Reading 2, QPR 1

TABLE-TOPPING Reading played their way into the history books as a late penalty from captain Graeme Murty sealed a 2-1 victory and netted a new English football league record of 106 points.

Murty's memorable moment came just six minutes from time, and not long after that he lifted the Coca Cola Championship trophy in front of the 23,156 fans who had packed the Madejski Stadium for a Sunday celebration to savour.

The winning goal was a personal triumph for Old Basing resident Murty who, until that point, had been the only regular outfield player not to score for the club this season. Murty said netting his first goal in more than five years was a fairytale way to round-off a dream season.

Recalling his moment of glory, he said: "I always hoped it would happen. I had to pull rank on a few of the lads today to make sure I got to take the penalty.

"I just picked up the ball, walked away, got my head right and waited for everything to settle down. Then I whacked it as hard as I could.

"People keep saying I couldn't have written the script better myself - and they're absolutely right. It's just beyond belief."

Murty also vowed not to let his lucky new boots or the trophy out of his sight now, adding: "I'm not really an advocate of full-backs or defenders wearing white boots, but after playing in them, and especially scoring in them, I think I'll have to persist with them!

"The trophy got taken off me earlier, but if I find it later on, I won't be letting it out of my sight too soon. I think the chairman has it under lock and key, but I'll find out where he's stashed it!"

During the match, the Royals seemed to find it hard to settle into their usual slick rhythm as QPR put on a determined display for caretaker manager Gary Waddock.

Richard Langley curled an early free-kick onto the roof of the net, and Paul Furlong produced a fine parry from Marcus Hahnemann before Royals forced their first save out of visiting 'keeper Paul Jones in the 14th minute.

Kevin Doyle, who added the fans official player-of-the-season award to the divisional PFA player-of-the-season honour he received a few days earlier, then forced Jones to palm away his shot, but Nicky Shorey could only drill the rebound past the right-hand post.

After 40 minutes, Hahnemann started the sweeping move that saw Royals take the lead, as his quick throw released compatriot Bobby Convey on the left.

He surged forward and exchanged passes with Shorey before whipping a cross from that flank towards the back post.

John Oster neatly turned the ball back across goal, making it easy for Dave Kitson to tap home.

QPR changed their 'keeper at half-time, bringing on Jake Cole. The youngster was immediately forced into action to deny Doyle with a block at the striker's feet.

The visitors threatened to ruin the party with an equaliser in the 72nd minute. A long-free kick was headed into the danger area by Gareth Ainsworth, sub Ray Jones nodded it down and the ball was swept home by Paul Furlong.

Royals tried to respond quickly as Convey lashed a left-foot volley into the side netting, but at the other end Scott Donnelly was denied twice as he thumped a shot at Steve Sidwell and failed to beat Hahnemann with the follow-up.

Powerhouse defender Danny Shittu then copied Convey as he fired into the side netting after a corner for the visitors, but Royals hit back with late pressure as they desperately wanted to break the points record.

Stephen Hunt forced an outstanding tip over from Cole with an acrobatic overhead kick, and then Royals received a slice of good fortune with the late penalty award.

There's no doubt Shorey's cross-shot in the box struck the left hand of Langley, but, as it had been hit from just a few yards away, it looked more like ball-to-hand than the other way around.

However, referee Darren Drysdale pointed to the spot and, after protests and plenty of gamesmanship delayed the take, Murty stepped up to hammer the ball home.

Speaking after the game, victorious manager Steve Coppell said: "For the captain to score the winning goal and then receive the trophy tops off what has been a memorable 12 months.

"I've said all year, 'what's the point of records?', but I think this one will last some time."

Reading (4-4-2): Hahnemann; Murty, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Shorey; Oster (Hunt 61), Sidwell, Harper, Convey (Gunnarsson 85); Doyle (Long 85), Kitson. Subs not used: Stack, Makin

First published: Tuesday, May 2, 2006