Royals clinch historic Elland Road victory
Sportsdesk • Published 17 Dec 2011 18:00
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Leeds United 0 - 1 Reading
READING celebrated their first ever league win at Elland Road thanks to a deserved 1-0 victory over Leeds United.
In-form striker Simon Church's brilliant finish less than two minutes in proved decisive on the day.
Brian McDermott's visitors never looked like relinquishing the lead for the rest of the afternoon as they chalked up a fourth win in five games to move closer to the play-offs.
It was a terrific display from Royals, who were heavily affected by injury and illness and saw Shaun Cummings play a full 90 minutes despite dislocating his shoulder during the match.
A delighted McDermott said: "We had all sorts of issues with players dropping out, but it was a terrific performance.
"We played really well in the first half and could have been three up, that's no exaggeration.
"We did a good job in the second half. We didn't pass the ball as well but you don't get it all your own way at Elland Road."
Royals made three enforced changes to the side which started against West Ham after injuries to Jimmy Kebe, Noel Hunt and Ian Harte.
Kebe failed to recover from the 'sockgate' tackle dished out by Jack Collison so Hal Robson-Kanu was recalled.
Hunt's injury meant a start for Church, while Harte was denied the chance to face his former club after picking up a sickness bug.
As a result, Andy Griffin was handed his first start in more than three months at left-back.
Leeds, meanwhile, recalled goalkeeper Andy Lonergan as on-loan Royal Alex McCarthy was ineligible to play.
Lonergan, though, looked rather rusty in the build-up to Church's stunning opening goal less than two minutes in.
The United stopper hesitated as he came to collect Jem Karacan's pass and Church brilliantly lobbed him from an acute angle for his fourth in four games.
As expected, the angered hosts hit back but they failed to trouble Adam Federici.
In fact, the visitors more likely to increase their lead with McAnuff at the heart of things.
Royals' skipper drifted past two Leeds players only to fire wide. Then he combined with Adam Le Fondre, only for Lonergan to save his shot before Le Fondre's follow-up deflected just past the post..
Gorkss also headed over the bar from a Mikele Leigertwood cross, then Leeds almost equalised out of nothing in first-half injury time when Federici held Ross McCormack's header on the line.
Nevertheless, Reading were well worth their lead at the break as the Elland Road natives began to grow restless.
Leeds came out firing after the interval, but once again Royals provided stubborn resistance.
Robert Snograss forced an important save from Federici, but Gorkss then went close again with a header from a Robson-Kanu corner as the visitors gave as good as they got.
with the game running away, Leeds boss Simon Grayson made a triple substitution in the 65th minute in a bid to change his flagging side's fortunes.
But it was Reading who continued to create the best chances, with Leigertwood going close from a flag-kick.
Church also went close to a second goal after some trickery from substitute Michail Antonio.
And whenever Leeds attacked, Royals centre-backs Gorkss and Alex Pearce cleared everything away.
"I think Pearcey is coming of age next to Kaspars who has been a fantastic signing," added McDermott. "He's really solid and gets the job done.
"Andy Griffin also came in and did well. It was a day for leaders out there."
The victory moved McDermott's men up to seventh, just two points behind Leeds.
Royals are back in Championship action on Boxing Day when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Madejski Stadium (3pm).
Leeds United: Lonergan - Brown (Sam 65), Lees, Kisnorbo, White, Pugh, McCormack (Vayrynen 65), Connolly, Snodgrass, Clayton (Keogh 65), Becchio. Subs not used: Taylor, O'Dea. Booked: Vayrynen 71.
Reading (4-4-2): Federici - Cummings, Pearce, Gorkss, Griffin - McAnuff (c), Karacan (Tabb 60), Leigertwood, Robson-Kanu - Church, Le Fondre (Antonio 89). Subs not used: Andersen, Morrison, D'Ath. Booked: McAnuff 30, Griffin 26, Le Fondre 80.
Referee: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).
Attendance: 23,162.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 16 Dec 11
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