please log in to view this image READING v WATFORD Madejski Stadium Wednesday 29th August 2018 Kick Off : 2000 BST A small match thread as this is a tournament that has never inspired me. I remember when it was started in the 1960-1 season, as the Football League Cup, designed to help out clubs that had been knocked out of the FA Cup at an early stage to get a bit more revenue in. During the 1950's many clubs had installed floodlights, so midweek evening games could be held. The first winners were Aston Villa who beat Rotherham Utd. 3-2. It was possible to gain a place in the European Competitions if you were the winner and a first division side, which excluded QPR and Swindon . For a time teams could pick and choose if they played, with Man.Utd. and Everton missing in the late 60's early 70's, but in 1972 that option was withdrawn. Many clubs from the PL these days use the competition as a means of keeping their bloated squads match fit, although the clubs from lower divisions do see it as a means of staying afloat, especially when they get a home draw against one of the big teams. The team that has come unstuck against "small" teams most often has to be Man.Utd. who have lost to Southend, Coventry and MK Dons, and on all of those occasions were fielding teams with a fair number of international players. Back in 2016 there was a penalty shoot out between Derby and Carlisle that went to 32 shots with Derby winning through 14-13, surely a record. So if you wish to go tickets are on sale for £10 if bought before 5.00pm on the day. The only news about who could be in the team is a small item suggesting that some of those returning from injury might have some time on the pitch. So over to you. I probably will not have a computer by then and will have to rely on a smaller device. I hope we win, but then I want us to always win.
I have a match ticket but suspect that transport issues will prevent me from going... can get there, probably can't get home, especially if it goes to penalties.
Youth of today. pah! When I were a lad we'd walk to Reading and back again just to see the reserves play. Also, when i were a lad we beat Reading 5-0 in the League Cup but many at the game didn't see the goals because the fog was so thick, not helped by the hospital chimney belching smoke. For one goal it was possible to hear the roar moving round the ground as people discovered that we had scored. It was a bit like an audio Mexican Wave,
I once did Elm Park to S.O. via Northwood after a match in 35 minutes, including the 10 minute walk from the stadium to the bike which was parked along from the old hospital, blind Reading supporting mate in tow. Yamaha XS750 and no speed cameras! Those were the days!! Not taking the car in the rush hour, sod that! Last away game I drove to and home on the same day was the 4-1 defeat at Leicester a few years ago, notwithstanding other trips where I've stayed overnight.
I was at the 5 -0 game against Reading GT blasted them at half time asking them if they thought not conceding a goal and hitting the woodwork once constituted a good performance, obviously not I believe that game came very close to being abandoned in the second half
Will be out tonight boardgaming but will keep an eye on the phone. Might be a stream if you are lucky. Enjoy the game all.
Good time for this I think. Reading are in disarray some 39 places below us. Obviously anyone knackered must be rested. Anyone returning who needs a game must be in. Gommie must get a game. Front row of Success and Okaka??? Keep same shape so reserves get used to it? But whatever team we field we should expect to win. Yes it's away but only down the road. I'd like to see it but get the feeling there will be no streams. I couldn't get a stream for Norwich last night. If anyone knows different love to here. Great intro OFH Would all volunteers for snow clearing duty please arrive early
And style of play too. Yes, it might change slightly against the better teams but so far 2 up top is working with the press so it must continue against the teams we see as winable.
Please no weather jokes i come to the uk for every march and sept from the US (most of the year its 60f-80f) but heathrow had snow on the ground on my last trip LMAO
Perfect weather forecast for tonight. Barmy summer's evening. Wish I could be there. Pint or two in the guineas with the faithful. Easy 0-3. Nice curry. A day with mates. Back to Spain from Gatwick with fresh stock of tea bags, bacon and cheddar This September you've chosen some great fixtures Brian. All based around London. All tough. Enjoy
Thanks the problem with local games is getting tickets but i have a nice guy on this forum that helps me out plus some games on TV . But TV is not the same as being with the 1881 lads
Gillingham hadn't picked up a single point away from home that season when we played them a few years ago - we lost 2-1 and I think we took the lead!
Ticket in wallet. Still in the office, just winding down before home-time. Too far for me to drive (certainly in rush-hour traffic), too much work on for an early escape. Hey ho!
