Former Young Royals mini pundit Sam Keogh takes in a local derby and gives his perspective of the 1-1 draw with Saints.

The Sky TV cameras were rolling live for Reading's visit of Southampton on Saturday evening, as they were for the previous two encounters for the same sides at the Mad Stad.

The build up to the game was quite fantastic. Reading town centre was a mass of blue and red in the hours before kick-off, and both sets of fans were in fine voice and high spirits for what turned out to be a brilliant Reading performance.

This game was a tough one to call for the supporters, while many Reading fans were aware of the tough test ahead, it appeared that most were quietly confident that we could knock the Saints off their stride.

Southampton fans, however, were a little more sceptical, and despite the fact they've been the quickest out of the blocks this season, they were by no means underestimating the threat the dark horses of Reading possessed.

A match which looked glamorous on paper did not disappoint the TV audience or, for that matter, a near 22,000 crowd, the highest of the season so far. The Royals had by far the better of a high-tempo match which outshone the league leaders.

Upon smashing home after a McAnuff free kick cannoned back of the post, Mikele Leigertwood's first goal of the season had the Madejski crowd in raptures. It was another fantastic performance from Leigertwood, who was a key player in this match which saw our unbeaten run stretch to seven games.

Royal spirits were then raised even further when Dean Hammond was given his marching orders, it seemed we were now bearing down on a second home win of the season and the atmosphere was fantastic.

But Southampton aren't top for no reason, and Steve De Ridder made sure that their 4,000 travelling fans didn't leave disappointed with a late equaliser, his second of the season.

A deflated feeling for us Royals fans at that moment, after witnessing arguably the best performance of the season and one which definitely warranted the full three points.

Despite not getting the victory that the performance certainly deserved, the overriding emotion at the final whistle, similarly to the Southampton faithful, was one of satisfaction - we had given the top team a real run for their money, while the Saints were happy to come away from the Mad Stad with a point from a game they were never really in.

From my experience of the game, it was played, and watched, in a good manner. Before and after the game there was no hostility between the two sets of supporters. In fact, friendly banter was out in force for what was an enjoyable evening for all fans at the stadium!

Sam Keogh