Time is on our side

Reading’s quest to stay in the Premier League for another season was dealt an almighty blow after Fulham recorded their first away win of the season at the Madejski Stadium. A goal in each half saw the Londoners take all the points. Brian McBride struck after 23 minutes to give the visitors the lead and the game was sealed in injury time when Erik Nevland ran through and beat Marcus Hahnemann with ease to get Fulham’s second goal of he game.

The result was extremely disappointing for Reading, however Fulham did hit the Reading bar on three occasions so perhaps the score-line could have been worse for Reading. Brian McBride, Brede Hangeland and Jimmy Bullard all found the Reading cross bar, but on each occasion the ball cannoned off the woodwork. However, Reading could not capitalise on the three lucky escapes that they had been given.

Reading’s best opportunity to score came in the 40th minute when Kevin Doyle planted a header wide of the Fulham goal. Andre Bikey also had a chance to score with a header late in the second half but was unable to direct the ball into the goal. Reading’s nervous play did not help them to gain any composure or consistency and in a scrappy game, Reading was unable to create too many concrete chances.

With four games to go the result makes painful reading for Reading. However as The Klaxons sang "It’s not over" and indeed it most certainly is not - yet. Reading seemed too nervous to gain a win today, perhaps with the expectations to win at home. Against a side with Fulham’s away form the pressure on Reading was enormous, as a home win was viewed by many as a cast iron certainty. The tension in the air was engulfing and at times quite unbearable. With that in mind Reading must take heart.

Although Reading face a tricky trip to the Emirates next week to face Arsenal, they surely won’t experience the same level of tension as they did today. What is more they will start as clear underdogs. But every dog has his day. Roy Hodgson the Fulham manager will be fully aware of that old proverb. Fulham proved as much, so why can’t Reading do the same next Saturday in north London. Arsenal away looks the toughest match left for Reading to play and will therefore have the least expectations from the Reading perspective. Why then can’t a shock be caused? Reading will raise themselves after the defeat today and who knows they may upset an Arsenal team that seem to be somewhat down in the mouth at present and have an outside chance of the Premier League title.

Reading’s fate still remains in their own hands and with four games to go and plenty of points still up for grabs, it is still wide open as to what will happen next. In other words don’t write anyone off just yet. To finish with a song, this time by the Rolling Stones, it is worth remembering that in Reading’s case "Time is on my side." Once more it’s a case of keeping the faith and hopefully Reading will keep something as well – their place in the top flight.

By Stuart Croucher.