2024
Can't wait for sky sports to have some silly highlights title saying Bolton have "demolished" us or something, even though we've been better all second half. #readingfc
— Mike Ashley Please Save Us (@TheDingOf06) September 21, 2024
Baffled by the 'better side second half' comments. We drew the second half 1-1 and were battered 5-2. Again. We have to accept that we will do well to avoid relegation this season. Backs-to-the-wall already. #readingfc
— Paolo (@Skeptichead) September 21, 2024
Ruben Selles' post-match comments
It seems Selles is now starting to reach the end of his tether with the calamity going on above him. And who can blame him?
His quotes after the game were damning really, and it's clear that he's starting to lose patience with those at the top of the club.
I don't think any of us would begrudge him leaving now, and his comments after the game may suggest he's not too far away from doing that...
Good to see Selles taking the lead and speaking out on behalf of those less able to. There's no way Dodgy Dai & Pissy Pang could get away with firing him at present. The fans' reaction would be nuclear! #readingfc
— Andy C #FBPE (@AndyRFCCharman) September 21, 2024
Ruben Selles on the other hand is an absolute hero and how on earth he didn't win manager of the season last season is beyond belief. Wherever he goes, that club will be so lucky and won't deserve him. #readingfc
— ajb1871 (@RDG1871) September 21, 2024
Selles' filter is completely gone now and good to see him going public with it all now from his side. Don't want it to happen but he deserves a move to a more stable club #readingfchttps://t.co/Iz6EBSrIlB
— Jacob Potter (@pott95) September 21, 2024
He will walk before too long- hope he doesn't but that comment after Thursday comment is damming for the club. Hopefully he's loyal to the players as the bond is brilliant. He goes all bets are off in regard to everything IMO….
— Ned (@nedeye) September 21, 2024
He's pretty much packed his bags already. I don't blame him! He's proven himself to be an ok manager and even better man. If he walks it's definitely our loss as a club #readingfc
— Tin-pot (@Tinpot_Royal) September 21, 2024
If Selles stock with fans at the moment couldn't get any higher, he comes out with this.
— Guilty, I support Reading. (@Reading106) September 21, 2024
What a man. Well done for saying what "the club" are or aren't doing.
Everyone in a senior/boardroom position has blood on their hands with this. #Readingfchttps://t.co/XPZKjEO6Pc
Conclusion
The end of another crazy week in the world of Reading Football Club. A horrendous week consisting of one of the worst days in our recent history with Rob Couhig's takeover falling through, and a really bad result at Bolton.
But we can't stop supporting these players. We're all going through the wringer at the moment, we should at least do that together.
