Reading supporters 1 Raging Fever 3

Report filed by Nick Wehmeier

On a sunny February morning, Raging Fever travelled to rural Berkshire to take on Reading in an IFA league game. Despite only having 11 men, they were looking forward to a good game, having beaten the hosts 6-1 in the home fixture in October.

Fever started the game brightly, and soon found their way around the big pitch, putting together some neat passing moves, with Stuart Burson especially linking up play well with the strikers. Fever carved out a number of opportunities without ever seriously threatening the Reading goal.

The breakthrough, however, came on the 25 minute mark, and it was certainly worth the wait. Fever won a corner on the left wing, and Steve Fuller's set piece swung out rather more than he had intended, but the ball found its way to Nick Wehmeier, lurking just outside the box. Wehmeier decided to take the volley on first time, and was perhaps as surprised as anyone to see the ball rocket straight into the top corner for a goal Wayne Rooney would have been proud of. The strike must surely be a contender for goal of the season, with the winner to be announced at the soon-to-be-introduced end-of-season awards ceremony.

With the deadlock broken, the second goal soon followed. After good work on the left from Fuller and James Simpson, the ball found its way through to John Matthews, albeit with the help of a slightly fortuitous deflection. One-on-one with the keeper, Matthews made no mistake as he coolly slotted home to make the score 2-0.

Fever were now well on top and playing some very attractive football. Their dominance soon paid off as they went 3-0 up. Winning the ball in defence, right back Gary Butler found Wehmeier, whose through ball managed to evade both its intended target of Matthews and the Reading defenders. However, James Longshaw, relishing his new striking position, raced through and found himself in the box with only the keeper to beat. He made no mistake in smashing the ball over the goalie and into the top corner for another stunning goal.

Despite their dominance, Fever did not have things all their own way, and Reading also put together a number of good moves. Much of their play came down Fever's left wing, but this threat was ably snuffed out by full back Geoff Carter.

Fever went in at the break looking good value for their 3-0 lead and aiming to build on it in the second half. However, after the interval they would find things much more difficult. Reading, taking advantage of the luxury of a couple of substitutes, were on top for much of the second half.

Halfway through the second period, Reading looked to have been given a way back in when their striker was chopped down by Andy Kelly inside the box. However, the resulting penalty was struck firmly against the bar. Luckily for Oxford, Rob Muskett was the first to react, clearing the ball away to safety with the woodwork still vibrating.

Fever, however, could not hold out much longer, and Reading soon found themselves back in the game. A high through ball was misjudged by Kelly, and the Reading striker chipped the advancing Joel Harrison to make the score 3-1. Although Reading enjoyed a good amount of possession, the Fever defence was more than up to the task, ably assisted by some good saves from Harrison and tough tackling from central midfielders Simpson and Burson.

Approaching 90 minutes, Oxford raised their game and again created a couple of very good opportunities. After good work from Steve Fuller down the left wing, Longshaw blazed over from close-range, and shortly afterwards Matthews found only the keeper with a shot from six yards when a host of his teammates were forming an orderly queue for the pass.

Despite a strong second-half Reading comeback, Fever ran out worthy 3-1 winners. Thanks go to Reading for the game played in a good spirit. We look forward to future games against the Royals.

Fever: Joel Harrison, Gary Butler, Rob Muskett, Andy Kelly, Geoff Carter, James Simpson, Stuart Burson, Steve Fuller, Nick Wehmeier, John Matthews, James Longshaw

Goals: Wehmeier, Matthews, Longshaw