The Tilehurst End - Cardiff City 3-3 Reading: FA Cup Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2020-02-09T16:46:19+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/209037712020-02-09T16:46:19+00:002020-02-09T16:46:19+00:00TTE Podcast Episode 220: Battered, Bruised But Not Beaten
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<p>Two draws in a week provided very different outcomes as Reading progressed in the FA Cup but dropped points in the league.</p> <div id="Kbv8Xr"><iframe title="The Tilehurst End Podcast Episode 220: Battered, Bruised But Not Beaten" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/33b6v-d2f119?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>
<p id="SUHOKj">A tired Reading FC put in a tired performance against Hull on Saturday to draw 1-1 and draw a line under the celebrations over advancing in the FA Cup.</p>
<p id="d9No3E">Having knocked out Cardiff on penalties to set up a last-16 tie with Sheffield United, the Royals were held at the Mad Stad and Marc Mayo is joined by Adam Jones to dissect the week’s action.</p>
<p id="jVLhJd">Your questions are answered in Mailbag with Ovie Ejaria and Mark Bowen’s philosophy up for discussion, before Newsbites and a Big Match Preview on the West Brom clash in midweek.</p>
<p id="X4Lji9">Sponsored by ZCZ Films, <em>The Tilehurst End Podcast</em> can be taken in via <a href="https://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/"><strong>PodBean</strong></a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0T6sVhHKu2snqK8xlmIiUt"><strong>Spotify</strong></a>, Acast, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6aQZnCxP2bn6zlQS5zJOcA"><strong>YouTube </strong></a>or <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fpodcast%2Ftilehurst-end-reading-fc-podcast%2Fid683251263%3Fmt%3D2&xcust=xid:fr1574717727752bah%7Cxid:fr1578928485207gfd%7Cxid:fr1579538298233cjb%7Cxid:fr1579991340505fji%7Cxid:fr1581266059811jhh" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>iTunes</strong></a>. Furthermore, thanks to all listeners who continue to pledge to our <a href="http://www.patreon.com/thetilehurstend"><strong>Patreon </strong></a>campaign.</p>
<p id="4aQmaT">Listeners can always get in touch with the podcast via our Twitter and Facebook pages as well as our email, thetilehurstend@gmail.com, with thoughts on the show, opinions on the team, and potential topics to sink our teeth into always welcome.</p>
<p id="bjF5Na"><a href="https://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/mf/play/s7i3s8/Episode_220.mp3"><strong>Download the show here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<h2 id="pgZsq2">Show Order</h2>
<p id="JdTjeH">Recap - <strong>04:11</strong></p>
<p id="YQPAkz">Mailbag - <strong>22:55</strong></p>
<p id="8IMvIq">Newsbites - <strong>43:28</strong></p>
<p id="m2vRAv">Big Match Preview - <strong>48:26</strong></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2020/2/9/21130285/reading-fc-podcast-the-tilehurst-end-hull-bowenMarc Mayoajonesrfc2020-02-07T09:00:00+00:002020-02-07T09:00:00+00:00Tactics Review: Half-Time Formation Change Pays Off For Reading At Cardiff
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<img alt="Cardiff City v Reading FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i_EihKWqCtxHIGjEvsYzng9MT5Y=/0x0:3503x2335/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66270665/1204053130.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After going three at the back in the first half, Mark Bowen switched things up in the second, and it helped get Reading into the fifth round of the cup. </p> <p id="Vtnuk2">Reading travelled to Cardiff for the second time in four days to take on the Bluebirds in an FA Cup fourth-round replay. The Royals lined up in a 3-5-2: Walker; Gunter, Osho, Morrison, Blackett, Richards; Pele, Adam, Swift; Puscas, Meite.</p>
<p id="l1bbBd">The first half of this third clash in eleven days between the two sides was particularly uneventful, especially for the visitors. With Cardiff continuing where they left off on Friday night with a plethora of long throws and corners into the Royals’ box, it was clear the hosts were looking to take advantage of lengthy Aden Flint, flicking many a hopeful ball on into dangerous areas. With young Gabriel Osho making his Royals debut, this was certainly one of the tougher type of games he’d go on to face in his career, but put in a solid performance to help restrict Cardiff to mainly half chances. </p>
<p id="rGlpXx">However, Reading were to be the architects of their own downfall in terms of goals conceded when a poor pass from Charlie Adam was pounced on by Josh Murphy, before firing past Walker from the edge of the box. On a few occasions in the first half Reading were prone to giving the ball away by playing to a man in an unconducive position, epitomised by Pele’s ball to Adam’s right foot, while facing his own goal and under pressure from the opposition. </p>
<p id="WA6M3q">His blind pass, in the hope of picking out Swift, then allowed Cardiff in for their first, the home side’s high attacking positioning preventing Reading playing out to the midfield men. Bar a scorpion kick from Yakou Meite that was kept out by Neil Etheridge, Reading hardly threatened the Bluebirds goal in a game that should have been goalless at the break.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="QqOh17">The second half however was a completely different affair. With both George Puscas and Adam axed at the interval, the introductions of forgotten men Sone Aluko and Garath McCleary initially looked like it was primarily made to give the two men some game time, while allowing the side a much-needed formation change. Despite a poor decision from Tyler Blackett to press Gavin Whyte in the centre circle, allowing Will Vaulks to pick out Robert Glatzel who moved to occupy the vacant space and give the home side a two goal lead, Reading dominated the second 45 with both substitutes having a real impact on the game. </p>
<p id="me88Xn">Reading had switced to a 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 (Walker; Gunter, Morrison, Osho, Blackett; McCleary, Swift, Pele (later replaced by Rinomhota), Richards; Aluko; Meite), which meant they left themselves more exposed on the counter attack, but adopted a much higher position up the field than in the first half (and Friday night’s game) and so took the game to the hosts in search of a way back into the tie. Where Reading had previously struggled in the wide areas, with the likes of Bennett and Murphy doubling up on Gunter to deliver crosses into the box, Reading now had two options on each wing with Richards and Blackett in particular impressing with their link-up play and overlaps. </p>
<p id="u4FizW">Pele holding his position by the centre circle allowed Swift to drift from wing to wing to help create overloads (the substitution of Rinomhota and his driving runs allowed Swift to sit back at times) and some incisive passes managed to take the Cardiff fullbacks out of play with the visitors applying much more pressure on the hosts’ goal. </p>
<p id="CfzX48">It was no surprise then that all three Reading goals on the night came from crosses, with Blackett, Richards and extra-time substitute Jordan Obita all showing their quality and cohesion in fashioning chances for the Royals. The attacking nature of the full backs was best shown by both Blackett and Richards being denied at the near post when slipped through on goal and of course Blackett picking out Richards to thump his header in at the near post. Credit is also due to Chris Gunter for always offering an option (if not a decoy run) for the impressive McCleary.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="nimDFl">Garath McCleary had one of his most effective performances in a Reading shirt in recent memory, bamboozling Cardiff’s debutant academy left back Joel Bagan (who later had to be replaced by the more experienced Joe Bennett) with his pace, power and ability to cross or cut in and link up with Aluko/Meite or fire a shot off. </p>
<p id="G5XTDy">Sone Aluko himself had a huge impact on the game, helping to win back play and then create chances with his on-the-ball dummies and fantastic dribbling ability. When deployed in the centre just behind the striker, his trademark move seems to be to run down the right channel while gradually turning his man until he’s effectively cut inside onto his left foot, something he managed to do effectively in both cup games. Thanks to this Aluko managed numerous efforts on goal, finally causing Etheridge some concern in the Cardiff goal. With Rinomhota the third and final sub, his impact may have been slightly understated, however a fantastic volley to draw the game level and another palmed away by Etheridge meant he too played a key role in this topsy turvy cup tie.</p>
<p id="3fCMAB">With Reading on top as the teams went into extra time, another poor pass into midfield (this time from Tyler Blackett) allowed an overturn in possession and a subsequent long ball forwards was far from comfortable for Gabe Osho to deal with, managing to half head it back towards Walker and allowing Murphy to nip in for his second. Despite this reoccurrence of gifting the opposition a goal from some sloppy play, there was a reoccurrence of Reading’s quality down the left flank. </p>
<p id="X0XDfS">Omar Richards returned the ball to Jordan Obita following a throw in, and the substitute whipped a delivery right into the path of Yakou Meite, who had managed to get in front of the defender and finish expertly at the near post. What followed in the penalty shootout was a team high on confidence, with belief and desire to get through to the next round, not putting a foot wrong.</p>
<p id="8ucnq1">From a Reading standpoint there was so much to enjoy about the next 10 or so minutes: Sam Walker saving two (almost all three) penalties; Osho stepping up and dispatching a high-quality penalty to redeem himself after his mistake; Sone Aluko, the forgotten man, winning the shootout for the Royals; and McCleary and Obita both hammering home to make it a 100% record from the spot.</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2020/2/7/21127686/tactics-review-half-time-formation-change-pays-off-at-cardiff-city-reading-fc-royalsjamiewykes2020-02-07T07:37:31+00:002020-02-07T07:37:31+00:00Tweets Of The Week: Groundhog Day Finally Ends
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<figcaption>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Cardiff hate Reading and we’re OK with that.</p> <p id="mmSg1m">We’ve had a shorter gap between Tweetses of the Weekses thanks to the late one last week, so there are fewer talking points to cover with tweets. But the most important is that we beat Cardiff on penalties and they <strong>hate</strong> us for it. </p>
<p id="ppO2WZ">All we can do is laugh.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/i2w4u7ZbB4">pic.twitter.com/i2w4u7ZbB4</a></p>— Andrew Savory (@adsavory) <a href="https://twitter.com/adsavory/status/1224392205160402945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2020</a>
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<p id="xoQiMY">I’ve rewatched this so many times and I’m still both delighted and confused.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s weird how Cardiff have never had any real sort of rivalry with Reading, but over the course of two games in close succession and a third tomorrow, a lot of spite has built up, on and off the pitch. How quickly they became the best of enemies</p>— Scott Johnson (@roathboy) <a href="https://twitter.com/roathboy/status/1224466455678406658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2020</a>
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<p id="Gg01CS">The dawn of a new era.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’ve hated them since the play offs a few years back. I think it was a Shane Long chip?</p>— Liam Davies (@LiamDavies6) <a href="https://twitter.com/LiamDavies6/status/1224483709845495814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">moments leading to disaster <a href="https://t.co/4P9GN5Mmhw">pic.twitter.com/4P9GN5Mmhw</a></p>— Matheus de Andrade (@maffff) <a href="https://twitter.com/maffff/status/1224666939219496960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hated them since 2008 when 11 year old me in the away end at the Madejski had to watch Adam Federici (goalkeeper) score a 96th minute Boxing Day equaliser</p>— super Sol (@blxebirds) <a href="https://twitter.com/blxebirds/status/1224512514291109894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reading aren’t good either ...</p>— Joe Rees (@JoeRees98) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeRees98/status/1224596696673419264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aluko and McCleary stripped and warming up here. Looks like it’ll be a double switch at the break. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Matt Joy (@MattJoy96) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattJoy96/status/1224795781166718976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="dc0T49">It’s as if Bowen was trolling the fanbase with this double substitution. (But it worked.)</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ah just the substitutions we need! <a href="https://t.co/sKGGzcCQS8">https://t.co/sKGGzcCQS8</a></p>— charlie (@dingcharlie_) <a href="https://twitter.com/dingcharlie_/status/1224795894903726081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/VomsFcELag">https://t.co/VomsFcELag</a> <a href="https://t.co/ciRmxZBKYe">pic.twitter.com/ciRmxZBKYe</a></p>— Jacob Potter (@pott95) <a href="https://twitter.com/pott95/status/1224795921466171397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oxford are back in it!<br><br>What a hit from Liam Kelly.<br><br> Watch LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCOne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCOne</a>.<a href="https://t.co/w8sphGDHyd">https://t.co/w8sphGDHyd</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bbcfacup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bbcfacup</a> <a href="https://t.co/bDPQnwwFYi">pic.twitter.com/bDPQnwwFYi</a></p>— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCMOTD/status/1224813168179978253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="U3lcla">Liam Kelly is back in England and playing for *xf*rd. He scored this. But thankfully they still lost.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/4TO8Guced7">pic.twitter.com/4TO8Guced7</a></p>— Russell Hammant (@Buster_5265) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_5265/status/1224816968856981505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="IF0gQg">Sone Aluko. Nothing will surprise us now.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are really just going to play Cardiff for eternity now aren't we?</p>— Mike Servedio (@MikeServedio) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeServedio/status/1224817953998176256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="UHdOY6">In a moment of pure joy, we suddenly realised the Reading-Cardiff games would continue for that little longer.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Full time. Penalties it is and I'm semi-convinced that I'm going to be watching Cardiff vs Reading for the remainder of my days. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Matt Joy (@MattJoy96) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattJoy96/status/1224818972132093954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/yvy9sI4lbF">https://t.co/yvy9sI4lbF</a> <a href="https://t.co/VCj8dr4Tu8">pic.twitter.com/VCj8dr4Tu8</a></p>— Russell Hammant (@Buster_5265) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_5265/status/1224819183793463298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aluko...SENDS IT HOME! THE ROYALS ARE THROUGH! <br><br>CAR | ❌❌⚽<br>REA | ⚽⚽⚽⚽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CARvREA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CARvREA</a> | 3-3 <a href="https://t.co/56MotvNqzO">pic.twitter.com/56MotvNqzO</a></p>— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/1224820876337655810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="hY9BYR">I mean, it <strong>had</strong> to be him, didn’t it?</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/x32FonMReD">pic.twitter.com/x32FonMReD</a></p>— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/1224823403607199744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">And with that the Reading vs Cardiff saga ends. In the best possible way </p>— The Tilehurst End (@TheTilehurstEnd) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTilehurstEnd/status/1224821590443089922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We have been the better team in all three games with Reading and haven't won any of them."<br><br>Neil Harris. Love it <a href="https://t.co/HcWz4icEu7">pic.twitter.com/HcWz4icEu7</a></p>— ElmParkRoyals (@ElmParkRoyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElmParkRoyals/status/1225010691477835783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a>
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<p id="C15xsM">Inject this into my veins.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fair play to <a href="https://twitter.com/Yaks75?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yaks75</a> <br>He has responded so well and professionally to losing someone who obviously meant so much to him<br>3 goals in 4 games since returning to the first team <br>Big respect ⚪️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Swifty SZN ⚪️ (@willsumner09) <a href="https://twitter.com/willsumner09/status/1225000021243891712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a>
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<p id="mbP74E">Hugely commendable effort and output from Meite. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Celebratory drinks are on me everyone <a href="https://t.co/4rgIWFRb3F">pic.twitter.com/4rgIWFRb3F</a></p>— Tom (@TomLunn) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLunn/status/1224821499196071937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="sTjhVH">Cor, mindblowing sums of money, that.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">£10 a ticket to watch Reading play a Premier League side for a place in the FA Cup Quarter-Final is superb. <br><br>Fans come first at <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReadingFC</a> ⚪️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Talk Reading (@TalkReading) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkReading/status/1225376296731136000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2020</a>
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<p id="yg8WPk">And this is a mindblowingly great offer.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2020/2/7/21126097/reading-fc-tweets-of-the-week-groundhog-day-finally-ends-cardiff-city-yakou-meiteRoyal Hoops2020-02-06T14:46:11+00:002020-02-06T14:46:11+00:00Five Things From Reading’s Cup Win At Cardiff
<figure>
<img alt="Cardiff City v Reading FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bD-mXPnGLx2UAXGl4oQPw4jM_fw=/244x0:5500x3504/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66261463/1204174380.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A closer look at what we learned from the Royals’ shoot-out victory in South Wales.</p> <h3 id="O9Yhcv"><strong>Two unlikely heroes</strong></h3>
<p id="sMgMj2">Of all the players to help Reading win a penalty shoot-out, did you really think that Sam Walker and Sone Aluko would be among them? Both have attracted plenty of stick during their time in Berkshire so far (the latter much more than the former), and the club will almost certainly look to move both on in the summer - regardless of their contributions on Tuesday.</p>
<p id="wqqe0D">And yet, there are few things in football that I take more pleasure from than seeing written-off players come good, even if just briefly. It was Walker’s save that gave Reading a crucial 1-0 lead at the start of the shoot-out, and Aluko sealed our place in the fifth round by placing his spot kick in the bottom corner. </p>
<p id="sFrOYT">Contributions like those take guts and composure - as it did for Gabriel Osho who I’ve discussed more below. You wouldn’t have been surprised if Walker, an unreliable back-up ‘keeper, and previous record signing flop Aluko, had lacked such qualities in the heat of an FA Cup penalty shoot-out, but they deserve plenty of credit for holding their nerve.</p>
<p id="3BkTop">Interestingly, Walker was the third Reading ‘keeper to face a shoot-out this season. Rafael came out victorious against Wycombe Wanderers on his debut in the League Cup, Joao Virginia couldn’t do enough against Wolves later in that competition, and Walker has now completed the trio. </p>
<p id="adPmHK">Aluko’s contribution was probably more significant for what it means in the short-term future. He’s much more likely to play this season in the first team than Walker, with Mark Bowen making it clear that the forward will get a chance to impress after his recent return from a loan spell at sister club Beijing Renhe. <em>Hopefully</em> that penalty will give him that bit of confidence to really kick on in the coming months - although we have of course said similar about him previously.</p>
<h3 id="bnCftU"><strong>A good evening for Gabriel Osho</strong></h3>
<p id="MXMu7g">I wasn’t sure whether or not to call it a ‘good’ evening for Gabriel Osho on Tuesday, considering the contrasting nature of his contributions after the 90th minute, but on balance I think it’s a fair assessment. </p>
<p id="gsilS0">The youngster’s felt a lot like Reading’s forgotten centre half in recent times, with Tom McIntyre pushing closer to the first team and a trio of other academy defenders (Akin Odimayo, Andre Burley and Jeriel Dorsett) all making their debuts in Osho’s position this season. That all seemingly left Osho, who was on trial with Ipswich Town a few months ago, destined to leave when his contract expires in the summer. </p>
<p id="zMWKh3">The trip to Cardiff was just his second start of the season for Reading in all competitions - having played at Plymouth Argyle in the League Cup. It meant the match in South Wales was his chance to show what he could do in the first team, and despite <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2020/2/5/21123323/cardiff-city-3-3-reading-fc-player-ratings-royals-fa-cup">looking at ease for much of the game</a>, that seemed to be undone in extra time when his weak header back to Sam Walker was intercepted for Murphy to make it 3-2.</p>
<p id="KM0Bcj">But he showed an awful lot of character to not only score his penalty in the shootout, but also to have the guts to go up second in the order in the first place. It’s easy for a player to hide from that responsibility, especially when you’re a young player who’s made an error, but Osho’s character and composure should be commended. It could earn him more chances in the first team going forwards, and contribute to a new contract. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cardiff City v Reading FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/59-iV0Drpy3OhbEAzhLnMvd8nIU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19701361/1204052033.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Hands up if you buried your penalty</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="yzwkxn"><strong>Meite does the business... again</strong></h3>
<p id="nV8FbM">I’ve got my doubts over how good Yakou Meite is all round - his hold-up play and composure badly need work - but you can’t deny that he does the most important job he’s got: scoring goals. His extra-time strike against Cardiff City was his third goal in his last four appearances (all of them against the Bluebirds), and he came the closest of anyone in the team to scoring against Bristol City just over a week ago.</p>
<p id="WuyQPm">Those goals have lifted him up to nine in all competitions, now putting him top of the scoring charts ahead of George Puscas in second (seven). That’s a great return for both footballing and personal reasons. In the first case, he’s not had positional consistency, playing both out wide and up top, but he’s still constantly a threat in the final third regardless of that.</p>
<p id="uCcYYO">For the second, he deserves a huge amount of credit for how well he’s performed in the games since his father tragically passed away. It will certainly have been an awfully difficult period for him, but the last few weeks say a lot about the strength of his character.</p>
<h3 id="JcrR1D"><strong>The Meite/Puscas pairing should have been scrapped a long time ago</strong></h3>
<p id="5z2y6H">From a good point about Meite to one less good - although it’s not his fault. Mark Bowen again paired the Ivorian frontman with George Puscas, on this occasion at the top of a 3-5-2, and it didn’t pan out well, with Puscas sacrificed at half time so that Reading could switch to four at the back and five across midfield.</p>
<p id="tzoSpF">They’re not suited to playing with each other up front at the same time. Although they’re different in some ways (Meite is stronger and quicker), their profiles as strikers are similar; both like to get at a defence, whether by running at it or trying to get in behind. If you’re going to pair either with another centre forward, that partner should be a foil for Meite or Puscas, whether they’re holding the ball up or dropping off to link the play.</p>
<p id="yIbh2R">We should have learned this lesson a long time ago though. The Puscas/Meite pairing was used - unsuccessfully - in both Jose Gomes’ last game (Bristol City away) and Bowen’s first (Preston North End at home), so the current manager can’t say he wasn’t warned about the pitfalls of this selection.</p>
<p id="lmDY28">This isn’t to say that they can’t play together at all - Meite could line up as a winger in addition to Puscas as a centre forward for example - but Reading shouldn’t again use them in tandem up top.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cardiff City v Reading FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8RAN9h17ZnglrUWi30P8JlV9f0o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19701363/1204049887.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Cool as you like</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="O4lMl2"><strong>A great fifth-round tie </strong></h3>
<p id="2TdNIQ">Getting past Cardiff on Tuesday night didn’t just put Reading into the next round - it also set up a really exciting tie, with the Royals going up against Premier League high flyers Sheffield United at the Madejski Stadium in the next round. With all due respect to Blackpool and Cardiff, the upcoming fifth-round match has a lot more appeal than those two clashes.</p>
<p id="2sBwZi">The club have commendably kept ticket prices low - they’re just £10 for the top bracket - and have been able to reopen Club 1871. Although Cardiff took the option of having the entire South Stand, United haven’t - so our singing section returns in the fifth round. </p>
<p id="fJdS7L">It’ll be tough, that’s for sure, but the prospect of a big, noisy home crowd roaring the Royals on against strong opposition - in a match with a real chance of a cup upset - is something I’m really looking forward to. All in all, it’s set up to be a cracking evening of football at the Mad Stad in a few weeks, with a place in the quarter finals to play for. </p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2020/2/6/21125265/five-things-from-reading-fc-royals-fa-cup-win-at-cardiff-city-bluebirdsBucksRoyal2020-02-05T14:19:41+00:002020-02-05T14:19:41+00:00Mark Bowen Hails Resilience In Cardiff Comeback
<figure>
<img alt="Cardiff City v Reading FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Riro7wVN7wlSKBZpngUuoQ8DvpI=/0x0:4352x2901/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66254128/1204052102.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Royals fought back from 2-0 down to eventually go through on penalties. </p> <p id="h3v0l8">The Royals fought back from 2-0 down to take Cardiff to extra time to then come back from behind again to take it to penalties, before finally securing their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup.</p>
<p id="rvv2aK">This was the third fixture in 10 days between the sides, with the result being a draw each time. Josh Murphy put Cardiff in front and they made it two through Robert Glatzel. Omar Richards scored to put us back in contention before Andy Rinomhota equalised. Murphy put the home side ahead again before Yakou Meite scored his third goal against Cardiff in the last 10 days to take us to penalties.</p>
<p id="7KYC9R">The Royals secured their place in the fifth round to face Sheffield United through the unlikely source of Sone Aluko which sealed a 4-1 victory by penalties. Mark Bowen put out a strong side and was happy with the character his side showed. He spoke to <a href="https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bowen-reaction-reading-cardiff-facup-17690791">Berkshire Live</a> after the game.</p>
<h3 id="XfL3Ms"><strong>On the game</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="1cuw4r">“I’m delighted - character, resilience - all those things my side showed. First half no doubt about it we were miles off what I expect and what the players ask of each other. We were poor in the first half and I had some harsh words to say at half time.</p>
<p id="TUPWWN">“I made a couple of changes - I didn’t think the players that came off were worse than anyone else but I just wanted to flip things around and switch to a 4-4-2. I asked the players to be braver on the ball and show more character. In the first half we were just looking at Cardiff. I wanted us to get on the ball and try and take the game to them.</p>
<p id="ur1Ef8">“Sone Aluko I thought did that, Garath McCleary as well. When we started doing that it gave the team more confidence and to come back from 2-0 down and being down in extra time - I’m proud as punch. I’m delighted for them.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="Q4iuVo"><strong>Bowen on three well-taken goals</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="T9sdlp">“I felt the way the game was going I thought we were on top. The third goal they scored was a bit of a mix-up between Osho and Walker but we brushed ourselves down and kept going at them.</p>
<p id="WrnXjn">“Meite’s finish was fantastic and you got the feeling, when it went to penalties - I told them in the huddle: At this stage I don’t care if we lose because my opinion of them wouldn’t have changed if we lost on penalties. I said they were fantastic and showed great character - just strike the ball well and I had a feeling we’d win on penalties.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="ihfdtA"><strong>Bowen on the importance of the FA Cup</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="jmhkFT">“The fans haven’t had too much to cheer over the past few years and you’re trying to give that back to them. The excitement of the club will never go away. I’m a traditionalist, I’m looking forward to a home game - that’s all you can ask for. It’s a very hard team in Sheffield United but it keeps things bubbling along. We have to make sure we recover and have a plan ready to go against Hull on Saturday.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="xi2SjI"><strong>Bowen on the difference between the sides</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="k2lp7s">“I feel for Neil Harris because it is a mental battle - three games in such a short space of time. Having the same players and having to prepare them again. Three games was always going to lead to penalties I suppose.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="GV6tre"><strong>Bowen on a never-say-die attitude</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="LX665l">“I put demands on them all the time. I am pleased for the team and the manner of the win, and also the fans. At half time they were probably like me - what the hell have we come down here for? But hopefully they’ll go home proud of the group of players after they turned it around.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="Qmd1ZU"><strong>Bowen on the magic of the cup</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="rC2KmA">“It will never go for me. You want to progress and not look too far ahead. Bring it on - Sheffield United.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="LjHoJR"><strong>Bowen on Gabriel Osho’s performance</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="Tu5yll">“He showed guts - he had cramp after about an hour but he got through it and he was one of the first ones to put their name up to take a penalty. Full credit to him after a little mistake for their third goal - it would have been easy for him to put his head down and be a shrinking violet but he stepped forward and said I want a penalty so I’m proud as punch.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="Y53x4N"><strong>Bowen on Aluko’s winner</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="hpvMvC">“I feel for him because he’s had some tough times. He showed character coming on the pitch. I had some harsh words at half time - I said to the guys coming on, I need you guys to get on the ball, be brave, demand the ball and stay on it and give the team confidence with your body language as much as anything. They are both experienced players and they certainly did that.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="Yzjuzl"><strong>Bowen on Sam Walker stepping up</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="OarRa7">“He fills the goal and when you see him standing there in goal it does put fear into you. You want a big keeper to fill the goal. I said to the guys hit the ball well and Sam will win the game for us and he did.”</p></blockquote>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2020/2/5/21123802/mark-bowen-hails-resilience-in-cardiff-city-comeback-reading-fc-royalssophierfc102020-02-05T11:47:56+00:002020-02-05T11:47:56+00:00Cardiff City 3-3 Reading: It’s Always Sone In Berkshire
<figure>
<img alt="Cardiff City v Reading FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vQNpv509k1KBTzCgEKhonaAC9Iw=/0x44:4314x2920/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66253343/1198667002.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Cardiff City FC/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Royals looked out of the FA Cup at 2-0 down, but mounted an excellent comeback before winning on penalties. </p> <p id="iao3Fe">There’s something about the two words ‘Cardiff away’ that brings a big fat smile to my face. Whether it’s Jobi McAnuff dancing through the Bluebirds defence in 2011, Oli Norwood bending home a free-kick in 2015 or Yann Kermorgant netting a late winner in 2016, Reading have had some pretty good times in the Welsh capital in recent years. </p>
<p id="6Wo77J">For a long period of time, last night’s FA Cup fourth round replay looked to be heading into a rather more forgettable category, which also includes The Worst Game You Have Ever Seen™ on the final day of 2017/18 and last Friday’s equally uninspiring 1-1 draw. </p>
<p id="b0ZY50">But something stirred within the Royals team as the game grew older last night. Call it spirit, call it heart. Call it the magic of the cup. It was sensational. Not only did the team haul themselves back from 2-0 down to take the game to extra time, they then equalised again after falling 3-2 behind. By the time Sone Aluko scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out, I had to check I wasn’t in some sort of paranormal universe. The Reading vs Cardiff saga had ended, and the Royals had come out on top. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="CRGiba">
<p id="d89OI8">Having heavily rotated his side for all three previous FA Cup games this season, Mark Bowen found a happy medium by making six changes to the team for the second game in five days at the Cardiff City Stadium. He retained the 3-5-2 formation, as Sam Walker took his place in goal and Gabriel Osho started for the first time since August. Meanwhile, Omar Richards, Tyler Blackett, Charlie Adam and George Puscas were also recalled. Liam Moore and Ovie Ejaria were among those to completely miss out on the squad. Michael Morrison captained the side. </p>
<h3 id="maVFEx"><strong>First half</strong></h3>
<p id="8UX9wF">Reading began the game in much the same vein as last Friday night’s performance. They were sluggish, lethargic and offensively non-existent. Cardiff’s Josh Murphy was enjoying his time on the left hand side, and was the worst possible player that the Royals could have given the ball away to. But Charlie Adam did just that, playing a careless first time pass into an acre of space, which Murphy picked up before firing into the bottom corner. It could have been two shortly afterwards as Danny Ward curled an effort over the bar. </p>
<p id="Og4JDC">Reading did have their own chances towards the end of the half, but Charlie Adam’s ambitious long range effort, George Puscas’s tame header and Yakou Meite’s scorpion kick were never going to be more than wasted chances. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cardiff City v Reading FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dK6VTw6T9h_vpHQKfrZXIWmkHDA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19697392/1198663332.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Cardiff City FC/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Fancy seeing you again? </figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="swGfKI"><strong>Second half</strong></h3>
<p id="kPsjZw">Clearly unimpressed by what he had seen, Bowen took off Adam and Puscas at half-time and replaced them with Garath McCleary and Sone Aluko, changing to a 4-5-1 formation in the process. Two 30+ players were hardly the most inspiring of substitutions, but the pair would prove to be game changers. </p>
<p id="CfmzlN">However it would get worse before it got better for Reading as Will Vaulks took a break from lining up long throws as he played a beautiful outside of the boot ball over the top to Robert Glatzel, who was afforded far too much space by the Royals defence to pick his spot and slot past Sam Walker. That appeared to be game over, especially as Cardiff nearly scored a third when Ward was played in only to be denied by an excellent last-ditch tackle from Chris Gunter. </p>
<p id="G7iwJr">Yet the Royals were a totally different beast for the final half an hour and finally became exciting to watch. Aluko had looked lively ever since he came on, and he forced a good save from Neil Etheridge before Sol Bamba blocked McCleary’s effort. Where there’s life there’s hope, and Omar Richards provided it with a powerful header as he met Tyler Blackett’s cross with the prowess of a centre forward. </p>
<p id="seJZPd">Cardiff’s grip on the game was slipping, and Reading had pulled themselves level ten minutes later. John Swift’s cross found Michael Morrison at the far post, and the defender’s header back into the danger area wasn’t cleared by the hosts, allowing substitute Andy Rinomhota to arrive on the scene and smash home a volley from the penalty spot. Two goals. Two academy graduates. You love to see it. </p>
<p id="bQ2FHY">Incredibly, the Royals may even have considered themselves unlucky not to have won the tie in normal time, as Richards saw a shot blocked and Etheridge had to be on hand to deny both Rinomhota and Blackett in the closing stages. In addition, penalty shouts for what looked a certain hand ball were waved away by the referee. As if Reading and Cardiff hadn’t played each other enough recently, another 30 minutes was on the cards. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cardiff City v Reading FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uyfvlioeWvCI2nIU7-jqSVSm91Y=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19697394/1204044539.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>From 2-0 down...</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="gFNbRl"><strong>Extra-time</strong></h3>
<p id="fVz6Ak">Extra-time stifled Reading’s momentum somewhat and allowed Cardiff to re-organise, with the Bluebirds going back in front three minutes after the restart. Gabriel Osho slightly misjudged a ball over the top from Cardiff and didn’t put enough weight on his header back to Walker, allowing Murphy to nip in and score his second of the evening. It was a real shame for Osho, who had an otherwise impressive evening at the back. </p>
<p id="8wugmx">Reading pushed throughout extra-time for another equaliser, but as two free-kicks came and went, it looked as though it just wasn’t going to be their night. Yet with four minutes to play, substitute Jordan Obita whipped in a cross from the left which was met by Meite with a superb volley, ensuring he had scored in all three recent meetings with Cardiff. After 120 minutes, the game had inevitability ended as a draw, and it felt as if the two teams could go on playing each other for eternity and still not be separated. Thankfully, a penalty shoot-out is a neat little concept in such scenarios. </p>
<p id="qGqbFO">McCleary scored first for Reading before Walker dived low to his right to deny Aden Flint (why put a 6ft 6in centre-back on your first penalty?). The Royals had breathing room soon after as Osho showed confidence to score before Vaulks smashed against the bar. There was a lovely moment too for Jordan Obita, who missed his spot-kick at Wembley three years ago, as he made it 3-0. When Marlon Pack scored for the hosts, it gave Sone Aluko the chance to be the Reading hero. </p>
<p id="p50xRt">I’m not sure I ever expected to write the words ‘Sone Aluko’ and ‘Reading hero’ in the same sentence, but here we are. The 30-year-old fired into the bottom right hand corner to send the Royals through and set up a fifth round meeting with Sheffield United. </p>
<p id="eVo93I">£7.5 million. What a bargain. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cardiff City v Reading FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8sOuLZm3-1IwAUOIfzc2XJKXiX4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19696456/1204051933.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2020/2/5/21123409/cardiff-city-3-3-reading-fc-report-its-always-sone-in-berkshire-royals-fa-cupOlly_Allen2020-02-05T07:30:00+00:002020-02-05T07:30:00+00:00Cardiff City 3-3 Reading: Player Ratings
<figure>
<img alt="Cardiff City v Reading FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8uDsgLuGL7tGM0JaB_e6gNLK3nE=/205x0:4710x3003/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66253059/1204052208.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="UEmRec"><strong>Sam Walker: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="RYnZ6Z">Not sure he could have done much about the first two goals, perhaps needed better communication with Osho for the third. Overall pretty solid though, proving a safe pair of a hands with a couple of important saves. </p>
<h3 id="8SdqLh"><strong>Gabriel Osho: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="H1vdLH">Looked at ease for most of the game despite this being just his second senior start of the season. I was going to perhaps harshly dock him a mark for his error for Cardiff’s third goal, but he made up for it by showing confidence to step up and score a penalty in the shoot-out despite clearly being on his last legs. </p>
<h3 id="4cc453"><strong>Michael Morrison: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="X0xFvA">Led by example at the back, and was particularly impressive in the air with a number of strong headers to clear the danger. Caught out slightly for Robert Glatzel’s goal, giving the German striker a bit too much room to slot home. </p>
<h3 id="gOGPo5"><strong>Tyler Blackett: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="FyGHj2">Comfortable and solid at centre-back, but much more impressive at left-back following the switch to a four-man defence. Put in an excellent cross for Richards’s goal and nearly scored when he found himself in a one-on-one situation against Etheridge. </p>
<h3 id="wyur3R"><strong>Chris Gunter: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="g2n2RW">Struggled up against Josh Murphy to begin with, but gradually improved and made a vital last ditch tackle to prevent Danny Ward from scoring in the second half. Decent going forwards, linking up well with best pal Garath McCleary when he came on. </p>
<h3 id="pKPSEf"><strong>Pele: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="RVC4zN">Based off his recent form, this was an uncharacteristic performance from Pele. Put in a few good tackles here and there, but his passing was wayward and Reading certainly improved after he was withdrawn in the second half. </p>
<h3 id="xUhegI"><strong>Charlie Adam: 4</strong></h3>
<p id="xTA6xP">For someone so experienced, Adam’s error for Cardiff’s first goal, as he gave the ball away by not even looking where he was passing, was inexcusable. Tried to make up for it with a couple of trademark pot shots from range, but he was brought off at half-time. </p>
<h3 id="gqlqY5"><strong>John Swift: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="3IVczx">Not as heavily involved as he would have liked, Swift struggled to impose that much creativity on the game. Did put in a good cross in the build-up to Rinomhota’s goal, but other than that his deliveries, especially his corners, were underwhelming. </p>
<h3 id="LwIkU4"><strong>Omar Richards: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="MEi2qH">Got better as the game wore on, and had a strong attacking presence. Clearly relished playing as a winger when Bowen switched formation, and powered home his header with expertise you would not expect from a 5ft 7in full-back. </p>
<h3 id="OtaMfa"><strong>Yakou Meite: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="RZ24QL">Struggled to get into the game for large parts, but never stopped working and was rewarded with a goal in extra-time - a really well-taken volley when Reading needed it most. Beautiful smile. </p>
<h3 id="8pcX2e"><strong>George Puscas: 4</strong></h3>
<p id="uFUexY">Nothing went right for the Romanian. Made some good runs, but the ball either bounced off him or simply never found him. I’m personally beginning to lose patience. Taken off at half-time. </p>
<h2 id="gnWbnF"><strong>Substitutes</strong></h2>
<h3 id="LWmUTZ"><strong>Garath McCleary: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="ospBDT">Inspired substitution number one. Perhaps his best performance since coming back into the side. A constant threat down the right flank, he put in a number of dangerous crosses and came close to scoring himself as well. Good penalty. </p>
<h3 id="HnqmXV"><strong>Sone Aluko: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="OtBt34">Inspired substitution number two. Aluko was eager to drive Reading forward the minute he came on, and although not everything he tried came off, he looked lively throughout. Never thought I’d see him score a winning penalty for Reading. </p>
<h3 id="Mz66cT"><strong>Andy Rinomhota: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="ZVb1XM">Inspired substitution number three. Added energy to the midfield and took his goal really well as he smashed home a volley in the area. Could have had a second goal if it weren’t for a good save from Etheridge. </p>
<h3 id="26kLzr"><strong>Jordan Obita: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="cZ3bTb">Inspired substitution number four. Came on in extra-time to put in a great cross which Meite met to equalise. Superb to see him score his penalty after his miss at Wembley. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="wqDZ1d">
<h3 id="uiZJmK"><strong>Average: 6.00/10</strong></h3>
<p id="MXuotX"><em>Who was your man of the match against Cardiff? Vote in our poll below or </em><a href="https://linkto.run/p/DH0J1BBI"><em><strong>through this link here</strong></em></a><em>.</em></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2020/2/5/21123323/cardiff-city-3-3-reading-fc-player-ratings-royals-fa-cupOlly_Allen2020-02-04T08:00:00+00:002020-02-04T08:00:00+00:00Cardiff City vs Reading: FA Cup Fourth Round Replay Match Preview
<figure>
<img alt="Reading FC v Cardiff City - FA Cup Fourth Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-_9FqiofSZqGnG7fuyrK2mWBfXw=/0x0:3176x2117/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66245896/1201904299.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Royals face a very familiar foe once again on Tuesday night...</p> <p id="zh0xAO">Reading take on Cardiff City for the third time in under two weeks, as the sides look to progress through to the fifth round of the FA Cup on Tuesday evening.</p>
<p id="32zPvo">Two draws in their last two meetings has makes this a brilliant tie to potentially tune in to, although this match will have to be decided on the night. Extra time? Penalties? This one has the potential to go all the way.</p>
<p id="sURlTz">The winner of this tie will play Premier League side Sheffield United in the fifth round of the competition. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this cup replay in Cardiff.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="301UFC">
<p id="bWibXs"><strong>What? </strong>FA Cup Round 4 Replay</p>
<p id="8MJuyO"><strong>Who?</strong> Cardiff City</p>
<p id="nIG5RP"><strong>Where?</strong> The Cardiff City Stadium</p>
<p id="1Kc9u4"><strong>When?</strong> Tuesday 4<sup>th</sup> February 2020 (7:45pm KO)</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="TNIFcz">
<h2 id="UpSGsz"><strong>Our last FA Cup clash</strong></h2>
<h3 id="UQq4IR"><strong>Reading 1 – 1 Cardiff City</strong></h3>
<div id="Mp8qQL"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bsR21vf7pf8?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="mW68vv">Sol Bamba’s sitter proved to be costly for Cardiff as the Royals managed to hold on for a draw with ten men, and a very young backline to finish the game off with.</p>
<p id="u4AFE0">Callum Paterson was the man to open the scoring at the Madejski Stadium in our last FA Cup clash, giving the away side an early leading after guiding the ball past Sam Walker. It was a disastorous start for the Royals, although they did not have to wait too long to get back in to it. Yakou Meite controlled a perfectly-weighted ball from Charlie Adam, before firing past Alex Smithies to equalise just a few minutes later. This was a great moment for Meite, who had endured a very tough week.</p>
<p id="gAw72f">The Ivorian had further chances to put the Royals ahead, although he did have the ball in the back of the net again before half time. However, this was chalked off for offside. Was it offside? It doesn’t look like it from the replays, but it was a tight one for sure.</p>
<p id="x0bpxt">Neither side were able to break through in the second half, although Tom McIntyre’s sending off gave the Bluebirds a great opportunity to grab a winner. I’m sure McIntyre’s sending off will benefit him for the future, he was outstanding before his dismissal. It could be argued that his sending off was harsh, but Reading managed to survive without him in the end.</p>
<p id="NWNLvx">Omar Richards, Gabriel Osho, Andre Burley and Teddy Howe all did brilliantly in defence, with a little help from Sol Bamba missing an absolute sitter. If the youngsters do play on Tuesday, let’s hope they perform well again.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="SpGtI2">
<h2 id="NFtMRc"><strong>The Last Meeting</strong></h2>
<h3 id="QcCkIU"><strong>Cardiff City 1 -1 Reading</strong></h3>
<div id="aWiiDS"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VK5qoObt-rU?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="ONBw8A">The Royals struck first at the Cardiff City Stadium, with Yakou Meite heading the ball in from a John Swift cross in the opening ten minutes. In a game that was quite poor in terms of quality, Callum Paterson scored yet again against the Royals after a goalmouth scrap from a long throw-in.</p>
<p id="ySLDqm">Cardiff went on to dominate the rest of the match and Rafael had to make a very smart stop, before Charlie Adam’s cross almost looped in to the back of the Cardiff City net. The Royals need to keep hold of their leads when they get them. Getting to 50 points is important, let’s hope we can be victorious over Hull City at the weekend.</p>
<p id="CvSGiN">Although the sides only sit a few places away from each other in the Championship, Cardiff City have more of a chance of reaching the playoffs this season. If Neil Harris and his side can go on a good run, they may be competing at the top end of the Championship in months to come. They are a Championship side and anything can happen in this division. This applies to both sides, who go head to head once again on Tuesday evening.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="wARPzm">
<h2 id="13gQFf"><strong>TTE Stats</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="gLy2kK">Cardiff City are yet to beat Reading in any of their three meetings this season in all competitions.</li>
<li id="LaYtWq">The Bluebirds have won just ten of their 30 league games so far this season. Despite this, they remain in the hunt for a playoff spot. It’s getting tight in and around the playoff places.</li>
<li id="r2L1DP">Reading have failed to win a league game since New Years Day – this was a 2-1 win against Fulham. </li>
<li id="61ZoKj">The Royals have picked up just three points out of a possible 15 in their last five league games. Let’s hope we can do better in the cup this Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Z5ko3c">
<h2 id="PJM9E8"><strong>Predictions</strong></h2>
<p id="yWehmw"><strong>Likely Reading lineup: </strong>Walker, Richards, Burley, Osho, Gunter, Rinomhota, Adam, McCleary, Aluko Olise, Loader</p>
<p id="Qostbd">Going with the inexperienced Andre Burley and Gabriel Osho as predictions for a match against a Championship side is probably a bad call from me, but I can’t see McInytre, Morrison or Moore starting on Tuesday. </p>
<p id="8gKK6d">The trio started on Friday and Bowen is likely to keep them in the first 11. However, Chris Gunter’s first team opportunities may be limited with Andy Yiadom’s return edging closer. Omar Richards is almost certain to start.</p>
<p id="oKwpCp">A midfield trio of Charlie Adam, Andy Rinomhota and Michael Olise offers a mix of youth and experience, and the latter is likely to start in a more advanced role in supporting Danny Loader up front. Garath McCleary and Sone Aluko could start on the wings and both will need to be a threat if Reading are to progress through to the next round of the FA Cup.</p>
<p id="ia5IHc">I’m going for a 2-1 defeat this Tuesday, partly down to the fact that I still think Mark Bowen will prioritise the league over getting knocked out of the cup. If Reading slip down the table because of their concentration on the cup, Bowen could end up being in danger of the sack. The Royals have not performed very well recently, let’s hope they can build some momentum on Tuesday night ahead of the rest of the season.</p>
<p id="OY5Lhw"><strong>Score Prediction: Cardiff City 2 – 1 Reading </strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="nUACmM">
<h2 id="4m6GVY"><strong>Other FA Cup fourth round replays</strong></h2>
<p id="7ahOeJ"><strong>Tuesday 4</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> February (7:45pm KO unless stated):</strong></p>
<p id="1MMXld">Birmingham City vs Coventry City</p>
<p id="KYk06T">Derby County vs Northampton Town</p>
<p id="j57exr">Liverpool vs Shrewsbury Town</p>
<p id="xxhZyN">Oxford United vs Newcastle United (8:05pm KO)</p>
<p id="4r39kE"><strong>Wednesday 5</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> February (7:45pm KO):</strong></p>
<p id="tgkdF0">Tottenham Hotspur vs Southampton</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2020/2/4/21119153/cardiff-city-vs-reading-fa-cup-fourth-round-replay-match-previewajonesrfc