On the 15th anniversary of Reading FC’s stunning FA Cup victory over Liverpool at Anfield, icon and former manager Brian McDermott reflected on the occasion.
Traveling to Anfield to play Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool side in the third round of the FA Cup, few would have predicted Reading, who were suffering in the Championship at the time, would progress.
Reading, on the other hand, dealt Liverpool a crushing blow by rallying from behind to give the club a memorable night.
The original contest, played at the Madejski Stadium, finished in a 1-1 draw as Simon Church’s goal was cancelled out by Steven Gerrard’s equaliser, forcing a replay.
Ryan Bertrand’s own goal on the stroke of halftime gave the Reds the lead at Anfield.
Reading appeared to be out of the game until Gylfi Sigurdsson’s 94th-minute penalty sent it into extra time.
Despite being the Championship side, Reading took the initiative to push for the victory, which came in the 100th minute.
Brynjar Gunnarsson demonstrated superb skill by nutmegging Emiliano Insua before delivering a cross into the box that Shane Long pushed in.
Brian McDermott, the club’s caretaker manager at the time, was finally granted the post on a full-time basis and had a fantastic first period in command, leading the club to Premier League promotion in 2011/12.
McDermott wrote on Instagram: “Fifteen years ago, we went to Anfield for an FA Cup third round replay. It was an incredible night that exemplified everything Reading Football Club stood for at the time, including teamwork, energy, and partnership.
“At the time, I was caretaker manager, and I’m confident that without the outcome of that incredible night, I wouldn’t have been hired on a permanent basis.
“This match demonstrated that the unthinkable is occasionally attainable – with the correct preparation, organization, energy, a gutsy referee, and a terrific bunch of people both on and off the field.
“Looking back, this was certainly one of my favourite games as club manager, considering the significance of the occasion and what it meant to everyone involved.
“Special memories for all the Reading FC fans.”
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