Reading FC Match Report: 2015/2016 Season - League Cup


PORTSMOUTH 1 READING 2

Reading: N Blackman (64), G McCleary (84).
Portsmouth: C Chaplin (40).

Reading again left it late to pick up another victory in the League Cup. After Chris Gunter's 115th minute winner at Colchester in the first round, Reading came back from a goal down to beat Portsmouth 2-1 away from home and progress to round three. This time Reading had Nick Blackman to thank for his fine solo effort equaliser on 64 minutes, which was followed by Gareth McCleary's close range effort to secure the victory with just six minutes left on the clock.

Reading had looked the most likely to be heading out of the competition after another shocking goalkeeping error. A mix up between Hector and Al Habsi, in goal in place of Bond, saw Al Habsi fail to react allowing Chaplin to score on 40 minutes. Reading had been reasonably bright in the opening half in which either side could have been ahead. Cox had a couple of chances but failed to seriously test the goalkeeper, instead putting the ball over the top. Portsmouth hit the Reading post before Blackman forced the keeper into a good save to push the ball wide. However, it was Portsmouth that went in ahead at the break to the delight of what was a big home crowd for an early round of this competition.

Both Hector and Al Habsi will be disappointed at failing to make the most of been given an opportunity in the starting eleven. Simon Cox will also see this as a missed chance to make a statement that he could solve Reading's problems up front after he failed to make the impact he would have liked. Nick Blackman remains Reading's best hope up front after an excellent run and great finish just after the hour mark to pull Reading level. McCleary replaced Cox with twenty minutes left to play and scored the winner at the far post after a cross through a crowded area.

This League Cup game took place 3129 days ago in the 2015/2016 season.