Premier League: Reading 0 Norwich City 0

Reading remain winless in the English Premier League after a 0-0 draw at home to Norwich on Saturday.

While the hosts were much the better side in the first half, an increase
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d urgency from the visitors saw Chris Hughton’s team waste the few chances they created after the break.

Reading were initially the more attacking of the two sides, with Hughton’s team set up for quick counter-attacking.

Brian McDermott’s men looked dangerous with some crosses flying in from the right, but neither goalkeeper was tested in the opening stages.



The first 45 minutes were, in truth, poor for the most part, lacking any real efforts on goal.

Norwich had a sum total of two shots in the first half – both deflected – with one heading for a corner and the other nestling softly in Adam Federici’s arms.



John Ruddy was the more busy of the two shot-stoppers, blocking an effort from Garath McCleary, and coming a very long way to punch clear a looping free-kick.

Aside from that though, it was a fairly stop-start beginning to the proceedings, with referee Chris Foy getting involved often.

The second half stepped up a notch in terms of intensity, with Norwich finding more of the ball, but the hosts looking more threatening.



Wes Hoolahan should have done better with a chance from the edge of the area, blasting wide of the post as he tried to bend it in with the outside of his foot.



Both teams were stretching to find the opening goal in a game that looked increasingly like it would take only one to settle it.



Jobi McAnuff came close for Reading, whipping a shot just over the bar after cutting in from the left.

Chances were becoming harder to come by, with both teams hoping to find a winner on the counter-attack.

Grant Holt had only one real chance throughout the game, but the cross towards him got a flick right in front of the striker, and bounced off his frame and out of play.



The visitors ended the strongest, with Robert Snodgrass missing a header and Anthony Pilkington pulling a shot well wide, but neither team did enough to warrant all three points.