Head To Head: Reading

The Seasiders travel to the Madejski Stadium on Saturday to face Reading, but how have the teams fared in past meetings?

Games: 32
Blackpool wins: 9
Draws: 10
Reading wins: 13

1926 was the year of the first meeting between the two sides, with 'Pool coming out on top 3-1 and doing the double over the Royals later that year.

The following season two games were played in two days over Christmas, ending in a victory apiece.

In recent times Blackpool have found it tough going. The 2-0 victory in 1999 (thanks to goals from Martin Aldridge and Phil Clarkson) is the only win since 1983 - 20 games ago.

Last season at the Madejski, Lee Hendrie was given his marching orders in the first half shortly after the hosts had taken the lead. Simon Grayson's side battled well but ultimately lost 1-0, with Paul Rachubka even saving a late penalty.

There was more of a punchy display back in April for the return fixture at Bloomfield Road. This time caretaker manager Tony Parkes' team came from two goals down inside 25 minutes to draw 2-2 thanks to Keith Southern and DJ Campbell's strikes.

Hopefully Ian Holloway's first visit to Reading as Blackpool boss will bring more of the spirit shown in April (or the attacking display in 1929, winning 7-0!) instead of the weak performances shown against our hosts in recent times.