A late penalty miss from Kerem Aktürkoğlu denies Turkey a confirmed group win despite a dominant performance. A third straight draw between these two nations.
23 shots to 4 tells the story in Kayseri as Wales hang on to a point to keep the group’s top 2 positions undecided going into the final game. Wales have also tied their longest-ever unbeaten run with this draw, 11 games.
Turkey fail to convert on their constant pressure but remain in control of the group heading into Tuesday night’s game against already relegated, and point-less Montenegro.
Build Up
The top two teams in League B’s Group 4 go into the penultimate Nations League game separated by just two points, with Turkey topping the group on 10 points.
When these two teams faced off in Cardiff, Bellamy’s first game in charge, it was a 0-0 draw, despite a Turkish red card. Wales were the far better side, even before the red, but weren’t clinical, a trend in Bellamy’s reign so far. But since that game Turkey have gone unbeaten in the group, scoring eight in their last three games.
A win for Turkey will see them promoted to League A, whereas a Welsh win would see them top the group into the final game. 2nd in the group will play a playoff in March against one of the 3rd placed teams from League A, the winner of which will take a place in League A.
How It Happened
Turkey have been completely in control for the opening 25 minutes, but without a clear chance created. A mistake serves up the first big chance of the game to Wales. A 3 on 1, Mark Harris passes out left to Harry Wilson who crosses to the back post for Brennan Johnson, but the ball was slightly behind him. The Spurs winger tries to control it, but slips doing so and can’t get a shot off from his touch.
Seconds later a massive chance from a Welsh mistake. Yunus Akgün passes a defender but he then bizarrely tries to pass it when he’d created himself a shooting opportunity.
Wales are trying to play out from defence to limited success. A lot of play going through Sorba Thomas on the left side but he’s failing to dribble past Mert Müldür on the right side of the Turkish defence. Thomas needs more support and options if Wales are going to keep playing through him.
The biggest chance of the game so far falls for Akgün again. A beautiful through ball from Kerem Aktürkoglu puts Akgün one-on-one with Karl Darlow, but he shoots straight at the Welsh keeper. A massive escape for Wales, who need to improve in this game.
Wales have the ball in the net through Jordan James, but the flag goes up against Mark Harris. A very tight offside. It would have been very much against the run of play if it was onside.
Harry Wilson strikes the post from the edge of the box in added time. Wales’ first shot of the game. The ball almost rebounds to Brennan Johnson, but he overruns it.
Wales survive the first half in Kayseri. Turkey with 12 shots in the first half but just 3 on target and only one that actually forced Darlow into a big save, the Akgün one-on-one. Vincenzo Montella will be very frustrated his side doesn’t have the lead with the control they had in the first half.
On the opposite bench, Craig Bellamy will probably be happy that his team are trying to play with his style, but annoyed at the poor execution. Wales are feeling Ethan Ampadu’s absence through injury, Josh Sheehan isn’t playing badly, but he’s just not as talented in the holding role as the former.
The Welsh defence keeping the rest of the team in the game after 45 minutes but they will have to be better in the 2nd half.
For Turkey, they need to test Darlow more from the momentum and pressure they have Wales under. Only one or two big openings in the first half despite all their control.
Changes for both sides at half time, and a change of system for Wales. Johnson is upfront now, Thomas on the right and Dan James, on for Mark Harris, on the left flank in a 4411 with the ball. Thomas still dropping in as a wing-back out of possession, just on the opposite side now.
Enes Ünal misses a sitter with his first touch off the bench in the 67th minute. Akgün drives to the byline and cuts it back to the Bournemouth striker, but it hits his knee and goes wide. Minutes later, Ünal has an acrobatic effort blocked by a mixture of Neco Williams and Joe Rodon.
Arda Güler misses a chance you’d expect a player of his talent to score. The ball is cut back to him just inside the box, he takes a touch but shoots well over the Welsh goal.
Penalty for Turkey, Neco Williams slides in from the wrong side and it’s difficult to tell whether he won the ball or kicked Akgün’s foot into the ball, but the referee points to the spot. Akgün has been the best player on the pitch, he’s earned this outcome today.
Aktürkoglu hits the post from the spot! Darlow goes the wrong way, he’ll be relieved. Wales hang on again in Kayseri.
A defensive display worth celebrating for Wales. Not anywhere near their best with the ball in the fierce Turkish atmosphere, but they survive and get a point. They needed a win to take control of the group, but if Montenegro can get their first point/points of this Nations League campaign, Wales could still top the group, and anything but a loss will see them go into the promotion playoff. Wales are now on their joint longest-ever unbeaten run at 11 games (5W, 6D).
A difficult draw to take for Turkey, 24 shots but just 3 on target, including a late missed penalty. Quite a similar game to the reverse game between these two with the outcomes flipped. They will believe they’ve got the group sewn up though, and won’t have an extra game amongst World Cup qualifiers barring a shock loss to already relegated Montenegro.
Wales: Darlow (GK), Roberts, Rodon, Davies (C), Williams, Sheehan, J. James (Off: 72′), Johnson (Off: 90′), Wilson, Thomas (Off: 72′), Harris (Off: 45′) Substitutes: Allen, Brooks (On: 72′), Cabango, Colwill, Cullen (On: 72′), Dasilva, D. James (On: 45′), King (GK), Koumas (On: 90′), Mepham, Norrington-Davies, Ward (GK) Manager: Craig Bellamy
This is a report written for Turkey vs Wales on 16/11/2024 that didn’t get published to FromTheSpot because there was no editor available at the time to upload it.
I work freelance as a Podcaster on the Daily English Premier League Podcast which is part of the Global Sports Podcast Network. Here are the links to every episode I have been a part of. This includes hosting, producing and ideating for the podcast. The podcasts are also uploaded with videos on YouTube.
(This was an article written for a theoretical Yorkshire based news webpage during my time at University of Leeds)
We’re 75% of the way through the season and the bottom 9 are separated by just 5 points. Leeds sit second bottom with a difficult run in ahead of them.
Unfortunately for Leeds fans there’s reason for concern in the final 12 games, most notably having to face 5 of the current top 6.
But how do the run ins rank in terms of difficulty?
1. Crystal Palace
Patrick Vieira (Copyright: GerryImages)
Patrick Vieira’s side have been on a slide since the World Cup. They currently sit in 12th, but with just one win since the restart, which came on New Year’s Eve away to Bournemouth, there’s reason for concern. They’ve failed to score more than one goal since that victory and have only done so six times total this season.
Despite these concerns the South London side have undoubtedly the easiest run in. The only team to play all 8 of the other relegation candidates, and in their case all 8 below them. Furthermore they only play two of the current top 6, Arsenal away in game week (GW) 28 and Tottenham in GW35 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Hardest Run Their hardest run in their final 12 games comes in their next two games. A difficult trip away to Brighton tomorrow (Wednesday 15th March) and then their trip to the Emirates to face league leaders Arsenal. So not only do Palace have the easiest run in they’re hardest stretch of games comes at the earliest point possible.
‘Must Get Something’ Run. Their run from GW30 to 34 will be important, although there are numerous runs they should get something from. GW30 to GW34 sees Palace play Leeds, Southampton, Everton, Wolves and West Ham.
Home vs Away Selhurst Park is an infamously difficult place to go and get a result. However this season they have the 4th worst home record (4W 5D 5L) in the league picking up 17 of their 27 total points. However, there final 5 remaining home games are all against teams below them. Their away record is 14th best in the league, only Southampton and Leicester have been better away out of the bottom 9. With 7 away games in the run in they’ll be hoping to keep a relatively good away record.
If Patrick Vieira takes his side down it will be one of the greatest bottle jobs in the Premier League
2. Leicester
James Maddison (Copyright: Nick Potts/PA)
Leicester have been heavily dependent on star player James Maddison to get results this season, picking up 21 points when he’s featured and just 3 when he’s been injured/suspended. He’s featured in 19 of the 26 played and has 9 goals and 5 assists.
They currently sit 16th with 6 of the 8 around them to play. Five of the six come before GW34 so if they can get a good number of points from those five games they should be safe. They have 3 of the top 6 to play and Liverpool and Newcastle in the final 3 games before West Ham at the King Power on the final day.
Hardest Run The hardest run left is in the final four games from GW35-37. Starting with Fulham away they then play Liverpool at home and then Newcastle away. With all three currently in the fight for Europe, especially Liverpool and Newcastle fighting for Champions League.
‘Must Get Something’ Run The three prior to that run will be crucial to survival. Wolves at home, Leeds away then Everton at home. It’s a similar story to others but if they don’t get something from these games there will be worries that the 2015/16 Premier League Champions could go down with that difficult run afterwards.
Home vs Away Leicester have split their points total home and away. They haven’t been able to make the King Power a fortress this season only picking up 12 points there this season, the 2nd worst home record in the league. But picking up 12 points away sees them have the 13th best away record.
The key in this run in will be turning some of their losses into wins. With just 3 draws all season, the joint lowest in the league, those points could be crucial when not playing well.
3. Bournemouth
Gary O’Neil (Copyright: GettyImages)
Coming off arguably the 3 hardest games in the league currently against Man City, Arsenal and then Liverpool, the Cherries managed to still take 3 points from the possible 9 and it should have been more after a 97th minute Reiss Nelson equaliser to deny them a point at the Emirates.
Currently in 18th Gary O’Neil has found ways to get results despite not playing well. Their new January signings have had an instant impact. None more so than Dango Ouattara who has 3 assists in his 7 appearances and could have had a goal or two to add to that if he took his chances.
Bournemouth face 6 of the 8 teams in the relegation battle, Wolves and Forest the only two they don’t play. Like Palace they also only play two of the top 6, Spurs away in GW31 and Man Utd at home in GW37.
Hardest Run Bournemouth will need to have safety guaranteed before their final 4 games of the season. Chelsea at home, Palace away, Man Utd at Home and Everton away on the final day could see Cherries fans very anxious if they need something to survive from those games.
‘Must Get Something’ Run The 3 games prior to that final 4 games Bournemouth will have to get something from. West Ham at home, Southampton away and Leeds at home. The Cherries will likely be doomed to go down if they fail to pick up points in this run.
Home vs Away Bournemouth have got two-thirds of their points at home, 16 points, but still have the 3rd worst home record in the league. Their away record is 4th worst picking up just 8 points on the road. The Cherries home record will be vital to their survival and following their 1-0 win at the Vitality they’ll hope it can become a fortress in the last 12 games.
Despite being the 3rd easiest run in Bournemouth fans will still be very anxious about going down.
4. Wolves
Julen Lopetegui (Copyright: Nick Potts/PA)
Julen Lopetegui has been a revelation in Wolverhampton since his appointment on November 5th, taking charge of his first game after the World Cup. Before his appointment they had just 10 points and were bottom at the World Cup break. Since the restart Wolves have the 7th best form in the league.
With 5 of the 8 to play, 4 of which are 12th, 14th, 15th and 16th, they don’t have the easiest of the relegation rivals to play. But their great form since the restart will give hope that the difficulty of those around them likely won’t worry them. Their run is made even easier by facing just two of the Top 6, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Hardest Run The final 3 games see them face Manchester United, Everton then Arsenal on the final day. Everton are the only of those three at home and could be very difficult if both need results to stay up. Once again it’s going to be important Wolves pick up their points early in this run in.
‘Must Get Something’ Run The lengthiest run of good games so far, but accounting for some fortunate home results, comes in their next 6 games. Leeds, Forest, Chelsea at home, Brentford at home, Leicester and Palace. The two middle fixtures see Wolves play teams with an outside chance at Europe but in a bit of no mans land. Wolves great form after the World Cup should see them pick up a good number of points from this stretch of games to keep them up and not have to worry about those final three games.
Home vs Away Wolves have a good home and away record. 16th best at home and 15th best away. So there will be no relying on home form unlike others.
It feels very unlikely that Wolves will go down since their resurgence under Lopetegui but their run in is still not particularly easy.
5. Leeds
Wilfried Gnonto (Copyright: GettyImages)
Leeds sit second bottom with their recent manager change bringing in Javi Gracia seeing them get 4 points 9. But there are big worries about relegation for the historic side.
These worries can be calmed potentially by the fact they play 6 of the 8 around them. They are arguably the six most difficult they could have, only avoiding Everton and Southampton in the final 12 games. But the job is then made significantly harder by playing 5 of the top 6, 3 of which come in the final 4 games.
Hardest Run As just mentioned the final 4 games are extremely difficult for the Whites. City away, Newcastle at home, West Ham away then Spurs at home on the final day. It’s yet again a story of needing to get the points early. If Leeds are in the relegation zone going into the final four many would have them nailed on to go down,
‘Must Get Something’ Run Leeds don’t have a run where they can potentially build significant momentum but the must win back to back games have to be Forest at home and Palace at home in the midweek game of GW29 and GW30. Forest are the worst in the league away from home and taking points away from Palace are a must. If they can get 6 from 6 in those two games there could be hopes of getting something from the game after at home to Liverpool
Home vs Away Elland Road is a very difficult place to come to and once again Leeds have got the majority of their points there. 17 of the 13 have come at Elland Road and those home games in the run in will be crucial to survival. Just 6 points away from home (1W 3D) will have to be improved if Leeds are to survive.
Results at Elland Road are going to be crucial for survival and Leeds will likely also need some upsets along the way to survive.
6. West Ham
David Moyes (Copyright: Mike Egerton/PA)
The Hammers have fallen off massively from their last two seasons and being in Europe certainly won’t help their survival hopes. But with the best squad in the bottom 9 if they don’t stay up many will be surprised.
Facing 5 of the bottom 8 around them, 3 of which are the 3 currently behind them there’s definitely positives for West Ham fans to look at in this run in. But 5 against the top 6 which are spread between their easier games makes things look more difficult.
Hardest Run Newcastle at home, Fulham away then Arsenal at home after the international break is gonna be difficult. All still battling for Europe there’s a high chance of getting 0 from 9 in this run. However their Manchester City game being postponed currently where that game gets scheduled could be very important.
‘Must Get Something’ Run Their current final three games of Brentford away, Leeds at home and Leicester away are unfortunately their best run in the run in. There’s a chance Brentford have nothing to play for at that point so could be there for the taking then Leeds will likely still need points so playing them at home could give the Hammers the edge. Leicester could also have nothing to play for on the final day and be there for the taking at the King Power.
Home vs Away West Ham have been only picked up 6 points away from home, the joint worst in the league. Improving this record will be vital to survival. 18 points at home, 13th best, will also need to be maintained, especially if they can’t improve their away record.
West Ham are in the ‘too good to go down’ category but their European run and lack of a good run before the final three games could put worries in Hammers fans minds.
7. Southampton
James Ward-Prowse (Copyright: GettyImages)
The Saints are on their 3rd manager of the season after Hasenhuttl and Nathan Jones but now it’s a caretaker until the end of the season. They’ve managed to get 7 points from their last possible 12, including a win at Chelsea and draw at Old Trafford. This recent form has taken the south coast side from being favourites to go down to having a chance to survive.
Just 4 of the 8 to play however sees limited ‘easy’ games left for Southampton. This is worsened by the 5 games against the top 6 which include the title contenders Arsenal and Man City. Furthermore they play Brighton, Fulham and Brentford who all are pushing for a surprise European spot.
Hardest Run Southampton’s hardest run comes in the middle of the run in. Man City at home, Palace away then Arsenal away. They’ve had results against the title contenders this season already, beating the Cityzens at home in the Carabao Cup and getting a draw against the league leaders at home. Palace’s poor home record could open up a chance of result there as well. Despite these positive signs there’s no doubt it’s a difficult three games.
‘Must Get Something’ Run The Saints don’t have any easy run in the final 12 games, this is partly due to their horrific home form which we’ll get to soon. All their games against relegation rivals are spread out between difficult games so their best chance of picking up points will be continuing their current momentum into their next 3 games against Brentford, Spurs and West Ham before their difficult run.
Home vs Away Southampton are the only team in the bottom 9 to have more away points than home points. They have the worst home record in the league (2W 3D 7L) and the best away record (4W 1D 9L) amongst the bottom 9. If they’re to survive getting their home form going is going to be important.
It’s looking bleak for Southampton, sitting bottom currently with no clear stretch to pick up points it’s going to be a difficult run in.
8. Everton
Sean Dyche (Copyright Peter Byrne/PA)
Dyche has brought light to Evertonians taking them to 15th in the table with results over Arsenal at home and relegation rivals in Leeds and Forest. A minor upset at the weekend against Brentford saw survival hopes increased further.
4 of 8 to play and difficult games at that won’t buoy confidence and 4 of the top 6 only hurt hopes even more. Out of those 8 games however 5 are at home. Everton’s home form to the latter end of last season was crucial to their survival and a rocking Goodison Park is a difficult place to get results.
Hardest Run Their next three games are the most difficult facing Chelsea away as they’ve picked up some form finally before Tottenham at home and Manchester United away. Any points from these three games will greatly increase confidence.
‘Must Get Something’ Run Their four after that could get things kickstarted again however, with home games against Fulham and Newcastle chances for upsets while going away to Selhurst park and Leicester. Results in those four games will be massive before another difficult three games against Brighton away, Man City at home and Wolves away.
Home vs Away Everton have got 5 of their 6 wins at home this season but managed to get 5 draws away from home to minimise losses. As previously mentioned that home form is gonna be crucial to survival and if they can get the odd point away from home that could see the blue side of Merseyside do enough to survive.
Dyche has installed some confidence in Everton fans and if he can keep Goodison Park rocking there’ll be hopes but the run in looks very difficult.
9. Forest
Neil Cooper (Copyright: GettyImages)
Finally the hardest run in of the lot, Cooper’s Nottingham Forest. The City Ground is a fortress and has taken points off Liverpool and Man City this season but the horrendous away record causes worries.
Similar to others Forest never have a period in this final 12 where they can kick on and build momentum. With the difficult games spread out across the run in upsets could be vital.
Hardest Run In the middle of the run in Forest have a run of 4 games battling for Europe. United at home, Liverpool away, Brighton at home then Brentford away. Difficult away games with an already poor away record, it’s going to be a really tough run. However, there’ll be hopes of upsets in the two home games.
‘Must Get Something’ Run Forest’s next 3 games see two home games against Newcastle and Wolves before a trip to Elland Road. If they get minimal points from this run we could see Forest slide into the relegation zone.
Home vs Away As already stated Forest have made the City Ground a fortress. the 11th best home record in the league seeing them get 20 of their 26 points. Away from home however they have just 1 win and 3 draws. Continuing their home form is gonna be so important if Forest are to avoid a slide into the final few games.
Despite currently being 14th Forest fans should temper expectations ahead of the final 12 games cause they could be left in tears.
It was a historic evening on Wednesday for Reading City as the U18s, in association with JMA, have reached the first round of the FA Youth Cup where they’ll play League One Oxford United’s U18s. It was a good win to get them there as well, a beautiful first goal and a simple but well-worked second goal to confirm the win late on.
It took Reading City U18s a while to settle into the game following a delayed start, and I’m sure the pressure of not only potentially going into the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup but playing against a League One side in Oxford United’s U18s brought a few nerves. Due to this, there were a few early chances for Wealdstone, their 10, who was a tall striker got through Jordi Wilson didn’t quite get the ball cleanly but did enough to allow Marco De Sousa to clear it before someone else could get there. The clearance only went as far as a Wealdstone player on the edge of the box, he dribbled down the left side but was dispossessed and then fouled De Sousa which relieved the pressure. Soon after Wealdstone had a free-kick from the left side, it was flicked on towards the back post but Jordi Wilson rose highest and claimed the ball confidently.
Despite Wealdstone’s early chances, it was Reading City who almost got a lucky opener as the Wealdstone’s goalkeeper clearance kick hit Ezio Touray and the ball looked like it was going to roll in but it went wide of the left post.
City had settled now and Ben Lambourne was denied by a great save from the Wealdstone goalkeeper after he won the aerial battle from a corner. The goalkeeper collided with the post due to the save but fortunately was able to continue. A few minutes later Wade Muttitt went close with a shot from about twenty yards out go barely wide of the post, it looked like it was going in until it went past the post. Reading City were controlling the game well at this point, the defence were continually catching the Wealdstone offside which continued for the whole game.
It took just under twenty minutes for the next chance to come and it was a good one as Jude Van Spall got the ball on the right and drove towards goal before shooting, the shot hit the post and then rolled across the line before being cleared away by a Wealdstone defender.
Wealdstone went up the other end and their left-winger dribbled into the box and then went to ground following a tackle, they appealed for a penalty but the referee sent away the players appealing.
Three minutes later Reading City got the breakthrough goal, Tyrese Weekes got the ball outside the box from Ezio Touray, he shaped up to shoot and bent his shot into the top right corner, it was a tremendous goal to open the scoring just before half-time, Reading City U18s 1-0 Wealdstone U18s.
At half-time both sides knew they had a big forty-five minutes to come to get a place in the first round of the FA Youth Cup.
It was a quick start from both sides, City trying to extend their lead, Wealdstone trying to get back into the game. A loopy shot from Wealdstone in the first minute went barely over the bar, but was awkward for Wilson to deal with. Straight after Tyrese Weekes almost bagged a second as he was one on one with the goalkeeper and forced a terrific save out of the goalkeeper as he pushed the shot onto the bar and out for a corner.
Not long after Harvey Pope tried to catch out the goalkeeper with a driven shot from the left side, but the shot went just over the bar.
Just before the hour mark, Jordi Wilson was called into action in what was a fairly quiet game for him. A low shot from a Wealdstone midfielder on the edge of the box went on target but it was a comfortable save for Wilson as it was almost straight at him.
In the second-half Reading City’s offside trap worked countless times and it irritated the Wealdstone attack and bench as they believed they weren’t offside every time it was given.
Wealdstone went close again when their 8 shaped up for a shot but was tackled, the ball rolled to 4 who had a shot but missed the target from outside the box.
Both sides were defending well in the second half, a couple of blocked shots from the Reading City defence and a good offside trap, and the Wealdstone defence weren’t allowing much through their backline either.
Neither side could create a good chance to score for a good amount of the second-half until the ninetieth minute when City were defending in numbers as Wealdstone were pushing for a goal. Ben Lambourne, who had a great game in defence, got the ball and dribbled out of defence he then played a sublime through ball down the left side for Ezio Touray who won it in a 50/50 battle with one of Wealdstone’s defenders who was left on the floor after trying to win it which allowed Touray to go forward into space, he drew the last two defenders and goalkeeper towards him which opened space for substitute George Brevett near the back post, he squared the ball to Brevett to tap in and confirm the victory for Reading City and the elation in the celebrations following the goal showed how much it meant to the players, Reading City U18s 2-0 Wealdstone U18s.
The elation continued after the final whistle was blown for Reading City as they were into the first round of the FA Youth Cup and were going to play Oxford United U18s. It was a great performance from them and they proved that they deserved to be in the proper rounds of the FA Youth Cup. Their game against Oxford United U18s is next Wednesday (6/11/19) at The Rivermoor and it would be great to see as many people there as possible to support the U18s as they look to progress as far as possible in the cup.
The U23s first game of 2020 was a tough game against Maidenhead Town. Reading City U23s had two new signings in the squad as they look to increase their chance conversion with the arrival of Shane Gibson from Mortimer and Ed Gadd from Woodcote.
Reading City U23s started strong and had a huge opportunity to take the lead in under ten minutes. Tyron Bah used his strength and speed to get down the right side to the byline and cut the ball back to Jude Van Spall who put his shot wide.
City continued to have success down the right side, this time it was Marco De Sousa; he dribbled down the right side before coming inside and dribbling through a couple of Maidenhead players, he then passed the ball to Van Spall who hit it from the edge of the box, but the shot was right at the goalkeeper and was an easy save.
City continued to be the better side, and Kris Tuffour received the ball from the left side on the edge of the box, he retained the ball through a tackle and then had a shot which forced the keeper to make a save, which he did so unconventionally with his legs. If the shot was anywhere else on target, it probably would have gone in.
Despite City controlling the game to this point, Maidenhead took the lead. Lewis Critcher was allowed to dribble past multiple Reading City players to come inside from the right-wing into the box, and he put his shot away with a good finish at the near post, Reading City U23s 0-1 Maidenhead Town.
Maidenhead went in with a one-goal lead which came a little bit against the run of play; however, Maidenhead had played well despite Reading City having more of the ball.
Reading City almost tied the game from the restart. Harry Peters almost caught the keeper out as he attempted a shot from range which dipped forcing the keeper to push the ball over the bar.
Maidenhead struggled to get much of the ball in the second half as Reading City U23s were continually attacking, but the passing got sloppier late in the second half.
Reading City finally found a breakthrough with fifteen minutes to go. Marco De Sousa played a one-two with debutant Shane Gibson, De Sousa then shaped up to pass the ball out to the left-wing before coming back inside and unleashing a shot from the outside the box into the top right corner! The keeper had no chance of stopping the shot, Reading City U23s 1-1 Maidenhead Town.
Reading City kept pushing forward but due to the passing become sloppier they allowed Maidenhead back into the game and they had a final chance late on to take away all three points. The opportunity came from a free-kick, there were flashbacks to the Windlesham United game when the U23s lost to a late free-kick, the ball was put over the wall then headed out left by a Maidenhead player, he then switched it to the right, and the ball was headed across goal, and Jordi Wilson pulled off a vital stop as a Maidenhead player slid towards the ball, Denis Haxhiu then cleared the danger.
The game ended 1-1, and it was a deserved point for both sides, neither side did enough to win the game. Tyron Bah has to be highlighted as he had a superb match down the right flank, causing issues for Maidenhead consistently.
Reading City U23s play at home again next week against Finchampstead who held City to a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture, as always you can follow along with all U23s games as well as other youth team updates on twitter @RDGCityFCYouth.
Reading City returned to action on boxing day against local rivals Binfield in a game which became quite feisty, especially late on.
Reading City had the ball in the back of the net after just ten minutes. Steve Lee played a long ball for Josh Blackwood who ran with it down the right towards the corner, and he then cut the ball back to Adam Cashin-Murray who turned his man allowing him room to cross the ball to the back post where Sam Bell headed it in with a diving header. However, the goal was pulled back for a close offside.
A quarter of the way into the game Binfield had an excellent chance to take the lead. Arthur Furness was dispossessed on the turn by Binfield’s right-winger, he then played a through ball to their striker who looked like he was through, but Alfie Grant made a superb slide tackle to win the ball in the box.
Five minutes later Adam Cashin-Murray won the second ball from a free-kick and showed great ball control to keep it before laying it off to Dan Davies who cut inside onto his left foot to shoot, but it was straight at the goalkeeper for an easy save.
It was an even first half, but with lots of complaints to the referee and linesman, especially from Binfield’s forwards.
City started the second half well, and Davies had a good chance following Le Paih intercepting a pass on the halfway line and passing it out to him on the left. Davies cut inside upon receiving the ball, and tried to bend his shot into the far corner, but slipped slightly when taking the shot, and it went wide.
Soon after Dan Davies was away down the left again, he was closed down as he got into the box but was able to play a pass to Blackwood who hit a shot on the turn which was saved by the keeper.
Binfield went up the other end and had two good chances back to back where they probably should have scored. The first came from their left-winger who was played in behind the City defence, he dribbled inside from the left and forced a good save out of Charlie York. The ball came back to him, and he passed it to his side’s striker on the edge of the D who had a shot which their right-winger tried to run across and turn in, but he put it wide from the 6-yard box.
Not long after their last chance, Binfield were forward again. Their striker received the ball in the right side of the box, he played a low cross inside, but the Binfield player failed to hit the target with their shot.
Reading City had massive appeals for a penalty denied ten minutes into the half when Arthur Furness passed to Josh Blackwood who was then taken down with a slide tackle right in front of the linesman but neither he or the referee decided to award it.
Binfield had a spell following the penalty appeal where they threw everything at the Reading City goal, but the City players put everything on the line blocking shot after shot and Charlie York making some great saves. One of Binfield’s midfielders had a low driven shot heading for the bottom right corner which Charlie York got down to well.
Reading City struggled to get anything going after that as they couldn’t get a good amount of possession to create chances.
With just more than fifteen minutes left one of Binfield’s forwards won the ball from the City defence, but Alfie Grant recovered well and jockeyed the right-winger shutting down his shooting options, and he ended up putting it over.
Binfield went close from a corner. The first shot got blocked, and a Binfield player got to the rebound first and was denied a goal by a good save from Charlie York.
In the last ten minutes, the game got more aggressive. Binfield got a sin bin in the 82nd minute after persistent complaining. In the 84th the Binfield striker received a yellow card after taking out Dan Davies as he went up to win a header. Dan Davies retaliated a few minutes later with a reckless challenge on the man that previously fouled him. Following that foul Davies was rushed by five Binfield players, and there were almost the entire teams of both sides pushing and shoving. It took about six minutes for the referees to defuse the situation as much as they could and then make a decision on the outcome which was a yellow card for Dan Davies and a yellow card for one of the Binfield defenders who started the pushing and shoving.
In the 95th minute, the Binfield striker got into the Reading City box and forced a superb save out of Charlie York with a shot across goal.
Then in the 98th minute, Binfield won the game with a ball over the defence from just inside the City half which was won by substitute Jemel Johnson, Charlie York had rushed out to try and win the ball but wasn’t able to, and Johnson put it past him and in to win the game for the visitors, Reading City 0-1 Binfield.
It was a heartbreaking way to lose for City, especially under the circumstances. City had to try and recover in time for a game versus Easington Sports two days later where they, unfortunately, lost 1-0 with ten men thanks to a penalty.
The next game for Reading City is at home to Flackwell Heath on the Saturday 4/1/20 at The Rivermoor.
Reading City U23s had a break from the Thames Valley Premier League last Saturday and were instead playing in the Reading Invitation Challenge Cup against Harchester Hawks.
Reading City dominated the first half, but they couldn’t put a shot on target despite the good passing play out of defence. Multiple shots from outside the box went over the bar with only one on target which was straight at the goalkeeper for an easy save.
However, there were some good chances. Ryan Corbett played a great direct pass out to Harry Peters who was then in a one on one but the keeper dealt with it well to prevent a goal for the home side. Later in the same minute, Corbett played a similar pass to Peters who then cut the ball back to Josh Blackwood whose first-time shot was pulled wide.
Despite some good play at times it was Harchester Hawks who had the best chance of the half. Just after the half-hour mark, they had a player put into a one on one with stand-in keeper Cuncliffe who did enough to slow down the ball, and a City defender got to the ball first as it rolled towards the goal to clear the danger.
City had complete control of the first half with what seemed to be around 80% of possession, but they couldn’t create any chances to trouble the goalkeeper.
City’s domination of possession continued into the second half. Kris Tuffour gave hope of a better second half in the first minute as he forced the goalkeeper into making a save.
Then ten minutes later, Ryan Corbett had a go first time from range, and it went narrowly past the top right corner. It was a promising start for City, but they needed to continue and get some shots on target.
Just before the hour mark City had potentially their best chance of the game as the ball was worked down the right side before being slid through for Blackwood who hit the post with just the keeper to beat.
Soon after Peters hit a shot which went on target and Marco De Sousa rushed to reach the rebound and got to it, but the Hawks defence had got into position to prevent an easy goal, and the attack fizzled out.
City were committing almost everyone forward which created some chances for the Hawks to score on the counter. A long ball was played out to the right side, and one of the Hawks forwards was through and hit a shot across goal, but saw his shot go wide of the far post.
Late on there were two big calls from Reading City for penalties as with six minutes to go of the ninety Blackwood played through McNeil who got brought down but the referee ignored the calls and play continued. Then into the 94th minute, Marco De Sousa was brought down just inside the box, and the referee gave a free kick on rather than a penalty. Nothing came of the free-kick, and the game went to penalties.
It was the visitors who were victorious in the shootout 4-3, and they progressed to the next round.
It’s a game which will hopefully be a learning experience for City who were the favourites to win and definitely had enough of the ball and the quality players to create chances but weren’t able to do so.
The final game before Christmas falls this Saturday away to Cookham Dean who failed to turn up to the home fixture. City will want to bounce back with a big win against the side who are bottom of the league to keep their good TVPL form going. You can follow along with the game and all games on twitter @RDGCityFCYouth.
Reading City U23s returned to action after an unbeaten November. It was sixth week lucky as City U23s finally got to return to action as they played away to Woodley United Royals and came back in style with a dominating performance.
It was a quick start from Reading City despite not playing for five weeks. Jordi Wilson started a counter-attack with a good throw out to Jude Van Spall who was able to run onto the ball, he then switched play to Jehmeil McNeil who dribbled towards goal but put his shot wide of the near post.
However, Woodley had a good chance soon after from a free-kick when one of their players was allowed a shot after the ball came in but was denied a goal by a great save from Jordi Wilson, the Woodley number nine was first to the rebound but failed to hit the target.
Then City went up the other end to open the scoring. Kris Tuffour had the ball on the left side and cut a pass back to Bub Touray who played a superb cross into the box for Jehmeil McNeil who won the aerial battle and headed the ball over the goalkeeper to give the visitors the lead, Woodley United Royals 0-1 Reading City U23s.
Tuffour had a couple of long shots in the first half which went close including one in the twentieth minute which forced a save out of the goalkeeper as the ball was heading for the bottom left corner.
Reading City grabbed their second just before the half-hour mark as Tuffour played through Harry Peters on the right side who dribbled in and converted his shot to double City’s lead, Woodley United Royals 0-2 Reading City U23s.
The third goal came right after the second. The third came from an incredible through ball from Tuffour to Van Spall which put the latter in a one on one with the goalkeeper, and he remained composed to slot the ball past the keeper and into the goal, Woodley United Royals 0-3 Reading City U23s.
McNeil had two good chances towards the end of the second half. The first went just wide of the far post from the right side of the box and then the second was even closer after a direct pass from Bridgewater as the shot went millimetres past the post.
It was a dominating first half from City, and they should have been leading by more, Woodley United Royals lacked any chances after their early attempt which was well saved by Wilson.
City’s control continued into the second half. Peters whipped in a great cross from a corner for Kris Tuffour, but the goalkeeper easily saved his header. Almost right after there was another excellent example of Wilson’s great distribution skills as he played the ball out right for Peters who was away down the right, he then cut the ball back to Kris Tuffour whose shot was pushed over the bar by a good save.
City’s best chance of the second half came in the sixty-seventh minute, Tuffour passed it out left for Van Spall who hit a shot across goal but was denied by the woodwork, Peters overran his run as the ball bounced back out and was cleared.
Two minutes later Peters played a great cross into the box from a free-kick towards City’s centre-backs Nathan Mindomba and Denis Haxhiu, the cross just needed a small touch to direct it away from the goalkeeper and in but neither managed it, and the goalkeeper collected the ball comfortably.
City were unable to find a goal in the second half despite some good chances but performed well. Ryan Corbett and Liam Parry had their debuts for the Citizens during the game, and both performed well, Corbett played some great passes and won back possession plenty of times from his defensive midfield role. Liam Parry came off the bench and played well at right-back for his first thirty minutes in a Reading City shirt.
It was a comfortable 3-0 victory for the Citizens and was great to see after they didn’t have a game for five weeks. The next match for City U23s is in the ‘Reading Invitation Challenge Cup Junior’ at Rivers against Harchester Hawks.
Nick Bird - Sports Journalist 