Published: Thursday, 4th September, 2008 14:00
The wonder of Jules
By Anthony Smith
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Fighting back: Graeme Murty is winning his fitness battle.
JULIAN Kelly scored a wonder goal as Reading reserves claimed a 3-0 victory against Swansea City reserves in Graeme Murty’s comeback game.
The 18-year-old former Arsenal trainee broke the deadlock early in the second-half with a memorable solo effort.
He picked the ball up just inside the Swansea half, played a one-two with Noel Hunt then dinked the ball over the on-rushing keeper.
Royals coach Nigel Gibbs said: “Julian Kelly’s goal would have graced any game, it was lovely.
“His celebration had to be seen to be believed, though.”
An Albert Serran own goal and a late strike from winger Oliver Bozanic completed a productive night’s work for Reading in difficult conditions at Port Talbot FC.
Club captain Murty got through his first 90 minutes of the season following a calf injury after starting in an unfamiliar centre-back role alongside fit-again Sam Sodje.
Recent £200,000 Cork City signing Dave Mooney also played the whole game on Wednesday night.
Murty said: “I’ve played 350 games at right back so there’s not much for me to learn. It was more beneficial for Julian Kelly to play there to help his progression.
“It’s been a frustrating time for me. I’ve been through the trying to come back to quick thing which was a hindrance so Jon Fearn (physio) has put the reins on me a bit.”
Royals return to Pontins Combination League action next Wednesday (2pm) with a home game against Lewes at the Madejski Stadium.
Reading: Federici, Kelly, Golbourne, Murty, Sodje, Bozanic, Spence, Henry, Bignall, N.Hunt, Mooney. Subs unused: Andersen, Kamdjo, Hateley, Frewen, Bossman.
BRYNJAR Gunnarsson is set to return to training on Monday after eight months out through injury.
The 32-year-old midfielder has not played since a 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa in the Premier League in January.
Initially, he was sidelined with a groin injury then, as he battled back to fitness, the unlucky Icelander suffered knee ligament damage in a training ground accident.
Kalifa Cisse (toe), Marek Matejovsky (ankle) and Michael Duberry (hamstring) are still out.
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