Henderson bullet ensures Royals ascent

Millwall 0 Reading

Up to fourth place go Reading, who are bright contenders for a play-off spot on the strength of this win, the first achieved in the League at the New Den since last October.

It was a victory built on efficiency and organisation, two departments where Millwall came up empty. At least they had the excuse of eight first-team squad absentees because of illness, injury and suspension but there is no excuse for the manner of head-dropping among some as the game gradually disappeared from their grasp as the second half wore on.

It could have been even easier for Reading but, as their manager Alan Pardew conceded, they were conscious of Millwall's home reputation and record, so the initial approach was siege mentality. A marginal raising of the level of class was all they needed, and it took them until late in the opening half to rumble that this depleted Millwall were functioning by sweat of brow rather than sleight of foot.

The prime example of this was Steve Claridge, proudly sporting the number 36 on his back as indication of his age. It showed, too. Every time he set off in pursuit of the long, hopeful balls aimed his way, Claridge appeared to be wearing diver's boots. Others looked similarly leaden as Reading's midfield of Steve Sidwell, James Harper, Andy Hughes and Luke Chadwick took control on a soft, dead pitch.

Chadwick is on a month's loan from Manchester United and this was the second straight win he had contributed towards since arriving. But, perhaps to keep feet on ground, Pardew withdrew him a quarter of an hour from the end and while praising his part in the first goal, stressed he did not look the sort of finished article you might expect from Old Trafford, perhaps because of languishing in the reserves. Whatever, he was too smart for Millwall.

The home team had chances to get in front. Soon after the kick-off Christophe Kinet swerved one just past the angle and then combined with Claridge to tee up an offering for Steven Reid, who managed nothing closer than an air shot. The captain, David Livermore, came closest of all with a glancing header from Reid's free kick, but it was spectacularly palmed away by Marcus Hahnemann, the latest in a seemingly endless line of American goalkeepers playing over here.

Claridge might have scored at the start of injury time from close in. Instead the ball was switched upfield by Reading, via Chadwick and Harper, for Hughes to cross low and Nicky Forster to slide in.

After another fine, one-handed Hahnemann save from the substitute, Kevin Braniff, Reading sealed the win after Harper had hit the bar following a one-two with John Salako. Darius Henderson, who had come on for Chadwick, collected from Harper, moved to his left and unleashed a mighty drive which beat Tony Warner all ends up. So pleased was he that he celebrated by ripping off his shirt, a brave thing to do on an afternoon of such penetrating chill.

The result was further indication that Reading have a good side and an excellent young manager.

Millwall 0 Reading 2
Forster 45, Henderson 83

Half-time 0-1 Attendance: 7,038