Reading v Cardiff

Cardiff defender Paul Quinn has suggested that his side can be more ‘relaxed’ than their opponents after missing out on promotion at this climactic stage in 2010. It’s an unconvincing argument since the Bluebirds’ status as serial chokers shows little sign of abating.

In 2009 a freak run of disastrous results cost Dave Jones’s side dear as they contrived to lose the final play-off berth to Preston - a 6-0 defeat to North End overturning the previously huge goal difference advantage. The pain of that capitulation may have played a part in the Wembley defeat to Blackpool last season and now both memories will be rekindled as they try again against Reading on Friday night.

The Welsh side hope things will be different now with high profile recruits like Craig Bellamy having added much needed experience. The problem is that the striker can do little if the defenders turn into nervous wrecks. The Man City loanee commented that he had barely touched the ball when his side quickly found themselves 3-0 down at home to Middlesbrough on May 2nd. At that point Cardiff had realistic pretensions of overhauling Norwich to obtain the second automatic promotion spot. With those dreams up in smoke, there is little to suggest that Jones’s side is any better at handling the pressure in 2011.

The form book will offer Cardiff fans no respite as they head to the Madejski Stadium to face a Reading side who have tasted defeat only once in their last 16 league games. The Royals surged up from mid-table while the Bluebirds whimpered into the play-offs with one win in their last four. Reading are a tempting 11/4 with Boylesports to fly out of the blocks and be winning at half-time and full-time in this first leg.