Reading battle past Fleetwood to reach FA Cup second round

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2024 by PA

League One Reading eased into the FA Cup second round with an uninspiring 2-0 victory over League Two Fleetwood.

It was Royals’ eighth win in nine outings in all competitions at the SCL Stadium this season.

A disjointed first half produced few highlights, though Town keeper David Harrington made fine stops to deny Jayden Wareham and Chem Campbell.

Reading captain Tyler Bindon broke the deadlock from close range in the 48th minute and Mipo Odubeko’s own goal made it safe four minutes from the end.

Neither side made much impression in a poor opening half-hour, though Fleetwood – 30 places below Reading in the league pyramid – created the first clear-cut chance. Phoenix Patterson provided an inviting cross from the left but Ryan Graydon’s glancing header drifted well wide.

The Royals replied strongly, with Harrington fumbling a long-range effort from Tivonge Rushesha only to redeem himself instantly with a brave save to block Wareham’s follow-up attempt. He then stopped a fierce near-post drive from Campbell.

Reading, ninth in League One, went in front three minutes into the second period when Charlie Savage’s free-kick fell nicely for centre-back Bindon to volley first-time past Harrington.

As Town pushed for an equaliser, home keeper David Button had to make good stops from Mark Helm and Patterson.

But Wareham’s effort took a decisive touch off Town defender Odubeko to settle the tie in the 86th minute.