Royals scrape past Swans

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH REPORT

A goal from Nicky Forster in the first half of extra time was enough to put The Royals through who had to injure many anxious moments through the game as The Swans looked to cause an upset.

Steve Coppell kept faith with the same team who drew with Burnley on Saturday.

Swansea dominated much of the first half having the much clearer opportunities. Conditions made the game virtually impossible at times as the rain came down heavily through the first 45 minutes. The Royals looked particularly edgy early on with Lee Trundle looking Swansea's must dangerous threat.

Half Time: Swansea City 0:0 Reading

Reading started much brighter in the second half forcing a couple of early corners. And The Royals had a number of good chances to take the lead. From a Bobby Convey corner, Swansea keeper Willy Gueret dropped the ball but Ivar Ingimarsson was unable to get his shot away in the wet conditions.

Shortly after Lloyd Owusu's introduction to replace Bobby Convey, the former Sheffield Wednesday striker should have given The Royals the lead. Good work from Glen Little down the wing and from his centre Owusu had a free header but somehow the Swansea keeper managed to get across his goal make the save. Nicky Forster also had a golden opportunity when he fired over from inside the box.

The Royals though nearly paid for their missed opportunities when substitute Andy Robinson fired a shot from the edge of the box which was superbly saved by the outstretched hand of Marcus Hahnemann.

Extra Time:

As the game headed into extra time the 300 Reading supporters who made the journey down the M4 could be forgiven for thinking they were in for a very long night but after five minutes into extra time Nicky Forster popped up to score the deciding goal. A header at the back post back across the goal found Forster unmarked and he was left with a simple finish to score the only goal of the game. It was Fozzy's first goal since returning from injury.

Swansea battled to the end and came close on a number of occasions after being awarded numerous free kicks on the edge of Reading's box. It was not enough though and Reading headed into the next round of the cup and will face either a home tie against Leicester City or Blackpool.

Full Time: Swansea City 0:1 Reading

Man Of The Match: Marcus Hahnemann

Make a number of important saves including a superb save near the end of normal time.

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NEXT LEAGUE MATCH

22nd January 2005, Madejski Stadium, 3:00 PM Kick Off

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