Cardiff City news 07/09/01

Fri 7th September 2001 - Reading preview

Cardiff City will be aiming to be the first team to score a goal past Reading in tomorrow's eagerly anticipated clash. City have sold out of their 3,000 allocation and will be fully supported in the superb Madejski Stadium.

Reading are early favourites for promotion from Division 2 and will provide stern opposition for City. The Royals have not conceeded a competitive goal this season and are 4th in the tabe with 10 points from 4 games. They have only played in the league at the Madjeski once and won 1 - 0. Away from home they have won 2 - 0 twice and drew 0 - 0.

In the league cup they beat Luton 4 - 0 at the Madjeski.

City in contrast have not won away from home since the 4 - 0 demolition of Shrewsbury back in March.

There is plenty to link both clubs. Jason Bowen and Andy Legg came from Reading after being put on "death row" by Tommy Burns. Paul Brayson also came from Reading.

Going the other way the Royals have James Harper in their midfield. The former Arsenal player turned down the chance to play for City last season after a loan spell.

Reading are not looking forward to the visit of City's fans. Can I ask all City fans travelling to the game to be careful, and concentrate on supporting the team and make it a day to remember for the football and nothing else.

City will be without Jason Bowen and Scott Young for sure. Michael Simpkins is expected to start the game after being injured aginst Bournemouth and Rob Earnshaw is quoted as having an 85% chance of playing.