u21 today

[windermere_royal]

Would consider going if I was down south, especially given the strong team Arsenal will be putting out.

so what was the score?

[bcubed]

http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/173439/reserves/arsenal-res-v-reading-res?tab=report

2-0 Arsenal

[Upper West Ginger]

http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/173439/reserves/arsenal-res-v-reading-res?tab=report

2-0 Arsenal

Whilst inevitably Arsenal-biased, that is actually a pretty good report of the match. It was played at a high tempo throughout, and there was a distinct lack of hoofball. Stuart Taylor was constantly marshalling his defence, keeping up a yelled running commentary throughout the match. There was a light drizzle falling during the first 60 minutes or so, which meant the surface was quite slick. There must have been over a thousand fans there in total , but I didn't spot any other Royals fans at all!. Both Brian McDermott and Nicky Hammond attended, as did Arsene Wenger. Admission was free. All in all, you would struggle to see a better match at some Championship grounds.

[Hobartian]

They kept mentioning Jack Taylor, don't they mean Jake or is there another player that I hadn't heard of?

[winchester_royal]

http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/173439/reserves/arsenal-res-v-reading-res?tab=report

2-0 Arsenal

Whilst inevitably Arsenal-biased, that is actually a pretty good report of the match. It was played at a high tempo throughout, and there was a distinct lack of hoofball. Stuart Taylor was constantly marshalling his defence, keeping up a yelled running commentary throughout the match. There was a light drizzle falling during the first 60 minutes or so, which meant the surface was quite slick. There must have been over a thousand fans there in total , but I didn't spot any other Royals fans at all!. Both Brian McDermott and Nicky Hammond attended, as did Arsene Wenger. Admission was free. All in all, you would struggle to see a better match at some Championship grounds.

Any of the younger players stand out? The RFC twitter feed was drooling over Tshibola.

[Upper West Ginger]

http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/173439/reserves/arsenal-res-v-reading-res?tab=report

2-0 Arsenal

Whilst inevitably Arsenal-biased, that is actually a pretty good report of the match. It was played at a high tempo throughout, and there was a distinct lack of hoofball. Stuart Taylor was constantly marshalling his defence, keeping up a yelled running commentary throughout the match. There was a light drizzle falling during the first 60 minutes or so, which meant the surface was quite slick. There must have been over a thousand fans there in total , but I didn't spot any other Royals fans at all!. Both Brian McDermott and Nicky Hammond attended, as did Arsene Wenger. Admission was free. All in all, you would struggle to see a better match at some Championship grounds.

Any of the younger players stand out? The RFC twitter feed was drooling over Tshibola.

... and rightly so. He certainly didn't look outclassed by the Arsenal youngsters, matching their skills and ability. He made a couple of really good runs which took several of the Arsenal players out completely. Morrison in defence had a good game too (don't forget he's still an "under 21"). Lawson D'Ath had some good spells, but missed a sitter from 5 yards in the second half, which was a bit disappointing. Dominic Samuel looked pretty good when he came on in place of Roberts. The other youngsters - Arnold, Partridge, Keown and Taylor - all looked willing and eager without ever quite convincing me they were better than the opposition.

[RoyalBlue]

[ quote="Upper West Ginger"]I'll take that as a "No" then, shall I?

I've never been to Underhill, and it is supposed to be closing at the end of this season, so I thought I might as well see a Reading team playing there while I have the chance.[/quote]

Its a shame its closing if it is. Another character ground gone. Nice little bar/club in one corner. When you stand on one side you suddenly realise how just how bad the slope is!

[winchester_royal]

Up at Bolton this evening, only 10 minutes from me so I'm probably gonna pop down (LOL @ me)

[ZacNaloen]

notsowinchester_royal?

[winchester_royal]

Indeed, should be changed to freespirit_royal or wherevertheroadtakesme_royal

[winchester_royal]

Upd8 - it's fookin freezing and I just trod on Sammy Lee. More to follow.

[winchester_royal]

Very exciting spotted. CMZ looking very fine kitted out in his full RFC tracksuit. Will see if I can get a pic for the perv thread.

[winchester_royal]

2 - 1 down at HT. Glimmers of promise hidden amongst a load of hoofball. Taylor, Samuel and Tshibola impressing. Bryn however is definitely not.

[winchester_royal]

5th post in a row

We have a real star in Dominic Samuel. Head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch tonight.

[ZacNaloen]

Then why didn't he oxf*rd score then!

[winchester_royal]

Saving them all for when he comes to rescue our season in the new year I guess

[leicsRoyal]

3-0 win over Norwich.

Feds, Pearce, Harte and Church getting a run out.
Goals from Obita and Samuel x 2

Best tweet of the day from RFC. 'There will be 2,000 free parking spaces for tonight's game on a first come first served basis'



Attendance 637.

[moonwalklikebas]

First time going to see u21's

Was very impressed with Dominic Samuel. Won every single header/Flick on. Two goals. Good feet and quite pacey.
Obita was quite anonymous but you can tell he can play, runs at defenders, clever with the ball. Hopefully be our raheem sterling (Without the 3 children)
The full backs. Arnold and Harte, Both comfortable on the ball. Harte possessing he usual array of top draw passes and Arnold getting forward at every occasion possible and delivery some good balls into the box, just looked a bit tired during the final 10-15.
D'ath looked very good in the middle with Tishbola, controlled the midfield very well.
Church missed a very good chance and then his head dropped, cant really remember him getting involved after that! and it was in the first 10 minutes!

Loved the addition of Bryn on the coaching staff also.

Feds came to collect a ball, punched thin air and they hit the bar with a header. (Still lacking last seasons confidence)

[robinsfriday]

Feds came to collect a ball, punched thin air and they hit the bar with a header. (Still lacking last seasons confidence)

Complete contrast to what Jonny Fordham was saying. I'll be inclined to believe you on this one.

[leicsRoyal]

Does anyone know if today's game is behind closed doors or not?

Thinking of another trip to the Hawthorns this afternoon.

Cheers.