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Richard Forrester at Sun
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Reading (0) 1-0 (0) Fulham
Chris Martin missed his second spot kick in the space of four days – as Royals fans fell in love on the rebound once again last night.
In a tale of two penalties, Roy Beerens followed up after John Swift’s 49th minute penalty was saved, and swept home the goal which lifted Jaap Stam’s men into third place in the Championship.
It meant Reading have now missed six of their 11 spot kicks this season, but scored from the rebound five times.
The spot kick stats make shocking reading for Fulham too, who have now missed seven of their last nine penalties.
Martin, on loan from Derby, had one saved at QPR on Saturday and last night he was denied by Ali Al Habsi when he drove his 90th minute effort straight down the middle.
This was the fixture which was abandoned at half time on December 30 when thick fog descended, with the game goalless.
We were hoping for a another blanket of the grey stuff after a first half lacking in quality, but the game exploded into life after the break as Reading ended a losing streak.
Fulham might have taken the lead after 16 minutes following a corner which the hosts failed to clear. Chris Martin’s cross fell kindly for Kevin McDonald to hit it on the volley, but he snatched at it and sent a feeble effort well wide.
Reading went into this game having lost two consecutive Championship games for the first time since August, so it was a surprise that their starting XI did not contain a recognised striker, although there were four on the bench.
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