The Tilehurst End - Derby v Reading (Capital One Cup Third Round) Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2014-09-25T18:27:05+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/65977902014-09-25T18:27:05+01:002014-09-25T18:27:05+01:005 Things - Sheffield Wednesday and Derby
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<figcaption>Laurence Griffiths</figcaption>
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<p>Bucks Royal rounds up the last week of football action from Reading's trips to Sheffield Wednesday and Derby with his 5 Things.</p> <p><b>The injury table gives with one hand... and takes away with the other...</b></p>
<p>Reading's ongoing struggle with the plague of injuries that has descended upon Berkshire must make Hogwood Park seem akin to Bubonic-plague era Europe, with the squad at one point missing out on a whopping 14 players. Long-term absentees Jem Karacan, Danny Williams and Garath McCleary are still on the treatment table, but the last week has seen some positive and negative developments for the physios to grapple with. Saturday saw first-team regulars Adam Federici and Michael Hector unable to start, with Mikkel Andersen (more on him later) and Jake Cooper stepping into the breach. That said, Messrs Guthrie and Robson-Kanu made returns to the starting XI to face Derby on Tuesday, giving Nigel Adkins some more attacking options going forward. And, as I'm sure you'll all agree, the news that Stephen Kelly is close to a full return couldn't be more thrilling.</p>
<p><b>Mikkel Andersen</b></p>
<p>It's pretty crazy to think that Saturday's man between the sticks had been waiting for seven years before finally making his debut. In those seven years, he played for the likes of Torquay United, Rushden and Diamonds and Bristol Rovers. Signed by then manager Steve Coppell from Danish side Akademisk Boldklub during our first stint in the Premier League, Mikkel Andersen finally has his first two Reading appearances under his belt. Here's to another seven years, hopefully with a few more appearances this time.</p>
<p><b>The League Cup isn't our forte... </b></p>
<p>The Third Round is far from the worst showing we've had in the League Cup in recent years, but it's disappointing to note that it's also one of our best. In the six seasons before this one, we've only gone further than the third round on one occasion - and that ended with a 5-7 battering at home to Arsenal. In those six seasons, we've also seen a 6-0 mauling away to Peterborough and a first round exit to Charlton Athletic - hardly the most dangerous of sides. This year it can certainly be said that we beat the teams we should and only went out to a good side that was almost promoted last season, but we're definitely due a longer cup run than this one - hopefully it'll come sooner rather than later.</p>
<p><b>Cometh the hour, cometh the investment</b></p>
<p>Sir John Madejski said this week that the takeover of the club from a Thai consortium effectively saved Reading. With the club unable to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking in May, Adam Le Fondre was hastily sold to Cardiff City to pay off a pending tax bill - dire times indeed. Since then, with the takeover ongoing, although the likes of Sean Morrison and Alex McCarthy were also sold to keep funds coming into the club (presumably), Nigel Adkins was nonetheless able to bring in five quality players to boost the young squad he had to work with. With the Thais now tied into the club, we can now look towards signing down key players to new deals, and building the team up towards a Premier League return in the hopefully not-too-distant future. With that hope in mind, whatever the future holds, it's easy to forget that this season could have been very dark indeed.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Our homeless ex-players</b></p>
<p>I had a sad thought earlier this week when I realised that players released by the club this summer, Mikele Leigerwood and Kaspars Gorkss are still without a club. Both were much-maligned by fans throughout their ill-fated Premier League season and indeed for much of the following year in the Championship, but both are nonetheless hardened veterans at this level with Championship winners' medals under their belts - Gorkss having one for his time at both Reading and Queens Park Rangers. So, with that in mind, you would have thought that someone would have picked them up in the same way that Jobi McAnuff was by Leyton Orient (who recently opened his account for the London side) but alas, no takers. The transfer market is indeed a cruel mistress.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/25/6844687/5-things-sheffield-wednesday-and-derbyBucksRoyal2014-09-25T14:32:06+01:002014-09-25T14:32:06+01:00Derby v Reading Highlights<iframe width="1280" height="720" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KqjYh7BYPSU" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Video highlights from Reading's 2-0 League Cup defeat at Derby.</p></p></div>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/25/6843525/derby-v-reading-highlightsWimb2014-09-25T14:25:20+01:002014-09-25T14:25:20+01:00Derby 2-0 Reading: Player Ratings
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<figcaption>Jamie McDonald</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams put Reading out of the League Cup with a 2-0 win at the iPro, see how each player stood out. Don't forget to vote for your Man of the Match.</p> <p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Mikkel Andersen: 7</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Could do nothing about the two goals, and made some impressive saves-particularly his diving save to push Ibe’s effort on to the crossbar. Commanded the box well during corners, and looked generally assured in his position, but otherwise wasn’t called on all that much.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Chris Gunter: 6</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Had a tough job marking the impressive Jordan Ibe, and perhaps should have closed down Russell more effectively for the first goal, but all in all a solid display from Gunter. Showed defensive nous, and played a good ball in to Kanu in the second half.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Michael Hector: 8</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He’s still learning, you can tell, but Hector looked awesome at times against Derby. Completely dominated Best for most of the game (although was not as successful against Martin), and played some nice passes. Showed real confidence carrying the ball forward, starting the most promising attack of the second half with a determined run. He seems to be just the kind of defender that Adkins will want to develop.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Alex Pearce: 6<br></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">An assured presence alongside Hector, Pearce was solid in defence and relatively comfortable in possession (for a central defender). Own goal was unlucky. This was not a bad performance from Pearce, but lacked perhaps the spectacular moments that Hector captured. If Pearce performs like this all season I don’t think there will be too many complaints.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Jordan Obita: 7</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Looks a class act as a left back. Dealt well with the imposing figures of Cyrus Christie and Johnny Russell, and provided width for our second half rally. Delivery was good, but this time no one was on the end of his crosses. Seems to have developed a real consistency, and we’ll need him fit for the rest of the season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Danny Guthrie: 5</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Game passed him by. Seemed to lack fitness, as players drifted by him too easily (reminiscent of Daniel Carriço’s first appearance). There’s more to come from Guthrie as he regains his fitness, but this might have been a game too soon.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Aaron Kuhl: 6</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Would be a 7 but for his shaky opening period. Needed to warm into the game, and struggled to make an impact in the first half. Was influential in play in the second half, especially once Edwards moved alongside him in midfield. Exciting to see 90 minutes of him in action-with a very impressive second half.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Jamie Mackie: 4</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not good from Mackie. He seemed to be on a different wavelength to the other Reading players, full of bright ideas that nobody was anticipating. Lacked pace and never got the beating of his defender, lacked composure in the box and was caught in possession several times. Mackie will really need step up his game if he is to hold his spot. In his defence he did run a lot, but in general he had a pretty dire game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Hal Robson-Kanu: 6</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nobody knows where this man’s position actually is. Played as a deep lying forward behind Pogrebnyak, and lacked much influence in the game. Had some bright (but fruitless) moments in the first half, and was booked for diving. Wasted a great chance in the six yard box in the second half and then faded out of the game. His substitution for Cox was inevitable, and came too late in the game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ryan Edwards: 5</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Seems to have a similar problem to Robson-Kanu in that no one seems to know what his position is. Lined up as a left winger, but seemd to spend most of his time in a deeper, more central position, perhaps to aid Guthrie and Kuhl defensively. Had some very poor first touches and didn’t provide any width for the attack to go left in the first half, but ended the half with a superb turn and volley which was palmed away at full stretch by the keeper. Energy allowed Aaron Kuhl to take control of the midfield in later stages of the game-seemed to play well in a more central role.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Pavel Pogrebnyak: 5</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I can’t remember Pog having a shot throughout the whole game, which is not a good thing to be able to say about your main striker. Showed no lack of effort, but was employed very strangely in the second half as more of a left winger than a centre forward. Impact on the game was minimal.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Jake Taylor: 6</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Came on for Guthrie, but moved forward and took Edwards’ spot on the wing. Brought some good pace and directness to the team, and played some dangerous crosses.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Simon Cox: 5</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Replaced a tiring Robson-Kanu, but I can’t remember him even touching the ball. Very limited impact on the game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Jake Cooper: N/A</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thrown on to replace Hector before a promising set piece. Used mostly for his height, and while he was menacing, he wasn’t on the field long enough to really judge his impact.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Too harsh? Too soft? Let us know what you think in the Man of the Match </i>poll and in the comments below.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/player-ratings/2014/9/25/6843185/derby-v-reading-player-ratingsjonnnyscott8622014-09-25T14:22:02+01:002014-09-25T14:22:02+01:00Derby 2-0 Reading: Match Report
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<figcaption>Jamie McDonald</figcaption>
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<p>A 'tough on paper' away trip resulted in what was a comfortable league cup victory for the hosts, but condemns Reading to two defeats on the trot. Let's take a look at what went wrong at the iPro.</p> <p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><b>Reading</b>: Anderson, Gunter (C), Obita, Pearce, Hector (Cooper 87), Guthrie (Taylor 72), Kuhl, Mackie, Edwards, Robson-Kanu (Cox 77), Pogrebnyak</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As if an away trip to Derby wasn’t hard enough, the loss of Oliver Norwood and Glenn Murray, both cup tied, made what would have been a difficult game even harder. The return of Danny Guthrie and Hal Robson-Kanu, however, provided some good news on the injury front, and Pogrebnyak was passed fit to start as well. Inspiringly, this was a team with 13 academy graduates in the matchday squad: 7 out of the starting 11, which, injury crisis aside, is a real tribute to the quality of work that Eamonn Dolan and everyone else does in the academy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With Kuhl and Guthrie as the midfield anchors, this was a game that promised lots of passing flair, with both players’ passing the key attribute of their game. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long to realise that Guthrie was still nursing injury, and clearly off the pace, while Kuhl needed some time to warm into the game, missing tackles and scuffing passes in the early stages.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The team appered to be set up in a flexible 4-2-3-1, with Kuhl and Guthrie lying in the deeper midfield roles, Edwards on the left, the returning Hal Robson-Kanu down the centre (an interesting decision from Adkins, perhaps he sees Hal’s future as a central player as well), Jamie Mackie plowed the right wing, with Pogrebnyak as the central striker. I say a flexible formation, because it seems that the players were being told to play where they liked, and to fill in for others who were out of position: in parts of the first half, for example, Edwards would sit deep with Guthrie, with Pogrebnyak left, Hal centre, Kuhl on the right and Mackie as the front man.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">---</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first real chance of the game fell to Derby, after a long ball forward from Hughes inexplicably bounced off Hector’s backside and fell to Leon Best, who ran at the defence before firing in a shot which was well saved by Andersen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Will Hughes was causing real problems for Reading, with the highly rated youngster breaking through the back line very easily, putting in some dangerous crosses and having a shot from the righ hand side of the six yard box saved by Andersen. Derby were in the ascendancy in the first half.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hal Robson-Kanu’s return was good news for the team, adding a bit of strength and directness to the Reading front line. What good we did create in the first half seemed to come through him, although he did go down far too easily after one direct run into the box, leading to a yellow card for simulation. Apart from some skilful first half moments, though, HRK really struggled to get into the game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Derby’s on loan Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe was causing all sorts of problems down the left, with Chris Gunter pinned back regularly, and Jordan Obita had a tough night as well, dealing with the speed and strength of impressive Derby right back Cyrus Christie. It was Christie, ironically, who provided Reading with their best chance of the evening. An attempted back pass into the Derby defence landed straight at the feet of Jamie Mackie on the edge of the box. With only an onrushing keeper ahead of him, and two sprinting defenders doming from behind, though, he lacked the composure to open his Reading account with what would have been a vital goal in what was a relatively tight game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You know when a gilt-edged chance like Mackie’s one on one is missed that it will probably come back to bite you at some stage, but Reading went on to finish the half strongly, with Ryan Edwards lashing a vicious shot from the corner of the box that was just tipped over by Derby keeper Roos.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Derby may have been dominant in the first half, but the best chances fell to Reading.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">---</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The start of the second half was blistering from Derby, with Andersen pulling off a fantastic save to push a curling Ibe effort onto the crossbar on 51 minutes.<span> </span>Despite one more dipping effort from Russell, the Royals were dominant for the next 15 minutes, the Andersen save perhaps inspiring the players onwards.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Michael Hector was instrumental in this turn around in play. The young defender had Leon Best in his back pocket, easily dispossessing him on several occasions. One particularly memorable moment was, following yet another tackle on Best, Hector carried the ball the whole length of the pitch before releasing Jamie Mackie who fired across the six yard box but with no onrushing Royals able to make the crucial connection.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hector’s awakening also saw Jordan Obita and Aaron Kuhl become more influential on the game, with the former finally able to exercise some of his attacking skills on the left wing after the dangerous Christie was pegged back, and the latter being afforded more space to show his creative game in action. All three academy products were outstanding in this 15 minute period of pressure, and it was a joy seeing Obita easily out muscling Russell in a strong challenge between the two.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was a ball from the other full back that created Reading best chance of the second half, with Hal Robson-Kanu able to chest down the ball on the six yard box before firing his shot straight at Roos. It was a difficult chance, but was really the pinnacle of Reading’s pressure as the sucker punch inevitably arrived in the 67<sup>th</sup> minute.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A long ball downfield from the keeper was headed on to Chris Martin, who with a simple pass knocked it on to Russell who blazed by Gunter and finished well into the corner of the net. It was a great finish from the Derby forward, although both Pearce and Gunter may be a little disappointed that they didn’t get closer to him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adkins responded by bringing off the exhausted Danny Guthrie for Jake Taylor, allowing Ryan Edwards to drop deeper into midfield alongside Kuhl. Edwards’ energy allowed Kuhl even more influence on the game in the final stages, but a cruel blow was dealt in the 81<sup>st</sup> minute when some more work from the impressive Ibe found Chris Martin on the edge of the box. A one-two with Dawkins allowed Martin to fire in a cross which bounced off Pearce and into the back of the net. Andersen had no chance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Derby effectively shut Reading out in the final stages, with the exception of a dangerous Taylor cross that was tipped over by the Derby keeper and the resulting corners, which came to nothing.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">---</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This was a disappointing result, sure, but not one to be ashamed about. Derby are a team that are high on confidence, and look to have decent strength in depth as well after making six changes from their team at the weekend.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Reading, though, looked thoroughly mid table for most of the game, and this was a result that left me feeling incredibly indifferent about the prospects for the team. There are bright sparks in this team-Obita, Kuhl, Pearce and Hector all looked assured-but there was some inspiration lacking against Derby. Hopefully this can be rediscovered (*cough* Norwood *cough*) before taking on a rampant Wolves on Saturday.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s worth pointing out that this team is missing pace. So many times in the first half the ball fell to Mackie or Gunter on the right and they never got the beating of the Derby full back. Edwards drifted far too far infield for him to really test Christie on the other wing, or to give Obita a chance to stretch his legs. The right hand side, in particular, looked weak against Derby, with Mackie lacking awareness (being caught on the ball), pace (never had the beating of Forsyth), and composure (he should have scored in the first half). This is a team crying out for Garath McCleary, and I found myself at the end of the first half really missing Jimmy Kébé of all people.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A disappointing defeat, and even though it’s ‘only’ the cup (I hate that idea) it puts our prospects for this season back into perspective.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014-15-match-reports/2014/9/25/6843105/derby-2-0-reading-match-reportjonnnyscott8622014-09-23T17:03:06+01:002014-09-23T17:03:06+01:00Derby v Reading - Live Thread & Instant Reaction
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<figcaption>Tom Dulat</figcaption>
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<p>So after the disappointment of Saturday's defeat to Sheffield Wednesday it's now time to turn our attention back to the League Cup and a chance to make the last 16 by beating Derby. Share your thoughts on the game as they happen right here, followed by instant reaction.</p> <p>For a full preview of tonight's game please check out Phil's <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/23/6826173/derby-v-reading-capital-one-cup-third-round-match-preview" target="_blank">always excellent preview right here.</a></p>
<p>While if you're after some pre-match audio, why not listen to the <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/21/6790639/the-tilehurst-end-podcast-episode-35-chris-casper-interview-post" target="_blank">very latest Tilehurst End Podcast</a> where you can get the thoughts of Wimb, Westy and Jonny as well as listening to an interview with former Reading defender Chris Casper.</p>
<p>Also if you have the time, please cast your vote for us in either or both of the FSF or FBA awards, with <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/18/6386365/fsf-awards-2014-nominations-now-open" target="_blank">information on how to vote right here.</a></p>
<p>But most of all we want your thoughts on the game, so feel free to drop a comment below before, during or after the game.</p>
<p>********</p>
<p>18:40</p>
<p>Seven changes for the Royals tonight, as Nigel Adkins shuffles the pack. The big news is that Hal Robson-Kanu makes his first appearance of the season, while Danny Guthrie also makes his first start after a couple of sub appearances.</p>
<p><b>Reading</b>: Andersen; Obita, Hector, Pearce, Gunter; Kuhl, Guthrie; Robson-Kanu, Edwards, Mackie; Pogrebnyak</p>
<p><i>Subs</i>: Lincoln, Long, Cooper, Stacey, Taylor, Cox, Blackman</p>
<p><b><u>Half time</u></b></p>
<p>First half ends in a 0-0, with few chances for either side.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2014/9/23/6833765/derby-v-reading-live-match-thread-instant-reactionThe Tilehurst End News Desk2014-09-23T09:16:54+01:002014-09-23T09:16:54+01:00Derby v Reading: Match Preview
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<figcaption>Jan Kruger</figcaption>
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<p>A look ahead to Reading's third round match against Derby County in the Capital One Cup tomorrow evening.</p> <p><span>Derby v Reading<br> </span><span>Tuesday 23<sup>rd</sup> September 2014, KO </span><span>7:45PM<br></span><span>iPro Stadium<br></span><b><span>Referee: </span></b><b><span>Simon Hooper<br></span></b><b><u><span></span></u></b></p>
<p><b><u><span>Reading </span></u></b><b><u><span>(2<sup>nd</sup> round: Scunthorpe 0-1 Reading)</span></u></b></p>
<p><b><u><span></span></u></b><b>Form </b><b>(all comps):</b></p>
<p><span>Nottingham Forest v Reading: 4-0<br></span><span>Scunthorpe v Reading (league cup): 0-1<br></span><span>Middlesbrough v Reading: 0-1<br></span><span>Reading v Fulham: 3-0<br></span><span>Sheffield Wednesday v Reading: 1-0</span></p>
<p>Reading warmed up for this one with an unlucky defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday, a result which ended their four-game unbeaten run. The Royals missed a first half penalty when Glenn Murray’s sport kick was saved by Wednesday keeper Keiren Westwood before Murray was again in the thick of the action and saw his header come back off the bar early in the second half. It was a deflected free-kick from Stevie May on 83 minutes that won it for the home side and left Reading ruing their missed chances.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Next up is a trip to Derby County and the iPro Stadium in the League Cup third round on Tuesday evening. Reading will be looking to extend their run in a competition where they have yet to progress further than the last eight since the competitions introduction to the football calendar in 1960. Reading last made an appearance in the third round during the 2012/2013 Premier League season when they beat QPR away 3-2 thanks to goals from Kaspars Gorkss, Nicky Shorey and Pavel Pogrebnyak before bowing out to Arsenal in the fourth round in the infamous 7-5 defeat. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span>Derby </span></u></b><b><u><span>(2<sup>nd</sup> round: Derby 1-0 Charlton)</span></u></b></p>
<p><b><span>Form </span></b><b><span>(all comps):<br> </span></b><span>Derby v Charlton: 1-0 (league cup)<br></span><span>Derby v Ipswich: 1-1<br></span><span>Nottingham Forest v Derby: 1-1<br></span><span>Blackburn v Derby: 2-3<br></span><span>Derby v Cardiff: 2-2</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Derby come into this match after recovering from two goals down at home to Cardiff to secure a 2-2 draw at the iPro Stadium on Saturday. The Rams conceded two goals in five second half minutes before Jordon Ibe and Craig Bryson scored to rescue a point for Derby.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Last season saw Derby bow out of the competition in the third round when they lost 2-1 to local rivals Leicester City at the Kingpower Stadium. Their best ever results in the league Cup are two semi-final appearances in 1968 and as recently as 2009 when they lost 4-2 on aggregate to Manchester United. The Rams will be looking to make the last-16 for the first time since they made the semi-finals in the 2008/09 season. <b></b></span></p>
<p><b><u>Last </u></b><b><u>five meetings</u></b></p>
<p><span>07 May 2011 Reading </span><span>v Derby W 2-1 League </span><span>Championship<br></span><span>18 Oct 2011 Reading </span><span>v Derby D 2-2 League </span><span>Championship<br></span><span>14 Feb 2012 Derby</span><span> v Reading W 0-1 League </span><span>Championship<br></span><span>21 Sep 2013 Derby </span><span>v Reading W 1-3 League </span><span>Championship<br></span><span>15 Mar 2014 Reading </span><span>v Derby D 0-0 League </span><span>Championship<br></span></p>
<p><b><u><span>Head to Head<br></span></u></b><span>These teams have previously met 34 times in all competitions and it is Reading that have the far better record winning on 20 occasions to Derby’s 8 with 6 ending in a draw. Their previous meetings in the league cup were in 1965 in the 3<sup>rd</sup> round and 1994 in the second round when the competition required teams to complete a home and away leg against their opponents. In the 1965 competition the first leg at Derby ended in a 1-1 draw before Reading went onto win the second leg at home 2-0. As for 1994, Reading won the first leg at home 3-1 before losing the second leg 2-0 after extra-time and Derby went through on the away goals rule. More recently their meetings have been in the league format with their last 10 matches being played in The Championship. County have not beaten Reading since 2009 when they recorded a 2-1 win at Pride Park, in contrast to the Royals who have won 7 out of their last 10 matches against The Rams. Last season saw Reading record a 3-1 victory at the iPro thanks to a double from Pavel Pogrebnyak and a third from Nick Blackman before the teams played out a 0-0 draw at the Madejski in March.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><b><u><span>Team News</span></u></b></p>
<p><b>Reading: </b>Glenn Murray and Oliver Norwood are cup-tied so will not feature against Derby. <span>Danny Guthrie came on as a late substitute against Sheffield Wednesday as he continues his quest for full fitness. Stephen Kelly will play for the U-21s this week as he too continues his recovery. Hal Robson-Kanu is another player working on his fitness and is still some time away from a return to first team action. As for the longer term absentees Anton Ferdinand, Aaron Tshibola, Craig Tanner, Danny Williams, Garath McCleary , Jem Karacan and Shaun Cummings will definitely not return before October.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><b><span>Derby: </span></b><span>Steve McClaren made six changes to his side for Derby’s second round match against Charlton but has said he will pick a strong side for the match against Reading but there will be rotations from Saturday’s starting line-up against Cardiff. Jake Buxton who missed the Cardiff match due to suspension for his red-card against Nottingham Forest will not play against Reading due to a hip problem while Paul Coutts is also suffering with a similar problem and has not played since a preseason game on July 3. Jeff Hendrick is recovering from a dislocated shoulder which he suffered during Derby’s match against Ipswich and won’t be available until October.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Phil’s prediction: </span></b><span>Derby 2-1 Reading</span></p>
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