The Moose is back and very much on fire. We survived a few early scares but were
the better side in the second half and could have won by more. With Perch
suspended and Moussi bossing the midfield we looked a much better side to the
one that has been struggling recently. Morgan and McCleary also had impressive
afternoons.

We struggled to create many chances in the first half and can consider ourselves
lucky not to have been three down after half an hour. In the first minute, Lynch
ducked under one cross but their shot was scuffed wide. Smith saved one low
effort and got lucky when one other save bounced off him to safety. Their other
chances came from our own mix-ups at the back with Smith again causing
uncertainty. At the other end, Earnshaw had a couple of chances on the break
whilst McCleary cut inside and saw his shot tipped over.

The turning point of the afternoon had to be the injury to Tyson which led to
McCleary’s introduction. We switched to 451 with McCleary right, Anderson left
and Cohen, McGugan and Moussi breaking with pace from midfield. Earnshaw always
seemed to have support around him and we put together a number of pacey attacks
on the break.

With three proper footballers in central midfield, it was noticeable that the
full back always had options and very rarely resorted to the usual long balls.

The second half was a different story to the first. Reading seemed to have run
out of ideas whilst we grew in confidence the longer the game progressed. Cohen
had an effort tipped from the top corner just before McGugan ran from deep, onto
his left foot and found the bottom corner. Just like Garner’s finish at Man
City. One of the most impressive aspects was the pace that we showed turning
defence into attack. Reading forced a few scary moments right at the end but we
looked pretty comfortable.

I can’t remember Smith making any outstanding saves but the doubts still
remain. Morgan had to be pulled away from him after one moment of indecision
almost cost us. His distribution was much better though and often got us
breaking forward with his throw-outs.

Both full-backs, Chambers and Lynch, started slowly but improved as the game
went on. There was much more care taken when in possession and both stood firm
when we were put under pressure. Lynch in particular grew in confidence and got
forward well to support Anderson.

Morgan was the stand-out player in defence and had a real battle against the
dangerous Doyle. Another captain’s performance making numerous last-ditch
blocks as Reading threatened. Wilson was solid enough with no real lapses in
concentration.

The game was won in midfield with MOTM Moussi the best player on the pitch. Our
line of five outnumbered Reading and we always had someone in space or there to
make a telling challenge. Moussi provided all the qualities that we lack when
Perch is playing. An extra barrier in front of the defence but still finding
time to bring the ball forward in a positive fashion. Really got stuck into
their midfield and showed what we’ve been missing in his absence.

With Moussi providing the security in front of the defence, Cohen and McGugan
broke forward at every opportunity. Even after taking the lead, we didn’t sit
back and still went looking for a second. Cohen was everywhere as usual and we
look so much better with him in the centre instead of being stuck out wide not
contributing. There’s still more to come from McGugan but there have been more
signs in the past few matches that his form is returning. A great run and finish
for the goal.

McCleary looked dangerous throughout, constantly beating his man and putting in
decent crosses – shame about the lack of a target man to take advantage. There
might be doubts about his defensive qualities but on this form, he deserves a
run in the side. With Anderson also contributing on the left, we threatened
every time we broke forward. Earnshaw worked tirelessly for the team and caused
problems throughout with the decent service coming his way.






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