It’s been a physical first half between Reading and Cardiff City in the 2011 nPower Championship Playoffs, resulting in an injury that required a substitution and a very difficult task for referee Mark Halsey. It’s scoreless after 45 minutes, but just like yesterday’s game, this doesn’t mean that there’s been a lack of excitement. Both goalkeepers have had some work to do, as both teams have created plenty of chances.
Reading Vs. Cardiff City, 2011 nPower Championship Playoffs: 0-0 Halftime, Craig Bellamy Injury A Turning Point
Cardiff were the much more assertive team in the opening 15 minutes, but when Craig Bellamy was forced off with a hamstring injury in the 16th minute, everything changed. He was replaced by Michael Chopra who, while talented, is a much different kind of player. Reading no longer had to play afraid of Bellamy’s speed, and since the sub, they have been the team on the front foot.
Both defenses have played well in their own penalty area to keep their opponents off the scoreboard, but neither has done well at preventing set piece opportunities and dangerous crosses into the box. If the game continues the way it’s been going, there will probably be a goal in the second half.
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