Reading learned their FA Cup first-round opponents last night, which is usually a popular date in the calendar for fans to fantasize about a giant-killing or a trip to Wembley.

Fleetwood Town will return to the SCL Stadium next month for only the second time in club history, after winning 2-1 in League One last season.

The Royals, who were treated to an FA Cup semi-final a decade ago and three quarter-finals in the previous 15 years, are among the oldest teams that have yet to win the iconic trophy–or even make it to the final.

Another year of optimism begins next month, but first, let’s take a look at Reading’s past five first-round ties, which date back to 1998.

1998/1999: Reading 0-1 Stoke City

The inaugural FA Cup fixture at the Madejski Stadium was not what the 10,000 fans in attendance had hoped for, as Stoke City narrowly won thanks to Kyle Lighbourne’s goal shortly before the half-hour mark.

Tommy Burns’ team finished 11th in the league during the inaugural season at the new stadium.

1999/2000: Reading 4–2 Yeovil Town

Yeovil, a Conference side, drew only 8,000 supporters to RG2 when they visited Berkshire.

The Royals’ defender Andy Bernal scored the goal before Adrian Foster leveled five minutes later.

Reading’s scoring was completed by Darren Caskey, Barry Hunter, and Martin Williams, with Jason Eaton adding a late consolation goal for the 4-2 win.

Halifax Town were eliminated following a rematch in round two, while Plymouth Argyle defeated Alan Pardew’s team in round three.

 

2000/2001: Reading defeats Grays Athletic 4-0.

On November 18, 2000, Grays from the Isthmian League Premier Division played Football League opponents for the first time at the stadium, making history.

Less than 6,000 fans attended the game, which was as one-sided as one could imagine, with Lee Hodges opening the score on 16 minutes.

Jamie Cureton, Martin Butler, and Keith Jones scored in the final half-hour to complete the thrashing.

York City eliminated Reading in round two following a rematch at Bootham Crescent.

2001-02: Reading 1-0 Welling United

In 2002, Conference South side Welling made it a triple trick of non-league opponents in round one, with the overall attendance plummeting to less than 5,500.

Cureton scored the game’s sole goal around the hour mark, while Peter Overton was sent off for the visitors in the first half.

York eliminated Reading in round two for the second season in a row, however this time they won 2-0.

2023/24 Reading 3-2 MK Dons

After more than 20 years of playing in the third round, the Royals were relegated to League One in 2023 and returned to the first round.

On this occasion, less than 4,500 people attended, but those who did were treated to an entertaining match.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan started the goal after three minutes, but Max Gilbey leveled before halftime.

Ruben Selles made adjustments, and first-team regulars Harvey Knibbs and Lewis Wing scored quickly to establish a gap between the teams.

Max Dean equalized in stoppage time for Mike Williamson’s side, who were maybe unlucky not to get a penalty seconds later, which would have forced a rematch.

In round two, National League Eastleigh defeated Reading 2-1 with a last-gasp victory shown live on ITV.

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