15 August 2018
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading delivered a much needed confidence boost for the team and fans alike with a 2-0 home victory over a poor Birmingham City in the first round of the League Cup. Reading's first win of the season was comfortable enough thanks to two good goals - one in the first half from Yakou Meite and a stunning second half free kick from the boot of John Swift. In the end this was a straight forward victory with Reading enjoying the better of the match and looking solid for their win without ever looking over impressive apart from two well taken goals.
Paul Clement made changes for this League Cup game but the changes weren't over dramatic and the starting eleven was clearly a very strong side rather than a reserve team. Sam Walker got his first start in goal and Moore was finally recalled to the side after his summer transfer drama. Swift was back in the team after sitting it out during our weekend league defeat at Nottingham Forest. Up front we started with both Baldock and McNulty with Bodvarsson ending as an unused substitute.
McNulty should be pleased with his performance that included setting up the first goal with an excellent ball to Meite. Overall we were not particularly strong up front but the defence was again impressive with sold performances from the back four. Defensively we clearly have plenty of options now Moore clearly up for the challenge and there was even time to O'Shea to make an appearance from the bench late on and show he can still do a job. In goal Walker did nothing wrong and should provide some competition for Manone.
League Cup first round games are miles away from the demands of a League game, but there were plenty of positives for Reading to take into their home fixture with Bolton on Saturday. Clement clearly has a good squad to pick from and options to pick from in nearly every position. It may be early days but three points are a must on Saturday against a side that Reading should expect to beat if they are to do anything this season. Before that we have the interest of the second round draw that takes place on Thursday.
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