What a fantastic performance by our so called second string against a full strength Birmingham side in their own back yard. I'm getting to the stage where I'm not sure what's going to happen next in these amazing times as a Reading FC loyal supporter. Who'd have thought we'd see the day when Reading would go to a place like Birmingham, rest seven players and still put in a performance like that and return victorious, simply brilliant. Yes in the main it was a defensive display, but what do you expect away from home and after the way Brum demolished Newcastle. Lita will take the headlines and had a good game capped by two goals and good to see him do what he does best rather that swallow diving all over the place, but for me Federici, Bikey and Sodje were quite outstanding . Sodje made a couple of brilliant tackles when Brum looked to have a great scoring chance and Bikey was as solid as a rock. Harper and Oster also deserve paludits and both worked their socks off , well played lads. Federici looks a great prospect and will be good competition for Hahnemann. On pitch that looked like it had glue spread all over it , we played with confidence and authority and with Kitson starting and in the fray plus the ever dependable Murty marshalling the troops it was a great all round performance. A tremedous cup tie palyed from end to end and a great result that was capped by my mate Big Bob catching Kitsons shirt as he hurled it into the crowd at the end, we spent the happy journey home with the shirt draped over the dashboard of the car with the aroma of Kits sweat and embrocation wafting around the car, oh happy days! Let's all pray for a good home draw in the next round and then who knows!
Nick Newbury