Reading celebrate memorable Premiership initiation
Stewart Downing scored within 15 minutes
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Saturday, 19, Aug 2006 05:10
Premiership newboys Reading have clinched a thrilling opening day victory against Middlesbrough at the Madejski stadium.
The Royals conceded two first-half goals without reply but strikes from Dave Kitson, Steve Sidwell and Leroy Lita completed a superb turnaround as they ran out 3-2 winners.
Gareth Southgate had enjoyed a dream start to his Boro managerial career after Stewart Downing opened the scoring within 15 minutes.
Yakubu then doubled their lead ten minutes later after Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann failed to hold on to Fabio Rochemback's free-kick.
But Reading launched a sensational comeback as Kitson halved the deficit just before half-time as he finished Seol Ki-Hyeon's cross.
Sidwell then immediately levelled the tie as he hammered home a concise left-foot effort before half-time sub Lita smashed the ball home following a goalmouth scramble.
Meanwhile, fellow newcomers Watford failed to emulate Reading's heroics as they crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Everton.
New Toffees signing Andy Johnson bagged his first Premiership goal for the club after just 15 minutes and Mikel Arteta sealed the tie with a second-half penalty.
Watford did gain some consolation, however, after new signing Damien Francis grabbed one back with a deflected effort just before full-time.