When : Tuesday August 25 2026, 7.45pm
Where : Stadium, Broadhall Way, Stevenage, SG2 8RH
Capacity : 7,800
Back to the League Cup next. Another god awful draw has sent Reading on a thankless trip into darkest Hertfordshire for another League One club that we will have to visit again later in the season to battle for league points so there really isn’t that much excitement for either side over the actual game.
The game must be settled on the night. If it is all square at the final whistle the game will go straight to penalties as there is no extra time in the competition this season (unless it is needed in the semis or final itself).
Stevenage made the playoffs last season, losing out to beaten finalists Stockport in the semis, and have proved themselves to be well organised and a difficult side to beat, as evidenced by the fact they’ve only lost two league games in the last twelve played, a run stretching back to the 1-0 win they achieved the last time Reading visited the Lamex back in March this year. Now, of course, one of those defeats was at home to the Ox while Reading struggled to a point at Wimbledon so I have no doubt they’ll be up to put that result behind them as quickly as possible.
Five players have so far arrived at Stevenage this summer; Michael Mellon from Burnley, former royal youngster Terence Vancooten rejoined from Burton, Josh Magennis from Exeter and Dan Barden from Norwich.
Despite these arrivals the threat from Stevenage remains striker Jamie Reid who knocked in 14 last season, though he is still looking to open his account for this season.
Reading always seem to struggle to get going in a new season and this one is proving no different. Really desperate for Reading to win through in this game to help buoy the confidence as next weekend will deliver another pointless return due to plod’s inability to send an officer to the Kassam because of the Reading festival, meaning no return to league action for Reading until Wednesday 2nd September.
Stevenage will have a worry over the fitness of Jasper Pattenden while Reading are relatively injury free so there should be a full house for Leam to switch around his options on.
Referee
Richard Eley
Previously
04 Mar 25 > Reading 0-0 Exeter City
Historically
The Lamex is usually a dull place for Reading. The highest scoring game Reading have produced there is 1-1 so it would suggest that a possible cure for insomnia is likely to be on the cards. Reading have played two previous cup games at this ground, both in the FA Cup, winning one and drawing the other.
How to follow the game
- Get a ticket and travel
- Now App/Sky red button
- Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
- Ring/text a mate for updates
- Use a RoyalTV subscription
- BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)
