Match report of today's away win in the early game against Reading
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Aston Villa remain in the hunt for a European place after a hard-earned 2-1 win at struggling Reading.
However, for the home team it's a different story as this was their eighth successive defeat in the league.
Their last point came from a 1-1 draw at West Ham on Boxing Day and their last minute goal was their first in 450 minutes of football.
In complete contrast, Villa have lost only one of their last 11 games.
Villa's opening goal came just before half-time. Mali international defender Kalifa Cisse lost possession allowing Gabriel Agbonlahor to run free towards Reading's goal.
His cross from the right ran across the penalty area to Ashley Young, who fired the ball high into Reading's net.
Their second came seven minutes from time when substitute Marlon Harewood raced clear of Reading's defence to shoot across the face of the goal and into the far corner.
It was no consolation to Reading when Nicky Shorey's free-kick crept into Scott Carson's net just seconds before the final whistle.
Villa had missed a great opportunity to go ahead before they did eventually score.
Cisse was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball by referee Martin Atkinson when it was driven straight at him.
Villa skipper Gareth Barry blazed his spot-kick high and wide of Marcus Hahnemann's right-hand post.
Mr Atkinson also got involved after a first-half confrontation between Villa boss Martin O'Neill and Reading midfielder James Harper.
As the pair disputed which team should take a throw in, Harper pushed O'Neil who reacted angrily.
Fourth official Steve Bennett stepped in between the pair and then the referee gave them both a lecture but kept the yellow card in his pocket.
It will be scant consolation to Reading to reflect on an incident moments before Shorey did score their only goal.
A header from Dave Kitson looked to be goalbound but was blocked by Carson and, although the ball fell to Stephen Hunt, his effort was blocked.
The early moments looked promising for Reading, who were looking to mark Steve Coppell's 800th league game as a manager.
Villa calmly weathered an intense period of Reading pressure before their solid defence took control and began to create openings for the lively pair of John Carew and Agbonlahor up front.
Before the game Coppell, who in his time as Crystal Palace manager also went eight league games without a point, described Reading's situation as: "the toughest challenge of my career".
However, it just got a lot tougher. |
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