Reading’s journey in the EFL Trophy came to an end with a penalty shootout defeat to League Two Walsall.
In Noel Hunt’s second game in charge since taking over following Ruben Selles’ departure to Hull, the new Royals boss tasted defeated for the first time since being announced as permanent manager.
Reading went down to nine men following red cards to both goalkeeper David Button and Ashqad Ahmed.
Button saw red after he misjudged the bounce of the ball and flew in on a Walsall attacker.
Despite that, Reading grabbed the lead through Tyler Sackey’s goal in the 72nd minute.
Reading would then have to play the final
15 minutes with nine players when Ahmed was sent off after receiving a second booking.
Having missed a whole host of chances throughout the match and then being thwarted by substitute keeper Tom Norcott, Walsall finally broke through with the final kick of the game.
It was Johnson’s 97th minute leveller that kept Walsall in the tie and took the game to penalties.
Jayden Wareham and Charlie Wellens saw their penalties saved, while
The hosts scored all of their kicks which saw Reading exit the competition.
Reading are in League One action on Saturday when they host Blackpool.
