Super Cooper at the double
READING boss Nigel Adkins was full of praise for 19-year-old Jake Cooper after his performance at both ends of the pitch helped secure a vital away win.
Norwich took the lead after Gary Hooper bundled home from Nathan Redmond’s low cross, before young centre-back Cooper struck with two headers to put Reading in front at the interval.
Cameron Jerome headed wide and substitute Josh Murphy blazed a glorious chance over the bar late on, but Reading held on in relative comfort for a welldeserved three points to ease the pressure on underfire Adkins.
Adkins’ job has come under increased pressure after picking up just eight points from a possible 33, but a well-executed away display will undoubtedly give him some breathing space.
“Jake has a fantastic attitude. He’s in the gym at 7.45 every single morning. He can play, he’s quick, he scores goals, and he’s intelligent and he had an excellent game,” said Adkins.
“He and Michael Hector can play, they can defend and they’ve got plenty of time to develop. Getting this experience now is great for the future of Reading Football Club.
“We’ve changed our tactics to exploit the strengths and weaknesses of Norwich. We came to counter-attack and use the pace in our side.
“The players are working hard and are striving to improve all the time. There is a real positivity about the place.
“We put the hours in and that’s the culture we have. If you believe in what you’re doing, then more times than not you will get your just rewards.”
City found themselves in front inside the opening ten minutes as Redmond’s cross was flicked goalwards by Jerome, and Hooper was on hand to divert the ball past Adam Federici.
Confusion reigned as the goal appeared to be ruled out for offside, before referee David Webb overruled his assistant and awarded the goal.
The visitors were level just minutes later, as Cooper outmuscled Michael Turner to power a downward header past John Ruddy.
Kyle Lafferty had a fierce 25-yard effort turned on to the bar by Federici before Cooper’s day got even better on the stroke of half-time, as he again rose highest to head home Jordan Obita’s inswinging corner, despite Ruddy claiming he was fouled as the ball came over.
City created little in search of an equaliser, with Hooper firing straight at Federici from six yards out before Murphy wasted City’s last and best chance to equalise in injury time when he smashed the ball over the bar from Lewis Grabban’s cross.
“It was not a good day for us. We’ve thrown points away,” said Norwich boss Neil Adams.
“We’ve conceded two setpieces, which is entirely preventable.We should be doing better.We’re not performing anything like we were in the first ten games.
“John should have done better with the second goal. He has accepted he has made a mistake and if he gets criticised for that, it’s part of the game, which he knows.
“The fans were brilliant throughout. I heard them chanting my name and you can’t ask for more and they are right to vent their frustrations at the end.There isn’t a side in the division that should play us off the park.”