Lerkils IF 0
Reading 1 (Long 27)

Shane Long's first half goal gave Reading a 1-0 win over Lerkils IF in our Swedish friendly today.

We could have had a hatful, but found the opposition to be dogged and determined, and Steve Coppell's men were not quite clinical enough in front of goal.

The players couldn't have given any more, and Noel Hunt worked hard to get his first full 90 for the Club.

Noel set up Long's goal just after the midway point of the first half, and James Henry also took credit for winning the ball back to help create the move.

Marek Matejovsky got an hour, while Kalifa Cisse played the full game in the Swedish sun.

Reading: Andersen; Rosenior, Shorey, Duberry (c), Pearce; Cisse, Matejovsky (Karacan 61), Henry, Convey (S Hunt HT); N Hunt, Long
Subs: Hahnemann, Ingimarsson, Sonko, Harper, Kebe, Lita

First half
Bobby Convey had the first shot on four minutes, but put over the bar from eight yards.

Next to try his luck was Shane Long, but he headed wide from Convey's delivery.

Midway through the half Lerkils had their first shot of note, a speculative effort from out on the halfway line after Convey was dispossessed.

90 seconds later Convey was heavily involved down the other end, and should have scored after Noel Hunt showed an excellent workrate to win the ball back.

On 27 the goal finally did arrive, and James Henry did well to retrieve possession. He found Noel Hunt, and his low cross was stabbed home by Long from six yards.

Reading were beginning to create chances at will, and Long almost scored an immediate second but nodded wide of the upright.

Then Noel Hunt looked ready to get his first goal in Reading colours but was bundled over and might have been fouled.

Henry, Liam Rosenior and then Noel Hunt also forced the home keeper into good saves before the break.

Second half
Reading continued to dominate possession, but they were continually frustrated by a hard-working home side.

Time and again we got in and around the box or got crosses into the area, but Lerkils were standing firm.

They were given half a chance on 58 when Michael Duberry uncharacteristically gave it away, but the shot was off target.

We kept pressing, but the home keeper made untold saves. He denied Alex Pearce and Kalifa Cisse from corners, and probably the best one kept out Noel Hunt's effort.

Finally he denied Long to keep it 1-0 at full time, and it had been a good workout for Steve Coppell's men.

The Royals could not have given any more, but were not clinical enough in the final third.

It was a good workout, and a step closer to the start of the Coca-Cola Championship season.