On this day, 13 years ago, Steve Coppell's Reading kept their promotion hopes alive with a 0-2 win against relegation-threatened Norwich City.

The Royals' mixed form in the second half of the season saw their title-charge dwindle, with second spot the aim by the penultimate game of the 2008/09 campaign.

Looking for an immediate return to the Premier League after final day relegation, Reading were in the driving seat for second place until February where they would win just four more matches.

More than 25,000 were at Carrow Road for this fixture, with the Canaries fighting for their lives at the foot of the table under legendary goalkeeper Bryan Gunn.

Thankfully for Coppell and Co. it was the Berkshire Boys travelling home happy after a second half brace from Shane Long.

 

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Unfortunately a final day defeat to promotion rival Birmingham City saw them automatically promoted ahead of Reading, who finished fourth.

Two defeats to Burnley put the dream of a bounce-back to bed, with Coppell resigning on the spot.

Ultimately it could have been worse, with Norwich being relegated to League One for the first time in 50 years.

The sun would shine again though, with Paul Lambert taking the Norfolk-based side up to the Championship and then Premier League back-to-back, and Brian McDermott would take the Royals up the year after.