Sunday Wrap Up February 24, 2008

  Reading 1 - 2 Aston Villa 

Villans roll at the Madejski. Reading’s woes continued today as their guests gave a good demonstration of dominance. James Harper got things off to a rousing start for Reading when he created a scoring opportunity in just thirty seconds. Scott Carson smothered the chance and set the tone for the rest of the match.

The Royals’ defense could have used some extra bodies as Ibrahima Sonko and Kalifa Cisse seemed confused in the centre of the defence. Cisse gave up an iffy penalty for handling the ball. But, karma came quickly when Gareth Barry sliced his shot wide. Ashley Young broke the stalemate at halftime as Gabriel Agbonlahor gave him the ball with yards of space and he slotted it home. Marlon Harewood drove the final nail in at the 83rd minute with a curling shot into the upper corner of the goal. Nicky Shorey got a consolation goal in the 90th from his free kick, but it was too little too late as the Villans came away with all three points.

    

  Blackburn 4 - 1 Bolton 

Wanderers penalized at Ewood. It’s hard to win a match when you give up two penalties. Blackburn was gifted the first penalty and Benni McCarthy took full advantage. As he did after Gary Cahill fouled David Dunn for the second in answer to Kevin Davies’ leveler. David Bentley’s header and Morten Gamst Pedersen’s injury time goal added to Bolton’s troubles.

Bolton played well they just couldn’t take advantage of their opportunities. Brad Friedel deserves full credit for keeping Bolton at bay with some great saves from El Hadji Diouf and Ricardo Gardner. Blackburn’s victory came at a good time, they needed the points and the confidence.