Reading FC made it through to the second round of the League Cup with a thrilling 4-5 penalty shootout win over Bromley, despite a mixed performance on the pitch. The Royals started the game well, but looked off the pace for much of the middle of the match, before ending normal time in the ascendancy.
What happened?
Josh Stokes' first-half goal was cancelled out by Michael Cheek in the first half, but Joel Pereira - who'd been at fault for the equaliser - made a crucial shootout save to send the Royals through as 5-4 spot-kick winners. That also spared the blushes of Lewis Wing, who hit the post with a second-half penalty.
Why it matters for Reading
The performance was inconsistent, but the result is a positive one for the Royals. They showed promise and evolution over pre-season, but applying that thoroughly to competitive action is another story. The team needs to know how to perform at a higher level consistently across 90 minutes.
What comes next?
Reading's next fixture is against Oxford United away on August 8th. They are currently 40 points behind leaders Lincoln in the League One table, and have scored 64 goals this season, conceding 60. The team's recent form has been LDLLL, with a loss to Blackpool on May 2nd.
