Superman Returns

Back to basic, back to routine. It did seem all to mandatory in full honestly as Reading saw a, dare I say, comfortable 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.

Three years ago Reading suffered a 2 -1 defeat on the opening game of the Season against the Pilgrims before going a dazzling 33 games unbeaten.

Today was unique in many aspects as the crowd reached an average 19,202 and I felt there was much more of a spirited atmosphere echoing through the ‘Mad Stad’. It did, however, show a sense of loyalty and responsibility from the fans to the club and vice versa.

Manager Steve Coppell even quoted in the match day programmes saying that the glory hunters have been and gone and he was certainly looking forward to seeing Reading being supported by those who will follow them through thick and thin.

I still have doubts that Stephen Hunt does not tick all the boxes for a competitive left back as he is, at sometimes, left wandering. Although he is a much better stopgap than most others are. Nicky Shorey will be missed especially the use of his left foot on set pieces but Hunt managed to deliver two corners of pure genius allowing Ibrahima Sonko to score two textbook headers.

Sonko looked like an old friend out there; fans remembered the old recycled Sonko is superman chants and used them in full affects. He looked like a man wanting to prove a point and he certainly won over the majority of the crowd.

Ivar Ingimarsson and Sonko reignited their defensive partnership that was most successful in our championship-winning season. Sonko seemed to be top of his game and resembled an actual footballer as opposed the pathetic non-shows (meaning that literally as well) he conjured up last season.

So far, this has been a perfect beginning of the season for him as two clean sheets and two solid performances on a dodgy knee.

Sonko welcome back. May it long continue?