Reading against Swansea City

Simon Church rises to flick a header goalward, but it's never troubling De Vries and bounces wide.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Luke Moore on for Joe Allen</b>

McAnuff tugs down Rangel and Swansea are inching towards the Premier League.

A goal now from Reading would give them a very slim chance, but they don't look like getting it.

Five minutes left, have Reading got anything left in the tank?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Hal Robson-Kanu on for Andy Griffin</b>

Swansea clear the corner at the near post and Reading are running out of time.

The initlal delivery is cleared, but McAnuff's second cross earns Swansea a corner...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Mark Gower</b> in the book and Ian Harte has a chance to whip in a free kick...

Reading's defence have been abysmal this afternoon. First, Khizanishvili's "masterclass" in the first half, then the rashest of tackles from Andy Griffin.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Sinclair nets his third and surely the winning goal for Swansea!</b>

Sinclair for a hat-trick...

<b>PENALTY TO SWANSEA!!!</b> Andy Griffin with a rash lunge on Borini as the striker runs away from goal. What was he thinking?!

Ian Harte with a whipped cross from a deep position, Leigertwood meets the delivery and heads over the crossbar.

Into the last 15 minutes, what have Reading got left? Can Swansea hang on?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Mark Gower on for Leon Britton</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Simon Church on for Noel Hunt</b>

McAnuff goes deep and De Vries can collect the floating ball.

Jobi McAnuff shifts inside the box and fires off a shot which is deflected for, you guessed it, a Reading corner...

Jimmy Kebe is off again, this time running and Monk and Tate before winning a throw in.

Mark Gower is about to be introduced...

Two set pieces have undone Swansea so far. Brendan Rodgers' men have looked very shaky from dead balls and Reading will still fancy their chances.

Noel Hunt wins the aerial duel with Ashley Williams and clears.

Darren Pratley has a chance to feed Scott Sinclair, instead he embarks on a run and Swansea are forced to settle for their first corner...

The match hasn't settled at all since the interval. Both teams still attacking, mainly because they both look incapable of defending.

Strong play from Mikele Leigertwood, who shrugs off Alan Tate and continues down the right. His cross is poor and straight out of play.

Borini takes his time over the dead ball, before teeing up Joe Allen. The young Welshman's shot is blocked by the first man.

Sinclair, remember his brace in the first half?!, is hauled down in a good position for Swansea...

A complete whirlwind at the start of the second half. End-to-end with both teams defending terribly.

From McAnuff's latest corner, De Vries gathers and Swansea can breath a sigh of relief.

The corner is clear and finds Kebe, he feeds McAnuff, who sees his cross deflected behind...

Yet another Reading corner, Swansea cannot cope at the moment...

Reading clatter the post! Jem Karacan has fizzed a low drive from 20 yards onto the upright with De Vries well beaten. From the rebound, Karacan has an open goal, but Garry Monk flies in front of the ball to deny Reading an equaliser!

Fabio Borini finds himself in an almost identical position to Dobbie, his shot is better but is closed down immediately. The action is frenzied at Wembley!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Matthew Mills with a bullet header!</b> McAnuff's corner, Mills rises imperiously to power the ball beyond De Vries!

Yet another Reading corner...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Darren Pratley on for Stephen Dobbie</b>

Stephen Dobbie should have doubled his tally! He latched on to a through ball and cut inside Khizanishvili. As he shaped to shoot inside the box, Dobbie slipped inside Mills and looked set to score from eight yards. His effort is truly awful, and dribbles out for a throw-in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Joe Allen</b> is cautioned for a fierce tackle on Noel Hunt. A scramble ensues, with referee doing well to calm things down.

This time the consequences aren't as successful and the header drifts wide.

Another Kebe run, another Reading corner. He is earning set piece after set piece...

Reading have obviously been buoyed by the goal, will Swansea start to wobble?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Noel Hunt gives Reading a lifeline!</b> McAnuff's corner is whipped in at the nearpost and Hunt cleverly sneaks in a header! Two more required.

Alan Tate nods the ball behind for another corner...

Kebe, Reading's most dangerous player so far, earns a corner as Williams turns his cross behind...

No changes at half time, Brian McDermott clearly believes the player he has out there can do the job.

<b>Swansea with the restart</b>

Reading do have attacking options on the bench. Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are both attacking players, while Brian Howard could provide some added spark in midfield.

Yes it can, their assisant manager has almost been banished from the dugout. Looks like Reading have completely crumbled.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/red_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Jay Tabb</b> has been sent off for foul and abusive language in the tunnel. Can this afternoon get any worse for Reading?

Could you blame Reading fans if they just headed home? Bank holiday traffic can be a nightmare, especially after your team have limply surrendered at Wembley.

<b>HALF TIME</b> What a first half for Swansea. Gifted three goals and sailing towards the Premier League. Brian McDermott has had the first half from hell. His team now need an historic comeback.

De Vries claims it comfortably and that is that.

A Reading corner to end the half...

Nathan Dyer has had a big impact in the first half. He was tugged down by Khizanishvili for the penalty, and his burst forward provided Dobbie with his goal.

<b>THREE MINUTES ADDED TIME</b>

What a chance for Shane Long to give Reading a glimmer of hope! Karacan's cross loops over the defence and falls to Long's feet, but he scuffs his shot wide.

The Reading fans must be stunned, and half-tempted to go home...

Dobbie's goal was very similar to Wayne Rooney's at the same end in the Champions League final on Saturday. Both very classy finishes.

A horrible first half for Reading after enjoying superiority for much of the match so far.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Stephen Dobbie surely seals it for Swansea!!!</b> More poor defending from Khizanishvili, as he allows the ball to be pulled back to Dobbie. His side-foot finish from 12 yards is excellent and placed perfectly beyond Federici. Game over?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Jobi McAnuff</b> is the third Reading player in the book for a late challenge near the centre circle.

De Vries makes a hash of his attempt to claim the cross, his defenders come to his aid and Swansea clear.

Garry Monk gets to the delivery first, but concedes another corner...

The game is following the same pattern as prior to the goals, Reading having all the possession as Long wins a corner...

If Reading are to get back into this, then we will surely have a cracking game on our hands. A repeat of Charlton 4-4 Sunderland, anyone?

Jimmy Kebe with an attempt at a looped cross, which he scoops high and over the crossbar.

Sinclair tormenting Reading down the left, he slips the ball inside for Borini who spins and shoots from eight-yards out. His shot is blocked and then the Italian fouls Khizanishvili.

After half an hour, Brian McDermott must be farely pleased with how his team have played. Two slip-ups and they find themselves two down.

A stat courtesy of Infostrada, Scott Sinclair has become the first player in 13 years to score a brace in the Championship play-off final. The last two were Clive Mendonca and Niall Quinn.

A flying header from Noel Hunt, he did excellently to connect with the cross and can only guide his effort just wide of the post.

A Reading corner and a chance to test De Vries...

Understandly, Swansea and their fans have been buoyed. There performance had barely merited a goal, let alone two.

Can Reading find a response? They need to score the next goal of the match against a very strong Swansea defence.

An incredible minute of football. Reading have been absolutely rocked by Sinclair's brace, and they are lucky Khizanishvili didn't receive a second yellow card for his foul on Dyer.

A huge blow for Reading, who had been the much better team in the opening exchanges.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Swansea and Scott Sinclair score again!!!</b> 36 seconds since he converted the penalty, Adam Federici can only palm a low cross into Sinclair's path, and he gleefully slots the ball home.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Sinclair sends Federici the wrong way!</b> An extremely calm finish from the youngster!

<b>PENALTY TO SWANSEA!!!</b> Khizanishvili trips Nathan Dyer as he scampers towards goal. What a chance for Scott Sinclair...

Reading appealing for a penalty, Noel Hunt's cross strikes Garry Monk on the arm but it would have been very harsh to award a spot kick.

Another Reading chance arrives through Kebe. He draws in two defenders before feeding Jem Karacan, his deflected shot wrong foots De Vries and comes dangerously close to bouncing into the net.

Reading have made the better start, once again Kebe is involved. His run forward is stopped, but the loose ball finds Long. The Irishman tries to find Noel Hunt on the far post, but his cross is over hit.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Zurab Khizanishvili</b> also into the book for getting too involved. Two defenders already cautioned for Reading.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Borini</b> is in the book for his protests.

Fabio Borini, the striker on-loan from Chelsea, thinks he has pinched the ball off Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici, but the referee blows his whistle as the Italian looks to find the net.

Andy Griffin attempts to battle beyond Joe Allen in the corner flag, but the young Swansea native does well and earns a free kick.

Jobi McAnuff's corner is hoofed clear at the nearpost.

First corner of the day goes to Brian McDermott's side...

Another Kebe surge forward, another low cross and once again it's hooked clear. Reading will be delighted he is fit enough to play.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Andy Griffin</b> with a flying tackle on Scott Sinclair. It's full-blooded and he's in the book.

I'm going to try and keep these references to a minimum, but I should mention at least once that this match is worth loads of money. There, I've said it. As irritating as that statistic has become, it will make a huge difference to one of these clubs.

After an overly-tense build-up, Borini shanks his free kick well over. A very lively start.

Terrible tackle by Matt Mills on the edge of the penalty area, Swansea free kick in a wonderful position...

Chaos early doors! Reading flying forward and Shane Long feeds the returning Jimmy Kebe. The winger's low cross is spilled by Dorus De Vries and very nearly falls back to Long.

Brian McDermott was a scout for Brendan Rodgers during his time in Berkshire, he has done a fantastic job to propel Reading up the table.

<b>KICK OFF</b> Reading get us started!

The two teams are on the pitch, doing an obscene amount of handshaking and appreciative nodding. Almost kick-off time...

Brian McDermott leads out Reading, looking to lead them back into England's top flight. Brendan Rodgers once occupied the Royal's hotseat, now his Swansea team will try to become the first Welsh side to play in the Premier League.

A huge clash in prospect at Wembley. Reading and Swansea face-off for place in the Premier League and a lorry-load of cash.

Into the last 15 minutes, what have Reading got left? Can Swansea hang on?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Mark Gower on for Leon Britton</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Simon Church on for Noel Hunt</b>

McAnuff goes deep and De Vries can collect the floating ball.

Jobi McAnuff shifts inside the box and fires off a shot which is deflected for, you guessed it, a Reading corner...

Jimmy Kebe is off again, this time running and Monk and Tate before winning a throw in.

Mark Gower is about to be introduced...

Two set pieces have undone Swansea so far. Brendan Rodgers' men have looked very shaky from dead balls and Reading will still fancy their chances.

Noel Hunt wins the aerial duel with Ashley Williams and clears.

Darren Pratley has a chance to feed Scott Sinclair, instead he embarks on a run and Swansea are forced to settle for their first corner...

The match hasn't settled at all since the interval. Both teams still attacking, mainly because they both look incapable of defending.

Strong play from Mikele Leigertwood, who shrugs off Alan Tate and continues down the right. His cross is poor and straight out of play.

Borini takes his time over the dead ball, before teeing up Joe Allen. The young Welshman's shot is blocked by the first man.

Sinclair, remember his brace in the first half?!, is hauled down in a good position for Swansea...

A complete whirlwind at the start of the second half. End-to-end with both teams defending terribly.

From McAnuff's latest corner, De Vries gathers and Swansea can breath a sigh of relief.

The corner is clear and finds Kebe, he feeds McAnuff, who sees his cross deflected behind...

Yet another Reading corner, Swansea cannot cope at the moment...

Reading clatter the post! Jem Karacan has fizzed a low drive from 20 yards onto the upright with De Vries well beaten. From the rebound, Karacan has an open goal, but Garry Monk flies in front of the ball to deny Reading an equaliser!

Fabio Borini finds himself in an almost identical position to Dobbie, his shot is better but is closed down immediately. The action is frenzied at Wembley!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Matthew Mills with a bullet header!</b> McAnuff's corner, Mills rises imperiously to power the ball beyond De Vries!

Yet another Reading corner...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Darren Pratley on for Stephen Dobbie</b>

Stephen Dobbie should have doubled his tally! He latched on to a through ball and cut inside Khizanishvili. As he shaped to shoot inside the box, Dobbie slipped inside Mills and looked set to score from eight yards. His effort is truly awful, and dribbles out for a throw-in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Joe Allen</b> is cautioned for a fierce tackle on Noel Hunt. A scramble ensues, with referee doing well to calm things down.

This time the consequences aren't as successful and the header drifts wide.

Another Kebe run, another Reading corner. He is earning set piece after set piece...

Reading have obviously been buoyed by the goal, will Swansea start to wobble?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Noel Hunt gives Reading a lifeline!</b> McAnuff's corner is whipped in at the nearpost and Hunt cleverly sneaks in a header! Two more required.

Alan Tate nods the ball behind for another corner...

Kebe, Reading's most dangerous player so far, earns a corner as Williams turns his cross behind...

No changes at half time, Brian McDermott clearly believes the player he has out there can do the job.

<b>Swansea with the restart</b>

Reading do have attacking options on the bench. Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are both attacking players, while Brian Howard could provide some added spark in midfield.

Yes it can, their assisant manager has almost been banished from the dugout. Looks like Reading have completely crumbled.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/red_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Jay Tabb</b> has been sent off for foul and abusive language in the tunnel. Can this afternoon get any worse for Reading?

Could you blame Reading fans if they just headed home? Bank holiday traffic can be a nightmare, especially after your team have limply surrendered at Wembley.

<b>HALF TIME</b> What a first half for Swansea. Gifted three goals and sailing towards the Premier League. Brian McDermott has had the first half from hell. His team now need an historic comeback.

De Vries claims it comfortably and that is that.

A Reading corner to end the half...

Nathan Dyer has had a big impact in the first half. He was tugged down by Khizanishvili for the penalty, and his burst forward provided Dobbie with his goal.

<b>THREE MINUTES ADDED TIME</b>

What a chance for Shane Long to give Reading a glimmer of hope! Karacan's cross loops over the defence and falls to Long's feet, but he scuffs his shot wide.

The Reading fans must be stunned, and half-tempted to go home...

Dobbie's goal was very similar to Wayne Rooney's at the same end in the Champions League final on Saturday. Both very classy finishes.

A horrible first half for Reading after enjoying superiority for much of the match so far.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Stephen Dobbie surely seals it for Swansea!!!</b> More poor defending from Khizanishvili, as he allows the ball to be pulled back to Dobbie. His side-foot finish from 12 yards is excellent and placed perfectly beyond Federici. Game over?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Jobi McAnuff</b> is the third Reading player in the book for a late challenge near the centre circle.

De Vries makes a hash of his attempt to claim the cross, his defenders come to his aid and Swansea clear.

Garry Monk gets to the delivery first, but concedes another corner...

The game is following the same pattern as prior to the goals, Reading having all the possession as Long wins a corner...

If Reading are to get back into this, then we will surely have a cracking game on our hands. A repeat of Charlton 4-4 Sunderland, anyone?

Jimmy Kebe with an attempt at a looped cross, which he scoops high and over the crossbar.

Sinclair tormenting Reading down the left, he slips the ball inside for Borini who spins and shoots from eight-yards out. His shot is blocked and then the Italian fouls Khizanishvili.

After half an hour, Brian McDermott must be farely pleased with how his team have played. Two slip-ups and they find themselves two down.

A stat courtesy of Infostrada, Scott Sinclair has become the first player in 13 years to score a brace in the Championship play-off final. The last two were Clive Mendonca and Niall Quinn.

A flying header from Noel Hunt, he did excellently to connect with the cross and can only guide his effort just wide of the post.

A Reading corner and a chance to test De Vries...

Understandly, Swansea and their fans have been buoyed. There performance had barely merited a goal, let alone two.

Can Reading find a response? They need to score the next goal of the match against a very strong Swansea defence.

An incredible minute of football. Reading have been absolutely rocked by Sinclair's brace, and they are lucky Khizanishvili didn't receive a second yellow card for his foul on Dyer.

A huge blow for Reading, who had been the much better team in the opening exchanges.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Swansea and Scott Sinclair score again!!!</b> 36 seconds since he converted the penalty, Adam Federici can only palm a low cross into Sinclair's path, and he gleefully slots the ball home.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Sinclair sends Federici the wrong way!</b> An extremely calm finish from the youngster!

<b>PENALTY TO SWANSEA!!!</b> Khizanishvili trips Nathan Dyer as he scampers towards goal. What a chance for Scott Sinclair...

Reading appealing for a penalty, Noel Hunt's cross strikes Garry Monk on the arm but it would have been very harsh to award a spot kick.

Another Reading chance arrives through Kebe. He draws in two defenders before feeding Jem Karacan, his deflected shot wrong foots De Vries and comes dangerously close to bouncing into the net.

Reading have made the better start, once again Kebe is involved. His run forward is stopped, but the loose ball finds Long. The Irishman tries to find Noel Hunt on the far post, but his cross is over hit.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Zurab Khizanishvili</b> also into the book for getting too involved. Two defenders already cautioned for Reading.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Borini</b> is in the book for his protests.

Fabio Borini, the striker on-loan from Chelsea, thinks he has pinched the ball off Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici, but the referee blows his whistle as the Italian looks to find the net.

Andy Griffin attempts to battle beyond Joe Allen in the corner flag, but the young Swansea native does well and earns a free kick.

Jobi McAnuff's corner is hoofed clear at the nearpost.

First corner of the day goes to Brian McDermott's side...

Another Kebe surge forward, another low cross and once again it's hooked clear. Reading will be delighted he is fit enough to play.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Andy Griffin</b> with a flying tackle on Scott Sinclair. It's full-blooded and he's in the book.

I'm going to try and keep these references to a minimum, but I should mention at least once that this match is worth loads of money. There, I've said it. As irritating as that statistic has become, it will make a huge difference to one of these clubs.

After an overly-tense build-up, Borini shanks his free kick well over. A very lively start.

Terrible tackle by Matt Mills on the edge of the penalty area, Swansea free kick in a wonderful position...

Chaos early doors! Reading flying forward and Shane Long feeds the returning Jimmy Kebe. The winger's low cross is spilled by Dorus De Vries and very nearly falls back to Long.

Brian McDermott was a scout for Brendan Rodgers during his time in Berkshire, he has done a fantastic job to propel Reading up the table.

<b>KICK OFF</b> Reading get us started!

The two teams are on the pitch, doing an obscene amount of handshaking and appreciative nodding. Almost kick-off time...

Brian McDermott leads out Reading, looking to lead them back into England's top flight. Brendan Rodgers once occupied the Royal's hotseat, now his Swansea team will try to become the first Welsh side to play in the Premier League.

A huge clash in prospect at Wembley. Reading and Swansea face-off for place in the Premier League and a lorry-load of cash.