Ivar the brave wins it for Reading
Ivar Ingimarsson heads Reading to all three points
Also In The News
|
Michael Schumacher has announced he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season after an emotional victory at the Italian grand prix. |  |
Monday, 11, Sep 2006 10:09
Ivar Ingimarsson's brave first-half header helped Reading to a 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Madejski Stadium.
The defender stooped in a crowded penalty area to head home midway through the first period to give Steve Coppell's side all three points and move them up to eighth in the Premiership table.
However, City manager Stuart Pearce would have been disappointed to leave with nothing as his side dominated possession for long periods of the game.
It was the away side who created the first chance of the match when Micah Richards' right-wing cross found Paul Dickov but the Scottish striker could only hit his shot straight at Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.
City were enjoying plenty of joy down the flanks and Bernardo Corradi should have had his first goal for the club but he spurned a golden chance presented by Joey Barton.
However, it was Reading who took the lead as Bobby Conway's free-kick found Ingimarsson, who was clattered for his troubles, but the ball went into the corner.
Pearce changed things around on the hour, much to the disappointment of Richards who can expect a reaction from the club after he threw his shirt to the ground when substituted, in an attempt to find an equaliser.
It almost work for him too as Georgios Samaras, who replaced Dickov, forced a good save from Hahnemann with his first touch of the ball.
The Greek international was denied once again on 68 minutes as his shot from the edge of the area was tipped round the post after deflecting off Ibrahima Sonko.
Any chance of the away side pulling a goal back was dealt a big blow as Ousmane Dabo was red carded for raising his arm in a challenge with Steve Sidwell.
Reading substitute Brynjar Gunnarsson then almost made it two in the last minute but his 30-yard drive was dealt with at full stretch by Nicky Weaver in the City goal.
However, it was to be Reading's day as they made it two wins from two at home.