Watford 0 Reading 3

Last updated : 01 May 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Henderson
Darius added a second
Reading continued to chase club records as they build up for the play-offs.

Manager Alan Pardew made seven changes from Saturday's team when he took on Watford at Vicarage Road and came up with their 25th victory of the season and their 18th clean sheet.

"We would like to set new records for Reading with the most number of points and the most victories," said Pardew.

One record already set was by 16-year-old Peter Castle, who became the youngest player to play for the first division club.

Although the away side only mustered four on-target attempts all night the quality of their finishing was impressive as they demolished Watford.

Hornets boss Ray Lewington blasted the defensive shortcomings that have seen the club concede seven goals in the last two outings.

"We did not get tight to players for the second and third goals. If you allow players the time to get the ball down and shoot then you are asking for trouble."Lewington gave his players a blast at the interval for lacking urgency in the first half: "It looked like the Brighton game all over. We had been guilty of a lack of urgency on Saturday. Brighton had everything to play for and despite the changes, so did Reading."Reading's second and third goals came against the run of play.

Watford almost broke through early on, as Tommy Smith was brought down by Ricky Newman, who was lucky to only pick up a yellow card.

Twelve minutes later Darius Henderson spotted a gap on the Watford right, broke through and crossed for Tony Rougier to head in from close range.

Cureton
Cureton added a third late on
It was their first attempt on goal and they then scored with their third and fourth attempts.

A midfield error by Micah Hyde was picked up by Jamie Cureton who then broke forward and set up a chance for Henderson to make it 2-0.

Cureton rounded off the win in the 89th minute, capitalising on a retreating defence before hitting a fierce shot inside the near post from the edge of the area.