Our last meeting with Reading was back in 2003...
Ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Reading, we take a look back at the Saddlers' last five competitive meetings with the Royals.28th December 2003 – Walsall 1-1 Reading – Division One
Nicky Shorey’s delightful free-kick earned Reading a battling point and denied Walsall back-to-back wins. Jorge Leitao’s first-half header put the Saddlers ahead but Reading equalised through Shorey’s curling free-kick on 70 minutes. Steve Coppell’s Royals almost snatched victory late on, but Nicky Forster’s goal was disallowed for offside.
21st October 2003 – Reading 0-1 Walsall - Division One
Vinny Samways’ early goal gave Walsall their first away league victory of the 2003/04 Division One campaign. The Saddlers got their noses in front after just four minutes, when Samways’ free-kick curled past Royals keeper Marcus Hahnemann at his near post. Nicky Forster spurned Reading’s clearest chance to draw level, when he fired over from close range in the second half.
18th January 2003 – Reading 0-0 Walsall – Division One
The Saddlers defended manfully to hold play-off hopefuls Reading to a goalless draw. The home side dominated possession for long periods and rattled the woodwork through Nicky Forster on 33 minutes. Brazilian Junior went closest for Walsall but was thwarted by Reading custodian Marcus Hahnemann, while his opposite number James Walker denied Jamie Cureton a late winner.
14th January 2003 – Reading 1-1 Walsall (1-4 on pens) – FA Cup Third Round Replay
Darren Bazeley (pictured below) scored the decisive spot-kick as Walsall edged past Reading on penalties to reach the FA Cup fourth round. The Saddlers took a sixth-minute lead when Darren Wrack converted Bazeley’s right-wing cross, but a Zigor Aranalde own goal drew Reading level on the half-hour mark. After 120 matches finished level, Walsall won 4-1 on penalties to book a fourth-round clash with Wimbledon.
4th January 2003 – Walsall 0-0 Reading – FA Cup Third Round
Walsall had to settle for a replay after being held to a goalless draw against Reading. Both sides were denied by the woodwork; for Walsall, Darren Wrack’s injury-time free-kick rattled the post, while Reading’s Martin Butler struck an upright with a powerful drive. Jamie Cureton and Nicky Forster also went close for Alan Pardew’s Royals.
Tickets will be available at Reading on the day of the game but there will be a price increase of £5 for adults and £3 for seniors, young persons and juniors.