RUMOUR has it that Steve Coppell was furious about the state of the pitch, disgusted with the surface his players were being asked to play on.
After 25 minutes he was probably a little less worried.
At that stage Reading appeared set for victory, only to throw it away with a sloppy performance that explained why their target is now the play-offs rather than automatic promotion.
For Pool there was only quiet satisfaction at another good afternoon's work, when they again shocked a side ranked much higher than them, not just in terms of league position but size of club too.
For half an hour it was awful. Then, warmed by Keith Southern's goal, Pool began to work the channels, to get the ball wide and get a few crosses into the box.
With two huge centre backs in Michael Duberry and Andre Bikey – and without Ben Burgess in the line up – it was imperative not to go route one. Pool were guilty of it initially but then smartened up their act and began to cause problems by using pace either side of the centre halves.
It was reason they were able to equalise (Campbell drawing Duberry out wide and taking him apart) and why they were the better side for the final hour.
Lee Hughes did OK on his second start, though Burgess – after his derby display – is probably above him in the pecking order.
The back four recovered to perform commendably.
David Vaughan and Roy O'Donovan are capable performers but need to add a little more threat on the flanks.
However, they both enjoy running with the ball at their feet and aren't helped by the terrible playing surface.
Charlie Adam was the best performer. He shone whenever he had the ball and has proved the signing of the season.
Tony Parkes and Steve Thompson often don't get the credit they deserve.
For that signing alone, they deserve plenty.
