News and Views
Strong Reading Side Win In League Cup
28 August 2012
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading fielded a strong side tonight to defeat Peterborough United in their second round League Cup fixture at the Madejski Stadium. Brian McDermott had been expected to mix up the side and try some fringe players but instead opted to start with his first choice Premier League side. The decision was probably made after the late postponement of Saturday's game at Sunderland, and the fact that Reading have to wait until 16 September for their next League action. It meant that McCarthy and Shorey, who were expected to start, were left on the bench and failed to make appearances.
The majority of the action, and the entertainment, was in the first half when Reading took a 3-2 lead into the break. The game was 2-2 after just 19 minutes as fans, paying much reduced ticket prices, were treated to plenty of goals. Pogrebnyak (16 mins), Gunter (19 mins) and an own goal on 38 minutes were on the scoresheet for the Royals. Pogrebnyak's was an unusual goal - scored while on the floor. Gunter's was an impressive long range effort - that might have been a cross. McCleary was initially credited for Reading's third after appearing to have scored with a glancing header. Federici, widely expected to be left on the bench, will be disappointed at letting in two early goals when he might have done better. He had few further opportunities to redeem himself.
The second half was much quieter as the visitors showed little sign of getting back into the game despite their earlier efforts. Peterborough had looked dangerous in the first half, playing some of the better football, but failed to build on that in the second half. Reading, after a less than perfect first half, were comfortable in the second half with their single goal lead. Federici only needed to make one save of note, which drew applause, from a rare Peterborough attack inside the last five minutes. Down the other end Hunt, who came on off the bench, hit the bar when he might have sealed the victory.
The draw for the third round of the league cup takes place on Thursday.
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