Cardiff City started brightly against Reading and looked to quickly dispel the hangover from the woeful performance in losing to Plymouth Aryle. This they did in the 10th minute when on-loan Aston Villa winger Wayne Routledge collected a Chopra through ball and cooly slotted past Hahnemann for 1-0.
The confidence instantly rose and suddenly we were well on top. Chopra went clear through on the right but disappointingly shot straight at the keeper while Gyepes headed over and Routledge went agonisingly close.
As quickly as it came, the lead disappeared and yet again from our own corner. Stephen Hunt collected the clearance and outpaced Comminges on our right before picking out the only supporting player Kevin Doyle to equalise with a side-foot.
On the half hour came a major turning point when Andre Bikey was sent off for violent conduct after a challenge on Chopra in the air. The incident was right in front on me and I simply couldn’t believe the referee sent him off. I haven’t seen the replay but it seemed a genuine challenge for the ball with no malice – just a clash of heads. Nevertheless it left Reading to play an hour with 10 men.
A major confidence boost arrived for City shortly before half time when Chopra challenged for a looping ball with Hahnemann – the USA keeper failed to catch cleanly and as Chopra pounced for the loose ball he was grabbed by Hahnemann and a penalty was awarded. Although he guessed the right way, Hahnemann couldn’t prevent McCormack’s spot-kick regaining the lead for the Bluebirds.
The second half was a dire affair. More depressing for Cardiff City fans that Reading struck early to grab an equaliser through substitute Gunnarsson – again Hunt was the provider. It was a quality finish but there was far too much space.
Reading barely threatened again, for that matter neither did we as we constantly lofted high balls forward or delayed passes to turn the other way. There was no urgency or fluidity and the midfield area looked terrible. It finished 2-2 amid massive disappointment.
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I think this was going to be a draw all day ………..
before the game i would have taken a draw. when they went to 10 men we sould have had 3 points. the keeper should have gone on two yellows. some good moves. if cardiff could have played the 90 minutes in the first half we would have won
Its frustrating to be so affected by the game and confidence. After the 1st goal we looked promotion class, when they scored we looked awful and barely created another chance! Difficult to tell who was at home, and who had 10 men.
i agree we took the game to them then backed off second half.
sometimes i would like to be in dressing room to see what DJ says at half time as we come out poorly too often!
plus readings 1st goal was provided by jimmy kebe not stephan hunt