22 September 2015
By John Wells
Reading's Capital Cup run came to an end, in spite of a magnificent performance, at the hands of a full strength Everton side currently lying in sixth place in the Premier League. The Royals starting eleven, which included several new signings and squad players unable to secure a regular place in the team so far this season, took everyone by surprise, perhaps with the exception of Steve Clarke, with the quality of their football. After a tentative opening few minutes Reading took the game to their Premier League opponents and outplayed them for most of the first half. The one goal lead at half time was the least they deserved. Sadly the outcome of the tie hinged on a goalkeeping error from Al Habsi just over fifteen minutes from full time after Barkley had restored parity with an unstoppable strike drilled through a crowded penalty area; but even defeat could not detract from the pleasure of watching Reading pass their way through and around a well organised Premier League defence.
Bolstered by almost 4000 traveling Everton fans it was the biggest crowd of the season so far but with so many new faces in the Reading line up there was a slightly apprehensive air about the evening at from the kick-off. Confidence grew quickly amongst the Reading team and although Hurtado was caught in possession on the edge of his own penalty area in the opening minutes it was clear that Piazon, Fernandez, John and Hurtado were comfortable on the ball and capable of picking out a good pass. Barkley was a treat breaking from midfield with pace as was Deulofue on the right flank. A sharp exchange of passes put Blackman in possession on the edge of the box, and the in-form striker playing alone up front, carried the ball across the edge of the area and lashed a shot towards the top corner which Robles managed to deflect over at full stretch. It was clear that Everton had a game on their hands.
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