Hahnemann: I Had No Chance

Last updated : 12 May 2003 By Rob Cooper
Marcus Hahnemann
Marcus Hahnemann
American shotstopper Marcus Hahnemann admitted there was no way that he could stop George Ndah's late free kick.

The former Fulham 'keeper was criticised from many media quarters for failing to keep out a free kick that was more or less straight at him. The aggro he received was very unfair considering the master saves he had pulled off earlier to keep the Royals in the tie.

Commenting on the second goal, for which he received so much criticism, Marcus commented: "I didn't even see it. He (George Ndah) smashed it through a crowd of players and I was too late to get my foot on it.

"I had a few easy saves to make in the first half, then in the second, one got deflected off Murts and went in."

Three times the Wolves came banging at the door but Hahnemann ensured they couldn't knock it down. The praise he received for three crucial saves was cancelled out by the criticism for some less than sufficient handling of crosses and his failure to prevent the second goal.

Finally, late on, the Molineux side made a last-gasp push to earn what could be a crucial 2-1 victory.

The Royals face an uphill task in the second leg, and must win by two goals if they are to progress to Cardiff. Unfortunately, away goals do not count double.

Pardew's side will likely be without Nicky Forster who is not expected to shake off an ankle injury in time. Jamie Cureton is expected to replace him. Meanwhile, Nathan Tyson will not play again this season following his stoppage-time red card, the livewire-winger receives a three match ban for his misdemeanour.

Hahnemann admitted that the Reading have an uphill task in the second leg.

He added: "We were under no illusions that we would win it easily and we knew when we scored it'd be very difficult to keep it at 1-0. 1-1 would have been better than 2-1 going into the second game but 2-1 is alright and we know what we have to do at home."

Fans are told to wear blue and white on Wednesday in a bid to create a pulsating atmosphere at the Mad Stad. The importance of crowd participation cannot be under-estimated. Last time the Royals were in the Play-Offs the crowd was instrumental in enabling The hoops to secure a Play-Off Final place.