Stevenage Fans Verdict: Reading Rescue A Point
11/11/2024 04:19 AM
As ever there was plenty for the fans to mull over after Saturday's draw at Stevenage.
Results like Saturday's always leave me in two minds a little bit. On one hand, it's a point away from home and, with our record on the road, you can't really sniff at that; turning losses into draws is exactly what we need to be doing on our travels.
However, with how we played in that second half the win was there for the taking. Plenty of times we worked ourselves into really good positions but the final finishing touch just wasn't there.
But a point is a point, and we did play well in the second 45. So there are definitely positives to take. Here's how the fans reacted to the game...
The referee
You don't need me to tell you that the standard of officiating in this division is pretty shambolic. But I think most fans feel that, even for League One standard, we got a bit of a howler of a referee on Saturday.
For what it's worth, I think the players need to become a bit smarter too - so many times I shouted out "don't foul him, don't foul him", only for us to do just that. We knew early on he was a whistle-happy ref, and we kept giving him chances to give free-kicks against us.
Even so it was frustrating. There were no game-defining poor decisions, but that doesn't mean the fans were happy with him...
Should have won that referee was dire #readingfc
— Dave McCormack (@davemc_exile) November 9, 2024
Why on earth did the referee not make him go off at the goal line? The player was on the penalty spot. Awful game management. Assessor will mark him down, for this and many other sloppy errors. #readingfc
— South Coast Royal (@SouthCoastRoyal) November 9, 2024
Refs got no clue whats going on absolute fool #readingfc
— MbenGOAT (@MbenGOAT) November 9, 2024
Not a bad result, decent second half and got a valuable point, but that ref was absolutely terrible. How he was unable to spot those fouls made in the first half I do not know. Anyways, onto Newport #ReadingFC
— Ryan Hardy (@prestige_boost) November 9, 2024
Another incompetent ref #readingfc
— James Grant (@jamesgrant1992) November 9, 2024
This bloody ref #readingfc
— Milo (@MiloRoyal1871) November 9, 2024
What is this ref doing???? #readingfc
— Joe (@DingJoeNL) November 9, 2024
Game of two halves
The first half was pretty poor and the kind of performance we're used to seeing away from home. We struggled to get the ball on the deck and implement our style of play, and the hosts deservedly led.
But the second half was much, much better. We created chances, grabbed an equaliser and dominated the ball. It didn't end up turning into all three points, but the positives were there for all to see...
First half didn't feel we'd get anything, felt like we were just too weak up front. Second half though, much better and we walk away with a point and their keeper man of the match…. #readingfc
— Rich1871 (@richiec87) November 9, 2024
Probably should have won that. Average from both teams first half, but second half we were much the better side and could have got more. Spirited second half #readingfc
— Lewis Radbourne (@lewisradbourne1) November 9, 2024
Should be winning those games, but that second half was a lot better. I think we've missed Dorsett a lot more than I thought. #ReadingFC
— Joel (@Jdh72Joel) November 9, 2024
Gutting to not win in the end, with the volume of shots generated by #ReadingFC in that second half. Rare that Reading end a game stronger than they started, but hugely encouraging to recover from 1-0 down.
— ReadingBetweenTheLines (@ReadingBTL) November 9, 2024
Chem Campbell stepped up big time with Harvey Knibbs (1+)
@BBCBerkshire looked so much better second half - Ahmed and Dorset look very good, Micheal Craig has done a good job deputising at RB, but is it better to use square pegs in square holes? In car home with Dad and happy with the point, but would have loved to nick it! #readingfc
— James Penney (@jamespenney2) November 9, 2024
That point could be vital come the end of the season. Dire 1st half, much better 2nd half. Just need a bit of composure at both ends and we will win matches. #readingfc
— Charlie (@Charlie54388447) November 9, 2024
A point away from home
Well, it's one point more than we usually get away from home I suppose, but that first half was something we are all too familiar to seeing unfortunately.
You have to give credit where it's due though, and in the second half we were by far the better team. If any team was going to go on and win it, it was us. If we'd had another five or 10 minutes then I'm pretty sure we would've taken all three points back home with us.
However, a point is a point - and away from home, in our position, you take those every day of the week.
Here's how the fans judged the result...
Won't ever complain about an away point but certainly weren't anywhere near good enough. Stevenage were there for the taking. Frustrating one. #readingfc
— Jacob Potter (@pott95) November 9, 2024
Full time and the manager of the month nomination curse strikes us! Not the best day in the office but a point is a point.
— Panjabi Royals (@PanjabiRoyals) November 9, 2024
1-1 #STEREA | #ReadingFC
Solid point away. Lots to work on, wingers struggling for confidence. Dorsett looked a solid option when he came on. Looking forward to the pod to follow. #readingfc
— Royals Review Podcast (@RoyalsReviewPod) November 9, 2024
Satisfied with a point today, had a nice day out.
— Helen Bullen (@PAN1F) November 9, 2024
Thanks to the lads in the pub before the game who gifted me a Baby Guinness, it went down very well #readingfc
Everyone always says there's no such thing as a bad away point. Until you actually get one, and it's suddenly awful #ReadingFC
— Marcus Pike (@MarcusKPike) November 9, 2024
Take a point away from home but should have won it at the end. Great to have Dorsett back was superb when he came on #readingfc
— James Grant (@jamesgrant1992) November 9, 2024
A very good fighting point away from home could have even won but I'll Take That urzzzzz #readingfchttps://t.co/oucJ5mq6d1pic.twitter.com/VuDUdiRagA
— Johnny Hunt (@Huntyroyal) November 9, 2024
Delighted. A point is always good away from home whoever you're playing. They're clearly fighting for us and worked hard for that
— Caroline Parker (@CazParker1871) November 9, 2024
You can debate the quality of the squad til the cows come home, but we all know the reason...DAI GET LOST!#SellBeforeWeDai#ReadingFC
Definitely take the point.
— Jimmyb1871 (@JamesBr23509416) November 9, 2024
1 point off the play offs,
Out the relegation zone of the away table,
11 points above the relegation zone,
Positive goal difference,
Positive 2nd half,
Academy players looking good (Ahmed was quality when he came on)#readingfcpic.twitter.com/bDzUapU4Ue
Conclusion
A point is a point and it's something to build on for sure. That second half needs to be the baseline for us away from home going forward. We've seen far too many of those first-half performances and far too few of the second-half performances away from home in the last year or so.
These players have the ability to take the game to most in this division, both at home and on opposition turf too - they just need to believe it a little bit more.
URZ
