When : Saturday February 7, 3.01pm
Where : Cherry Red Records Stadium, Plough Lane, London, SW17 0NR
Capacity : 9,215
Now to the second in a run of 6 games with different kick off times (14:00,15:01, 19:45, 12:30, 20:00, 15:00) and the second successive away trip in a run of 3 away gigs. The silly kick off time this week is part of the FL supporting the British Heart Foundation's campaign in raising the visibility of heart health by having all games in the league kick off 1 minute later than the normal expected time (Saturday's TV FL games are kicking off at 12.31 for example). Presumably the idea is getting people to ask "why does the game have a stupid kick off time" and being told it's to support thee BHF's campaign. All seems a bit ludicrous but then if it helps, why not, let's have more silly kick off times.
Meanwhile back at the matter in hand, Reading take what is now the division's 12th best away record to the team with what is currently the division's 23rd best home record so hopefully things might work out in a favourable manner for Reading.
The Wombles started the season brightly, as we know after the dreadful home performance in August but have seemingly lost the wheels to their wagon somewhere and subsequently they've slipped down the table into a relegation scrap (they're 16th 4 points above the dreaded drop zone). Wimbledon's form is pretty abysmal although winning at Port Vale last time out this week. That victory leaves them with a run of 1 win in their last 5 league games.
However what is very worrying for Reading is the fact that Wimbledon have gone 470 minutes since last scoring a league goal at home, which is almost 8 hours of football, so this is as serious as charity football gets for Reading. The Wombles last league goal at home occurred in November when they took a 70th minute lead against Wigan only to slump to a 2–1 defeat. Even Gateshead turned them over 2-0 in the FA Cup so this is about as embarrassing as things could get for the Biscuitmen if they fail to turn up.
The last home league win was by 2-1 over Wycombe back on 27th September, since then they’ve played 8 league games at Plough Lane and drawn just 3, losing the rest by 1 goal. That league run has seen 2 goals scored and 7 conceded.
Therefore it suggests that there isn’t likely to be much in the way of goal action in this one given the home league run scores since their last win are: 1-1, 0-1, 1-2, 0-0, 0-0, 0-1, 0-1, 0-1
After they scored the goals in the reverse fixture Reading should be very well aware that Marcus Browne and, former Reading youngster, Matty Stevens supply much of what threat there is with 12 goals between them. In addition Sam Hutchinson is still on their books to ensure that the Dons/Wombles meet the FL requirement of teams playing in the same division as Reading in that they must have at least 2 former Reading players on their books. Another player of note is former Charlton & Preston defender Patrick Bauer.
Johnnie Jackson brought in 3 loan players in the January window; James Tilley (Wycombe). Zack Nelson (Luton) and Layton Stewart (Thun). Going out of the club were Danilo Orsi to Crawley and Harry Sidwell to Dorking while Kai Jennings was released.
Reading will be without Kyerewaa, and neither Williams is expected to make it, but do have new signings Benn Ward and Villa loanee Kadan Young both looking to make their debuts so hopefully there will still be enough options in the squad to avenge the cr@p we had to suffer earlier in the season.
Referee
Dale “Cap’n” Baines
Previously
Nothing
Historically
A trip to Wimbledon has never been much to look forward to for Reading as the Biscuitmen have never managed to win a game there. Their only previous trip to this particular stadium was to lose a preseason friendly 1-0 2/3 years ago. At he old Plough Lane venue things were only a little better with 3 draws to show from 4 league visits. The only success away at “Wimbledon” was in 2003 when Reading won 3-0, however the game was played in Thornton Heath near Croydon - at Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace.
How to follow the game
- Get a ticket and go
- Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
- Ring/text a mate for updates
- Use a RoyalsTV subscription
- BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)
