Plucky Reading held on for a fine 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the FA Cup third round tie at the Madejski Satdium. The home side took the lead through Church but an own goal from Royal keeper Federici earned the visitors a replay. The meeting was the first between the two teams in the FA Cup, and the Berkshire club were quickest out of the blocks as they looked to cause an upset.

Reading had the ball in the net mid-way through the first-half but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Pepe Reina. The home fans however didn’t have to wait long to celebrate a goal, as Church handed the underdogs the lead.

On 24 minutes, Rasiak’s knock-back found Simon Church in space and the striker bundled the ball into the back of the net from two yards out.

Liverpool almost hit back immediately through Fernando Torres. David Ngog fed Dirk Kuyt but the Dutchman’s cross was headed inches wide by the Spaniard.

Rafa Benitez’s side were now on top and the visitors eventually drew level with just under ten minutes to go before half-time. Gerrard’s cross was accidentally put through his own net by Reading keeper Federici.

Moments later Adam Federici made amends for his earlier error with an excellent block to deny Fernando Torres. Gerrard’s cross was flicked towards goal by the Liverpool number ‘9’, but the Reading keeper was equal to Torres’ effort.

After the break both teams got off to a slow start as the second 45 minute period failed to live up to the frenetic first-half. Fernando Torres tried his luck from range but his drilled effort from the edge of the box flew just over. Next it was the turn of Sigurdsson, but his strike was well saved by Pepe Reina.

The two teams were somewhat lacking in ideas as neither keeper was called into action. Reading were forced to bring on reserve keeper Hamer on for the injured Federici, but the young shotstopper was rarely tested by the Merseysiders.

Liverpool’s top scorer almost snatched victory for the Reds in the final minute, but his flick looped over the bar and onto the roof of the net. Fernando Torres had beaten the keeper to the ball, but there was just a little too much power on the forward’s header as it sailed just over.

With the game drawing to a close, Reading defender Mills was booked for a late challenge on Torres. The striker was soon back to his feet, but there was no time to find a winner as the game ended all-square. Liverpool will now have to host Reading in the reply at Anfield on the 13th or 14th of January.


- Match Stats: Reading 1-1 Liverpool

Reading: Federici (Hamer, 69), Gunnarsson, Mills, Ingimarsson, Bertrand, McAnuff, Cisse (Howard, 75), Karacan, Sigurdsson, Church, Rasiak (Long, 78)

Booked: Mills

Goals: Church 24

Liverpool: Reina, Darby, Skrtel, Carragher, Insua, Kuyt, Lucas, Gerrard, Aurelio (Benayoun, 80), Torres, Ngog (Aquilani, 68)

Booked: Insua

Goals: Federici 36 og