Hunt does a Hurst

Geoff Hurst’s second goal in the 1966 World Cup Final is quite often given the billing of the most controversial goal of all time. Reading’s last gasp winner against Sunderland featured another name from that famous 1966 side when Stephen Hunt scored with a Hurst-like goal. Hunt’s shot appeared to be scooped away by Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, but after much confusion, the goal was given.

As the incident occurred, the linesman Steve Rubery can be seen to be furiously flagging on the far side of the pitch. However, the initial thought by yours truly to this was that the linesman had seen an infringement. In the PA Box we were baffled on two accounts. Firstly, was it a goal and secondly had the goal been given by the referee Mr Tanner. There would be no music after goals for this one! By the time we realised the goal had been given, the Sunderland players were in the centre circle ready to re-start what was left of the match. Needless to say ‘Tom Hark’ played at that stage would have been plainly ridiculous and also a touch disrespectful.

Sunderland had little chance to do anything in response to Hunt’s goal as the referee blew for full time almost as soon as the ball had been kicked off following the Hunt goal. Roy Keane, renowned for being a hot head as a player does not seem to be displaying the same qualities as a manager. Clearly disappointed, Keane gave a controlled almost gracious reaction to the goal. The Sunderland manager was not going to be too outspoken with regards to the goal.

Hunt’s goal does of course provoke the debate on video technology in the game. However, it is worth noting that in this particular incident video technology may not have necessarily have helped the situation. Freeze frames of the action were the best way of concluding whether it was a goal. However, the production and presentation of said freeze frames were no swiftly brought forward. One fear is that although video technology would help in tricky decisions such as the Hunt goal, it is clear that such decisions may not always be speedy.

The Hunt goal overshadowed a game that Reading should really have won long before the final minute. The game looked to be a case of Reading not taking their opportunities when they were presented to them. Sunderland too could be seen as guilty in this regard. The visitors could have taken the lead after just five minutes when the former Newcastle United, Manchester United and England player Andy Cole was put in by another former Manchester United man Dwight Yorke. The 36 year-old Cole was inside the Reading penalty box, but shot straight at Marcus Hahnemann. The ball rebounded back to Cole, but Hahnemann also thwarted his second attempt.

Soon after the Cole effort, Dave Kitson put a shot over the bar and Craig Gordon, Sunderland’s £9 million goal keeper was in good form stopping a Stephen Hunt header and also denying Bobby Convey by diving at the feet of the American international. Kevin Doyle also had a decent chance in the first half, but shot wide.

Six minutes after half time Reading hit the post when Stephen Hunt hit a rasping drive from the right side. However, the pace of the first half did not seem to carry over into the second. That changed in the 69th minute when Ivar Ingimarsson put Reading in front. Ibrahima Sonko headed a free kick from the right side taken by James Harper towards goal. The excellent Gordon managed to get a hand to Sonko’s header but could not intervene to prevent Ingimarsson from tapping in his first goal of the season.

The goal should have galvanised Reading, but in truth few chances came their way. Sunderland kept pressing and found their reward when Kenwyne Jones was brought down in the Reading penalty box. Michael Chopra stepped up to level the scores for Sunderland and could have grabbed the Wearsiders a winner shortly after. Chopra had a drive from just outside the box that was tipped over by Hahnemann. Having not featured heavily in the game Sunderland suddenly sensed they could gain an unlikely victory. With just two minutes remaining Jones was free in the box, but his shot found the legs of the Reading goalkeeper. And then came the Hunt goal.

By Stuart Croucher.