Reading Roars!

A confession: I was in town, on a shopping mission, and missed the bulk of arguably Reading’s best game of the season to date, their home clash against Spurs.

Drifting into the electronics section of House of Fraser (ground floor, if you’re interested) I was suddenly drawn to a large Bose screen broadcasting the match. I couldn’t believe what I saw. Reading 3, Spurs 1? I checked with the shop assistant or customer service representative, or whatever they’re called now, and he confirmed that Reading were indeed winning by that margin.

I looked for somewhere to sit but found that the three comfy leather seats placed a few feet away from the screen were occupied. Then a thought entered my mind: why go to the pub to watch a game? I could simply walk into House of Fraser, sink into one of their fancy leather chairs and rest discreetly for 90 minutes. There would be an interrupted view of the screen, audible commentary (though that isn’t always a good thing) and no verbal garbage from other viewers. From a business point of view, also good: I would be naturally, and happily, demonstrating usage of the chair, thus helping to drive sales.

Reading did ultimately win the game 3-1 and I left the store happy (though empty-handed). My mood was soured, however, when a bird shat on my head as I walked home. But I guess that’s another story (if I ever see that avian offender again, it’s pigeon pie).

Did you miss the game like me?  Watch the goals on YouTube: 

• 0:1 (Keane)
• 1:1 (Shorey)
• 2:1 (Sidwell)
• 3:1 (Doyle)