Well, it’s going to be tough to blame this performance on Craig Bellamy. Thanks to an rush of blood to the head of Stephen Bywater and a silly foul in the box, Cardiff City trail Reading 2-0 on the night and on aggregate at their home ground. The good news for them is that away goals are not in play in the Championship playoffs, but they have a serious uphill battle in front of them, and it’s one that Bellamy’s presence would have made easier.
Cardiff City Vs. Reading, 2011 nPower Championship Playoff Semifinals: Reading Lead 2-0 At Halftime
Shane Long scored both goals for Reading, an he now has 24 goals on the season. The first came on a great finish, but the opportunity was gifted to him. In the 28th minute, Bywater rushed out of his goal to try to beat Long to a goal, but failed miserably at clearing it. Long regained possession and hit an impressive chip, hitting the back of the net to open the scoring. Just before the stroke of halftime, Noel Hunt was fouled by Dekel Keinan in the box, resulting in a Reading penalty. Long converted, and Reading now have a comfortable 2-0 lead and look to be well on their way to Wembley.
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