READING FC suffered an FA Cup exit to National League Eastleigh who came up with a stoppage time winner to progress.
Femi Azeez thought he had rescued his team when he picked out the top corner in the 86th minute to put the Royals on level terms.
But the Royals conceded yet another goal late in the day as Paul McCallum prodded home to put the non league side through.
JOEL PEREIRA 7.5: Made some big saves to keep his team in the tie. Vital saves at the end of the first-half and the end of the second-half and couldn’t have done anything with the goals.
AMADOU MBENGUE 4: Looked off the pace defensively and switched off to lose Paul McCallum at the back post for the opening goal.
CLINTON MOLA 3: Struggled all game up against Eastleigh’s physical front two. Played the first half at centre-back and was shifted to left-back for the second-half but didn’t fare well in either position.
TOM HOLMES 5: In a physical battle with the Eastleigh forwards all game. Lost his duel with McCallum in the 95th minute as the Eastleigh forward prodded in the winner.
MATTY CARSON 4: Big chance early in the game put floated in an overhit free-kick. Was beaten far too often defensively and as a result was withdrawn for Harlee Dean at the break.
MICHAEL CRAIG 5: Broke up play well at times but wasn’t able to progress the ball too often to help Reading start attacks.
CHARLIE SAVAGE 4: Had a couple of strikes at goal, but wasted a good free-kick opportunity and bent another shot wide. Put in a bad tackle to pick up a yellow and was subbed off for Wing before the hour mark.
HARVEY KNIBBS 5: Wasn’t able to create too much after his brilliant display on Tuesday. Worked hard as usual but didin’t have much of an impact in the final third.
FEMI AZEEZ 6: Frustrating delivery on the right as his crosses were often wayward. However, came up with a stunning strike to equalise in the 86th minute which looked to be enough to force a replay before the team conceded in stoppage time.
BEN ELLIOTT 4: Really struggled to get involved. Was often overrun in the middle and was beaten far too easily in midfield in the lead up to Eastleigh’s opener. Withdrawn at half-time.
KELVIN EHIBHATIOMHAN 5: A couple of bright moments as he was hauled down on the edge of the box on two occasions. Couldn’t make the ball stick as his loose first touch let him down.
SUBS
HARLEE DEAN 5
PAUL MUKAIRU 5
LEWIS WING 6
SAM SMITH 6
