Reading hurt by Stead of Ipswich

STEVE COPPELL will take charge of his 1,000th game as a manager on Tuesday but wishes the 999th had gone more according to plan. Reading were beaten by Jon Stead’s spectacular overhead kick a minute into the second half, which gave Ipswich a deserved win and preserved their playoff chances.

Reading, meanwhile, have only one win from their past eight games. Coppell said: “I’m joining a very limited club and am proud to be doing so. I suppose I must have done something right but whatever I was doing right I’m not doing at the moment.

“We are not performing to our potential at the moment. We are not playing well enough to win games.”

Ipswich manager Jim Magilton, whose side drew at leaders Wolves in midweek, said: “I can’t praise my players enough for their commitment, work ethic, attitude and application to their roles. I’m very proud of them. They have been absolutely fantastic.”

Reading started well and Dave Kitson hit the bar after just four minutes, but Ipswich weathered that early storm and were superior after Stead scored his spectacular 10th goal of the season.

Magilton said: “If you show belief in Jon you will get more performances like that. He hasn’t always played well for us but he did today.”

Ben Thatcher cleared Michael Duberry’s header off the line but Reading rarely threatened. They have fallen further behind Wolves and second-placed Birmingham, with Sheffield United now only a point behind.

Sunday Times