This was Reading's third encounter with Premiership opposition and in my opinion, by far the most significant. Even though only four of the probable line up for Tuesday's league game against Norwich were risked today, Birmingham had to pull out all the stops to force a replay. Such is the confidence, skill and energy within the squad, the Royals are now able to compete comfortably with Premiership opposition.

Ultimately it was sheer physical presence that enabled City to force an equaliser. Melchiot's long throw was nodded on by Sutton, using all his guile and strength to hold off Sonko's challenge, and Dunn reacted sharply to smash the ball past Stack from close range. City might claim they had chances near the end to win the game, but overall Reading were at least their equal. Certainly for the majority of the match Reading's back four coped comfortably with Heskey and Sutton.

Reading looked fresh after their trip to Portugal. Hunt, playing wide on the left, saw a lot of the ball during the opening exchanges, and his direct approach paid dividends forcing City to concede two corners in quick succession. Chances were few in the first half with neither 'keeper really troubled. The goal which separated the teams was created by good passing and movement and clinical finishing. Premiership quality from a Championship team. The final pass from Harper sliced through the City defence where Long had enough time and space to make a real hash of it, but instead finished showing remarkable composure and excellent technique. Taylor had no chance as it flew low into the net just inside the post. He even celebrated like a man who had expected to score!

Reading dominated the first fifteen minutes of the second half and Bruce was forced to make his triple substitutions to freshen up his flagging team. Dunn made an impact immediately forcing a comfortable save from Stack which he made look spectacular. As City pushed forward Long and Lita looked more dangerous. Neither had been able to really get at the City defence in the first half but they grew in confidence as the game progressed. Lita turned his man well using his strength on a couple of occasions, and Long forced defenders into conceding fouls with his pace and willingness to take players on. THe game could have gone either way.

Harper as usual covered an unbelievable amount of ground, Oster looked comfortable in possession, and Hunt kept Melchiot at full stretch throughout. He also found time to unsettle Pennant producing an 'off the ball reaction' which incurred the wrath of the home fans. Sonko had one of his less accomplished performances which was more than compensated for by the magnificent defensive work of Gunnarsson. He was in first every time to win the ball and I don't recall him missing much in the air - no mean feat against such a big side as City. Well played the reserves. Now lets see what the first team can do against Norwich.
John Wells