Everton stunned as Reading advance
Everton hopes of a lengthy FA Cup run came to an abrupt end here on Tuesday after the Premier League club were sent crashing out by Championship outfit Reading in their fifth round clash.
Everton hopes of a lengthy FA Cup run came to an abrupt end here on Tuesday after the Premier League club were sent crashing out by Championship outfit Reading in their fifth round clash.
A first-half goal from Reading defender Matt Mills stunned Goodison Park into silence and sent the Royals into a quarter-final tie against either Manchester City or Aston Villa.
It was a bitterly disappointing exit for Everton, who had knocked out holders Chelsea in the previous round. Everton's players left the field to a chorus of boos as Reading's players celebrated a famous win.
Reading grabbed a shock lead after 26 minutes, when Mills stabbed home from eight yards after the Everton defence failed to clear a corner.
The goal infused Reading with confidence and Jimmy Kebe had a golden chance to make it 2-0 when clean through on Everton's goal.
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was alert to the danger however, snuffing out what looked like a certain Reading goal and keeping the home side in the match.
Leon Osman had a clear chance to level it for Everton just before half-time only for the midfielder to head just over after being picked out by a Leighton Baines cross.