Reading 0-0 QPR

Reading 0-0 QPR
QPR battled to a well-earned point against a Reading side that had not dropped a single point at the Madejski Stadium. In a game of few chances, but exciting nonetheless, Rangers had Radek Cerny and Damion Stewart to thank for keeping them in it as the Czech keeper made a brilliant save to deny home sub Kalifa Cisse, whilst Jamaican Stewart was a colossus throughout. But Rangers worked hard for a point and could've evened snatched it with Lee Cook and Akos Buzsaky forcing Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann into saves. Caretaker boss Gareth Ainsworth made three changes from the side that draw with Swansea in Wales in midweek. In came Matt Connolly, Daniel Parejo and Samuel Di Carmine for his first start in a Hoops shirt. Out went Damien Delaney, who dropped to the bench, Dexter Blackstock, who joined Delaney in the dugout, and Peter Ramage. Reading had top scorer Kevin Doyle up front alongside Noel Hunt and youngster Jem Karacan, who has impressed since being given a chance by Manager Steve Coppell, in midfield. And it was keeper Cerny's night that started the most interestingly as a quiet opening 15 minutes was broken by the Czech goalkeeper having to deal with not only the match ball but a giant inflatable one the thousand or so travelling R's fans had brought with them. He finally had something else to occupy him moments later when Stephen Hunt's chipped pass was headed on by Karacan into the path of Jimmy Kebe who blasted a shot into the side netting. On 25 minutes it was Reading keeper Hahnemann's turn as he had to beat away a Di Carmine drive after the Italian striker out-tussled Andre Bikey. At first glance, his shot was going wide but another look showed it may have just crept inside the American keeper's near post. Stewart was then the R's hero as his block stopped a certain goal as he threw everything at the feet of Kebe. Cerny then almost gifted Reading a glorious chance as he came for a cross, completely misjudged the flight of the ball and only just managed to gather the loose ball. The R's keeper made amends minutes later when Stephen Hunt's free-kick was helped on by Kebe and brother Noel's header was well saved by the Czech diving to his left. The second half opened with Reading having clearly been given a talking too as they raced out the blocks and won a succession of corners. The last of which resulted in a goal-mouth scramble that saw Karacan fire a shot well wide. Stewart once again came to Rangers' rescue with another fine tackle on Doyle this time, as the Irish international shaped to shoot. Rangers fought their way back in it and when Buzsaky won a free-kick, Spanish midfielder Parejo thundered a dipping strike straight at the welcome arms of Hahnemann. The R's fans were making a fantastic noise behind Hahnemann's goal and the players were doing all they can to continue giving them something to cheer about. Stewart once again foiled Reading when he intercepted a through ball for Noel Hunt that would've sent the Irishman through on goal. On the hour, Ainsworth made his first ever change. Blackstock replaced the lively Di Carmine. The introduction of the R's top scorer seemed to lift the players and Buzsaky forced a nervy save from the Reading keeper who was subsequently clattered by the substitute. Blackstock then clipped a cross for Parejo to volley but the midfielder could not strike the ball with enough venom to worry the home crowd. Rangers had the bit between their teeth and Cook was next to try his luck from long range, stinging the hands of Hahnemann. Reading were rattled, and when Leigertwood received his throw back from Buzsaky he crossed superbly and Blackstock rose to nod straight at Hahnemann. Reading were not out of it yet and Stephen Hunt curled a free-kick inches wide of the desperate dive of Cerny. Suddenly it was Reading on the front foot and Martin Rowlands almost undid all Rangers' good-work when his clearing header flew inches wide from a Reading free-kick. Then it was Bikey's turn to go close with a header from a Hunt corner as the hosts continued to orchestrate proceedings. From another corner, Cerny pulled off a magnificent save to deny Reading substitute Cisse, diving full stretch to turn a top corner-bound header around the post. But despite Reading dominating the closing stages, the R's held on, and can be proud of a gritty, determined display.Reading: Hahnemann, Armstrong, Gunnarsson (Harper 73), Doyle, S.Hunt, N.Hunt, Kebe (Long 80), Ingimarsson, Karacan (Cisse 73), Rosenior, Bikey. Subs: Andersen, Kelly. Scorers: Bookings: Bikey (89) Sendings off: QPR: Cerny, Stewart, Mahon, Hall, Leigertwood, Parejo (Balanta 86), Buzsaky, Rowlands, Connolly, Cook, Di Carmine (Blackstock 60). Subs: Cole, Delaney, Tommasi. Scorers: Bookings: Parejo (82) Sendings off: Referee: Mr C. Foy Attendance: 20,571

View Full Version: Reading 0-0 QPR