Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup to Reading in the third round replay after losing 2-1 at Anfield. The home side scored just before the break, but Sigurdsson tucked away a penalty four minutes into stoppage time to force extra-time, before Long headed a winner on 100 minutes.

Both Fernando Torres and Steve Gerrard were substituted by Rafa Benitez during the contest. The striker was forced to limp-off on 29 minutes after receiving a blow to his right leg, and the club captain was replaced at half-time by Anfield boss.

Rafa Benitez made five changes from the Liverpool team that drew 1-1 with Reading at the Madjeski Stadium. There was a change in goal as Diego Cavalieri was brought in for Pepe Reina. At the back Degen and Agger came in for Martin Skrtel and Stephen Darby, and Fabio Aurelio and David Ngog were named on the bench with both Aquilani and Benayoun starting in midfield.

The visitors started with the same team that forced a replay at Anfield. And Reading’s scorer from the third round tie on January 2 had the game’s first effort on target. Simon Church found some space in the Liverpool box, but his shot was straight at Cavalieri.

The Royals settled quickly and almost surprised the Merseysiders after a mix-up in the home box. A lack of concentration at the back from Carragher let in Rasiak, but the Reading striker fired wide from three yards out.

The Reds were struggling in the final third of the pitch and the home fans had to wait almost twenty minutes for Liverpool’s first effort on goal. Yossi Benayoun tried his luck from distance, but the midfielder’s curling effort flew just wide of the right-hand post.

Liverpool suffered a blow just before the half hour mark as Fernando Torres was forced off. Rafa Benitez brought on David Ngog for the Spaniard.

Although the home side had failed to impress, the Reds took the lead in first-half stoppage time. A Steve Gerrard cross deflected off Reading defender Bertrand and past Federici.

The visitors continued to push forward following the restart, creating several good chances to equalise. Simon Church had a great opportunity to level, but his header from a Gunnarsson cross skidded off the striker’s head and just over the bar.

Jobi McAnuff almost scored a great solo goal after an excellent run from deep inside his own half. The midfielder skipped past several players, but his final shot crept past the post.

With Liverpool heading for a fourth round tie at home to Burnley, Reading were awarded a penalty in the 94 minute. Sigurdsson stepped-up to equalise for the Royals, sending the game into extra-time.

Chances were at a premium during the added 30 minutes, but it was Reading who were to snatch their first ever victory at Anfield. Shane Long was picked-out by Gunnarsson, and the second-half substitute nodded the ball past the Liverpool keeper.

At the death of the first period Benayoun was put clean through, but Federici got down and spread himself wide to make a brilliant save to deny the Israeli.

The Reds dominated the second period of extra-time but Reading defended their slender one goal lead to secure a surprise win and seal a spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup.


- Match Stats: Liverpool 1-2 Reading (aet)

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Degen (Skrtel, 90), Carragher, Agger, Insua, Lucas, Aquilani, Kuyt, Gerrard (Babel, 46), Benayoun, Torres (Ngog, 29)

Booked: Degen

Goals: Bertrand (og) 45+1

Reading: Federici, Gunnarsson, Mills, Ingimarsson, Bertrand, McAnuff, Cisse (Howard, 59), Karacan (Long, 81), Sigurdsson, Rasiak (Kebe, 65), Church

Booked: Ingimarsson, Bertrand

Goals: Sigurdsson 90+4, Long 100