The best RFC game you've ever been to?

[quickwingerswife]

Best Match for me was in 1965 when Pat Terry , the best header of a ball ever, put 2 past the Bury keeper and then turned round to the South Bank and blew a kiss. Brilliant. Terry had a ball on a rope outside the stand and would spend hours jumping up to it. Fond memories.

[Norfolk Royal]

That 4-0 win at Elm Park against Aldershot on an Easter Bank Holiday around 1977 was about as good as it gets imo.

Remember this having been to the game against Pompey on Easter Friday and the 0-0 against Bournemouth the following day.
3 games in four days. The current prima donnas (bless them) would not be able to cope!

Yes, I went to all three as well. What a weekend that was.

[Ascotexgunner]

V Soton 1-3 2012 in recent times always sticks in my mind. ALFs finishing that night was stunning. Another recent one I went to was Liverpool away 1-2 in the cup. Bloody freezing night, only 300 or so of us and what a great night the trip home was enjoyable.
Loads of old games come to mind but when it comes down to it I remember the more modern ones because of YouTube etc.

[peterroyal76]

Peterborough 1 - 2 Reading

2 late Henderson goals to turn the game on its head. Home captain red carded, home fans going mental, Salako bombing up the line to Pards after the winner, massive terrace surge.

Lovely stuff.

This.

[Norfolk Royal]

Peterborough 1 - 2 Reading

2 late Henderson goals to turn the game on its head. Home captain red carded, home fans going mental, Salako bombing up the line to Pards after the winner, massive terrace surge.

Lovely stuff.

This.

That was a cracker yes.

[sandman]

Wigan play off semi final, played on my birthday and two dramatic late goals from my favourite ever Reading player.

[OldBiscuit]

There have been so many, beating top flight West Brom 3-2 in the league cup back in 68 was good, Wolves 4-1 in 94 just after McGhee had walked out was fantastic, the play-off semi final home to Wigan 2001was rocking, but my favourite was beating swindon back in 1976. It was the 1st time we had played them in years and hooliganism was at its peak. They filled the Town end, we stuffed them 4-1 and the heavens opened for a good hour completely washing them out, Ha! Ha! Ha!

[Ian Royal]

Well this is a piece of piss.

Reading 3-2 Middlesbrough August 2006

Second place goes to:
Reading 2-1 Wolves circa 97

[Faithful Son]

There have been so many, beating top flight West Brom 3-2 in the league cup back in 68 was good, Wolves 4-1 in 94 just after McGhee had walked out was fantastic, the play-off semi final home to Wigan 2001was rocking, but my favourite was beating swindon back in 1976. It was the 1st time we had played them in years and hooliganism was at its peak. They filled the Town end, we stuffed them 4-1 and the heavens opened for a good hour completely washing them out, Ha! Ha! Ha!

Yes I remember that Swindon game. Got soaked standing in the Tilehurst end but remember Brian Carnaby scoring with an absolute screamer. Some memorable games for me at Elm Park were as follows (don't remember dates I'm afraid) :

V's Hartlepool 7-0 (One of my first ever games)
V's Arsenal 1-2 (I think it was 1972. we played them off the park but scored all 3 goals )
V's Plymouth 4-3 (our record breaking year)
V's Wolves 4-2, 2-1 (Archie) and 3-0 (Adie Williams o.g.). Also remember a 1-0 cup win against them in the 80's when they were Div 1 and we were Div 4
V's Chelsea 3-2 (Another cup game. Memorable Michael Gilkes performance)
V's Coventry (Simod Cup. For the life of me I can't remember the final score!! )
V's Cardiff 2-2 (I think, sorry my memory is not the best these days) (Another cup game. Memorable for a fantastic performance from Squeaky Hammond, especially in the penalty shoot-out)
V's Bolton 2-1 (The year they beat us in the play-offs)
and of course the game V's Tranmere 5-0, with a record attendance of 500, 000.

[grey_squirrel]

1985 Reading 4 Plymouth 3

We were top of the table after the 13 wins in a row and Plymouth were 2nd.

3 down with 25 minutes to go and the ground starting to empty. Dean Horrix pulls one back from the spot on 65. 3 goals in 79,80 and 83rd minutes to win it. Unbelievable

Correct apart from the fact that the ground was not beginning to empty. On the contrary, the South Bank went into over drive once we got one back.

It was 21 December 1985 and still smile at memories of the Plymouth fans (a good 2,000 of them) singing jingles bells at us after scoring their 3rd.

It could've been very different had they scored and not hit the bar soon after.

Kevin Bremner was MoM. A typically Mad Max/William Wallace cameo from him.

Still remember an old geezer, maybe in his eighties waving his walking stick in the direction of the Plymouth fans, singing in chorus with the rest of us "you're not singing anymore" after our 4th. It was just the most amazing, hyped up experience of many I had in South Bank. Only 8,000 or so there IIRC but it could've been 80,000 given the noise and atmosphere. Truly a classic in every way. Ahhhh, those were the days.

[floyd__streete]

Lovely thread, chaps. Enjoyed reading.

x

[Sutekh]

1985 Reading 4 Plymouth 3

We were top of the table after the 13 wins in a row and Plymouth were 2nd.

3 down with 25 minutes to go and the ground starting to empty. Dean Horrix pulls one back from the spot on 65. 3 goals in 79,80 and 83rd minutes to win it. Unbelievable

Correct apart from the fact that the ground was not beginning to empty. On the contrary, the South Bank went into over drive once we got one back.

It was 21 December 1985 and still smile at memories of the Plymouth fans (a good 2,000 of them) singing jingles bells at us after scoring their 3rd.

It could've been very different had they scored and not hit the bar soon after.

Kevin Bremner was MoM. A typically Mad Max/William Wallace cameo from him.

Still remember an old geezer, maybe in his eighties waving his walking stick in the direction of the Plymouth fans, singing in chorus with the rest of us "you're not singing anymore" after our 4th. It was just the most amazing, hyped up experience of many I had in South Bank. Only 8,000 or so there IIRC but it could've been 80,000 given the noise and atmosphere. Truly a classic in every way. Ahhhh, those were the days.

Plymouth also had a player sent off in the last 5 minutes, completely amazing game. Won't see anything like that with the current management....

[wally bassoon]

A couple not mentioned yet.

Reading 4 Sunderland 0 - In the last season at EP
Oxford 1 Reading 3 - In our penultimate visit to the Manor Ground

[dean horrix legend]

Loads on here that I witnessed, one that hasn't been mentioned is

Reading 0 Southampton 0, League cup 4th round, I remember we battered them for most of the game but Terry Gennoe had a blinder in their goal. Just over 24000 crammed into Elm Park that night, atmosphere was electric.

[arthurfondrelli]

Reading 6-0 West Ham - 2007
Reading 2-3 Man Utd - 2007
Reading 2-1 Notts County - 2003(?)
Reading 1-1 Ipswich - 2005
Reading 3-2 'Boro - 2006
Reading 3-3 Wolves - 2014
Reading 3-2 Bristol City - 2001(?)
West Ham 2-4 Reading - 2012
Man City 0-2 Reading - 2007
Cardiff 0-3 Reading - 2011
Bristol City 1-4 Reading - 2008

[Barney]

Lovely thread, chaps. Enjoyed reading.

x

Here are a few (older) good memories as well. Excluding all the classics already mentioned.

April 1976: Reading 1 Lincoln 1. This was the home game after the 'Tranmere' game. Lincoln were top. Southbank was packed that day. 16,000 or so in Elm Park. Took us a point nearer our first promotion for 50 years. Lincoln won the division easily if I recall.

April 1978: Already mentioned, but the Aldershot, Bournemouth and Portsmouth games in the space of 4 days. And followed a few weeks later by our final game of the season at Port Vale. Great day that was too.

November 1978: Southampton 2 Reading 0 in the League Cup replay. 4th division Reading taking around 5,000 to an away game. Got beat, but still a great memory. Smiths coaches for those that remember

Dec 1979: Reading 7 Barnsley 0. Just one of those days that sticks in the mind.

Sep 1980: Reading 6 Stockport 2. Senior hat-trick in about 5 minutes on his home debut. Yep...you can stay.

[RoyallyFcuked]

Good thread.
I was at that 4-3 at Forest in the OP.

Got to vote for the 5-0 v Tranmere in 1976. Biggest buzz ever.

One all at Leicester in 2006 was pretty good too

I knew some would mention that Tranmere game , and THAT Robin Friday goal. What a performance in a such a big game. My dad reckons him and his mate were there but he can't remember for sure. Just how good was it? For me, the explanation on Friday's wiki page leaves me longing for some footage of it, or any of the great man at all in fact.....I'm sure there is some but I can't find any:(

A vital fixture on 31 March 1976 pitted fourth-placed Reading at home against Tranmere Rovers, who occupied third spot; internationally experienced referee Clive Thomas took charge of the game. Friday, who had already scored 18 goals that season, rose to the occasion with an effort that has been described by many sources as one of the greatest ever scored.
With the score 2–0 to Reading, goalkeeper Steve Death threw the ball to right back Gary Peters, who spotted Friday standing near the left-hand corner of the opposing penalty area. Peters passed high and diagonally across the pitch towards his forward, who jumped into the air and used his chest to cushion the ball and knock it into the air with his back to goal, about 25 yards away from the net. As Friday landed, he ferociously powered the ball towards goal, kicking over his shoulder and turning after the ball had gone. The shot flew straight into the top-right-hand corner of the net, stunning the crowd, players and referee Thomas, who put his hands over his head in disbelief. "I'll never forget it", Thomas recalled, "It was the sheer ferocity of the shot on the volley ... over his shoulder. ... If it hadn't gone into the top corner of the net it would have broken the goalpost. Even up against the likes of Pelé and Cruyff, that rates as the best goal I have ever seen". Reading went on to win the game 5–0. When Thomas told Friday after the game that he had never seen a better goal, the Londoner replied, "Really? You should come down here more often, I do that every week".

What an absolute legend. I've really enjoyed reading about him as well, such a brilliant character.

Also the Leicester game you mentioned in 06 - to seal the promotion, I know I would have enjoyed that one. Bet it was a great atmosphere with our fans loving it! I'm glad I was at least at the 5-0 Derby home game to secure the title a week later:)

So many great games to think of, with so many memories - amongst them:

Reading 4-3 Oxford 2001
Reading 2-1 Wigan 2001
Reading 2-1 Sheffield United 2005
Reading 5-0 Derby 2006
Cardiff 1-5 Reading 2006
Reading 2-1 QPR 2006
Reading 3-2 Middlesbrough 2006
Reading 6-0 West Ham 2007
Reading 3-2 West Brom 2007
Reading 3-1 Liverpool 2007
Wolves 0-3 Reading 2008
West Brom 2-3 Reading 2010
Cardiff 0-3 Reading 2011
Southampton 1-3 Reading 2012

When I was a student I somehow managed to get to loads of games, including some obscure Tuesday night results away from home I. The championship, clawing back a point from being 2-0 down, getting a late win every now and again, and sometimes just happy to be there, with that feeling that we were watching a special team. I suppose a lot of games from 05-07 could appear as it was such a special team - even the 3-2 defeat to United in the cup, and the seemingly routine (at the time) wins against the likes of Villa, Spurs, Man City, Everton and Newcastle. Crazy days, I don't think we always appreciate quite what we had back then.

Completely agree with you, I was at pretty much all the home games during that time too and it really was fantastic. Not quite sure what it was about that team, the momentum really seemed to carry over from the 106 season. Some great performances and results in games that you mentioned (e.g Villa, Spurs etc.) and an air of confidence and belief about the team that made you feel we were always in with a shout. Beating teams around us like Charlton, Bolton, Fulham, Wigan, Sheff Utd and West Ham, and getting results against big teams like Man Utd and Chelsea, (or narrow defeats against the likes of) The only game we were really outclassed that season was Arsenal at home which we lost 4-0. Crazy days indeed.

I'll admit I would have loved to have been at that derby 4-3 vs Oxford, and the 2-1 play off semi win v Wigan. A couple of other games you reminded me of there - the 3-2 win at West Brom in FA Cup in 2010 was brilliant night, great comeback and class winner from Gylfi. Also the final game of that 106 season, 2-1 v QPR and Murts penalty! Such a perfect ending but I remember thinking at the time "I wish it had been the goal to win the match 3-2" (then we would have had 100 league goals) but you can't have everything! Strangely, my first ever Reading game was the game in which Murty scored his first and only other Reading goal (3-1 defeat to Bristol City in March 2001). We also share the same birthday.....stranger still.....

[RoyallyFcuked]

Wigan play off semi final, played on my birthday and two dramatic late goals from my favourite ever Reading player.

Fozzy came on, set up one then scored the winner tho no?

Well this is a piece of piss.

Not many to choose from eh?

For me, there's a few but it was probably the 4-3 away win at Forest in 2010/11, amazing topsy turvy game of football that we deservedly won in the last minute. We were on a great run at the time and there was an overwhelming feeling we were going up, even though it didnt end that away.

By far the most entertaining game I've been to. A real 'You had to be there' game.

Absolutely, well said. I forgot to mention what a lovely sunny day it was as well, all added to a wonderful afternoon.

1985 Reading 4 Plymouth 3

We were top of the table after the 13 wins in a row and Plymouth were 2nd.

3 down with 25 minutes to go and the ground starting to empty. Dean Horrix pulls one back from the spot on 65. 3 goals in 79,80 and 83rd minutes to win it. Unbelievable

Correct apart from the fact that the ground was not beginning to empty. On the contrary, the South Bank went into over drive once we got one back.

It was 21 December 1985 and still smile at memories of the Plymouth fans (a good 2,000 of them) singing jingles bells at us after scoring their 3rd.

It could've been very different had they scored and not hit the bar soon after.

Kevin Bremner was MoM. A typically Mad Max/William Wallace cameo from him.

Still remember an old geezer, maybe in his eighties waving his walking stick in the direction of the Plymouth fans, singing in chorus with the rest of us "you're not singing anymore" after our 4th. It was just the most amazing, hyped up experience of many I had in South Bank. Only 8,000 or so there IIRC but it could've been 80,000 given the noise and atmosphere. Truly a classic in every way. Ahhhh, those were the days.

This one does sound like one of the best ever tbh

[Man Friday]

Oxford 1 Reading 3 - In our penultimate visit to the Manor Ground

Perfect way to spend my 40th birthday. (50th wasn't so good...7 March 2010...Villa - cup.)

[JC]

Oxford 1 Reading 3 - In our penultimate visit to the Manor Ground

Perfect way to spend my 40th birthday. (50th wasn't so good...7 March 2010...Villa - cup.)

Unfortunately my 40th was the 2-2 draw with Wolves which would have been the 14th in a row