Reading progressed to the next round of the EFL Cup with a 2-1 win over Brighton.
Reading reached round four of the EFL Cup with a 2-1 victory over Brighton, despite playing more than half of the game with 10 men.
Jaap Stam’s side took the lead 32 minutes into the contest through captain Stephen Quinn, but a positive first half showing had a sour ending for the Royals.
Tyler Blackett of Reading is sent off by referee Lee Probert
Tyler Blackett was shown a red card by referee Lee Probert for a late challenge on Sebastien Pocognoli, meaning the away side had to defend their lead with a man less and more than 45 minutes still to play.
Despite their disadvantage, Reading managed to double their advantage nine minutes into the second half when John Swift struck to make it 2-0.
Tomar Hemed pulled Brighton back into it with five minutes to go, making it a nervy finish for Stam’s side, but the Royals managed to hold on and advance to the next round of the cup.
Sam Baldock of of Brighton and John Swift of Reading in action
With their names now in the hat for the fourth round, Reading can look to continue their solid start to the season in both league and cup.
The win over Brighton makes it seven games without a loss for Stam, with Reading’s last defeat coming at St James’ Park where they lost 4-1 to Newcastle.
Reading’s next game is against Championship leaders Huddersfield, but in the meantime Royals fans have been reacting to their latest cup victory on Twitter.
Reading manager Jaap Stam
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