Reading FC legend and former manager Brian McDermott reminisced on the club’s famous FA Cup win against Liverpool at Anfield on the 15th anniversary.
Travelling to Anfield to face Rafa Benitez’ Liverpool side in the third-round of the FA Cup, not many would have given Reading, at that time struggling in the Championship, a chance of progressing.
However, Reading gave Liverpool a knockout blow, coming back from a goal down to give the club a famous night.
The original tie played at the Madejski Stadium, ended in a 1-1 draw after Simon Church’s goal was cancelled out by Steven Gerrard’s equaliser meaning the tie went to a replay.
The Reds went ahead at Anfield through a Ryan Bertrand own goal on the stroke of half-time.
Reading looked down and out until a 94th minute penalty from Gylfi Sigurdsson forced the game into extra-time.
Despite being the Championship side, it was Reading who found the initiative to push for a winner which came in the 100th minute.
An exquisite piece of skill from Brynjar Gunnarsson saw the midfielder nutmeg Emiliano Insua before he delivered a cross into the box which was poked home by Shane Long.
Caretaker manager at the time Brian McDermott was eventually given the job on a full-time basis and enjoyed a superb first spell in charge of the club, winning promotion to the Premier League in the 2011/12 campaign.
Taking to Instagram, McDermott said: “Fifteen years ago, we went to Anfield in an FA Cup third round replay. It was an amazing night that epitomised everything Reading Football Club stood for during that period: teamwork, spirit and collaboration.
“At the time, I was caretaker manager, and I’m convinced that without this result on that unforgettable night, I wouldn’t have been given the job on a permanent basis.
“This match was proof that sometimes, the impossible is possible – with the right preparation, organisation, spirit, a brave referee, and a fantastic group of people both on and off the pitch.
“Looking back, this would probably be one of my favourite games as manager of the club, given the magnitude of the occasion and what it meant to everyone involved.
“Special memories for all the Reading FC fans.”
