Reading secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Peterborough United in the FA Cup first round on Saturday night. The emphatic win at the Weston Homes Stadium sends the Royals into the next round of the competition. This result follows a 2-0 league defeat to Oxford United on 4 November, but their recent form of three wins and a draw from the last five games, including a goalless draw at Plymouth on 31 October, has them sixth in League One with 22 points from 14 games.
Kyerewaa opened the scoring after 26 minutes, finishing from an Andy Rinomhota assist. Jack Marriott, returning from injury against his former club, doubled the lead eight minutes later. Charlie Savage added a third deep into first-half stoppage time, with Marriott turning provider. Jamie Reid then completed the rout with two goals in four minutes midway through the second half.
Key performances and substitutions
Manager L. Richardson made five changes in the second period to manage the game. Jamie Reid was substituted for Jack Marriott on 56 minutes, while Josh Knight and Kyerewaa were also withdrawn later on. The match saw six yellow cards, with Reading's Kyerewaa and Ashqar Ahmed booked alongside four Peterborough players.
The result is a significant boost for Reading, who sit sixth in League One with 22 points from 14 games, having won six, drawn four and lost four. Their recent form shows three wins from the last five matches, though they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United in midweek. Top scorer J. Marriott, who now has eight goals in nine appearances this season, was instrumental in the cup victory. The team has scored 25 goals and conceded 15 in the league this season, giving them a goal difference of plus ten, and they trail the leaders by seven points.
Reading's next challenge is a tough away trip to face second-placed Stockport County on 14 November. Before that, they have an EFL Trophy fixture against Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday. The comprehensive win provides perfect momentum for these key league and cup contests. Their league campaign has also featured a 2-1 win over Barnsley on 24 October and a 1-0 victory against Leyton Orient on 21 October, though they lost 1-0 at Wigan on 17 October.
Manager Leam Richardson confirmed his pleasure with the 5-0 win at Peterborough, stating he was "really pleased with the clean sheet and certain improvements from Wednesday night." He revealed a pre-match chat with Charlie Savage, praising the midfielder's quality after his first goal of the season. Richardson also highlighted the hard work of Daniel Kyerewaa and the importance of getting Jamie Reid up and running after his brace. The Royals, who are seven points behind leaders Huddersfield, now face a three-game week.
Manager Leam Richardson confirmed Charlie Savage's Player of the Match display in the 5-0 FA Cup win has created a selection dilemma. Savage, who has only 116 league minutes this season, scored his first goal of the campaign. He said, "You've just got to wait for your chance and take it." Richardson called the midfielder's performance "excellent." The Royals, who sit sixth in League One with 22 points, face a tough trip to second-placed Stockport County next.
