Two saves by Reading’s Australian keeper Adam Federici have seen the Royals confirm their second place on English League Championship table.
On home turf at Madejski Stadium on Saturday Reading beat play-off contenders Blackpool 3-1.
While the 27-year-old Aussie conceded a blasted right foot shot from 30 yards out by Lomana Tresor LuaLua in the 41st minute, Reading never looked in doubt, leading from the 30-minute mark.
There was to be no more passing Federici, who saved an impressive Kevin Phillips header in the 58th minute and a Matthew Phillips cross which came right on the full time whistle.
Reading are now four points clear of West Ham United and trail table leaders Southampton by five points.
Elsewhere in the League Championship Australian players were largely absent through injury including Scott McDonald and Rhys Williams.
The duo both failed to make the team for Middlesbrough who posted a 1-1 result with Bristol City.
Victorian McDonald has returned to training following medial ligament damage but is still 10 days away from full fitness. While Perth’s Williams’ ankle ligament injury remains in plaster, but perhaps only for another 10 days, and he could be back in action two weeks after that, come reports from the club.
Richard Garcia remains out of action for Hull City. The 30-year-old attacking midfielder is back training after about a year out with a knee injury and is confident of a return to the league.
Victorian Patrick Kisnorbo remains on the sidelines for Leeds as does West Australian defender Shane Lowry, on loan to Millwall from Aston Villa.
In the German Bundesliga Australian Nikita Rukavytsya helped Hertha Berlin to a 3-1 victory over Mainz on Saturday.
The winger who began his career with Perth Glory crossed to Anis Ben-Hatira in the 41st minute, who blasted home from seven yards for Berlin’s first away goal in 2012.
Related posts:
Views: 0