Long (far right) heads home Reading's extra-time winner
By Phil Dawkes
An extra-time goal from Shane Long capped a stunning comeback from Championship strugglers Reading as they knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup.
Liverpool fortuitously took the lead when Ryan Bertrand deflected Steven Gerrard's cross into his own net.
In second-half injury time Reading were rewarded for their endeavour throughout when Gylfi Sigurdsson levelled from the spot after a foul on substitute Long.
Long's extra-time header proved the decisive blow to send Reading through.
This was Reading's first victory at Anfield and it was fully deserved as they out-worked their under-par Premier League opponents to book a fourth-round tie at home to Burnley.
The result places even more pressure on under-fire Reds boss Rafael Benitez who will also be concerned that star duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard failed to finish the match due to injury.
Neither side had played since the original third-round tie, with Reading's home game against Newcastle and Liverpool's match with Tottenham both falling foul of the weather.
The team line-ups for the replay reflected the level of satisfaction each had taken from the game at the Madejski.
Reading caretaker manager Brian McDermott named an unchanged side from what was arguably their best performance of what has been a lacklustre season so far and he was rewarded with a similarly committed display from his side.
They looked anything but a team that has failed to win any of their last five league matches and have spent all season in the bottom eight of the Championship.
In contrast, Liverpool made five changes in an attempt to improve upon what was a blunted, mediocre showing in the 1-1 draw.
They started well and were only denied what could have been the game's opening goal when Ivar Ingimarsson's outstretched boot intercepted Gerrard's cross with Yossi Benayoun lurking.
But once the initial storm from the home side was weathered, Reading's confidence and assurance grew as Liverpool's wilted.
With a platform built, the visitors twice could have taken the lead either side of the 20-minute mark.
Firstly, Reds defender Jamie Carragher opted to leave Simon Church's right-wing cross, unaware that Grzegor Rasiak was lurking behind him, but the striker miscued his effort over the bar.
Then, Jobi McAnuff broke away down the right before delivering into the box from deep but the cross was inches ahead of the diving Church who failed to make contact.
Reading were further buoyed on the half-hour when Torres was substituted after falling awkwardly and replaced by David Ngog.
Despite the loss of the prolific Spanish marksman and the deficiencies that have hampered their season thus far, Liverpool have the quality to exploit the slightest of lapses from an opponent.
On the stroke of half time they did just that.
Gerrard's initial corner was headed clear but it was returned to the England midfielder, who played a one-two with Ngog before directing a ball into the six-yard box which deflected off Bertrand and in.
Liverpool's joy was tempered by the withdrawal of Gerrard at half-time with a twinge in his hamstring.
However, despite the loss of their influential captain, Liverpool began the second half well and pinned the visitors into their own half for large spells.
But despite their dominance of possession they crafted relatively few clear goalscoring chances.
Daniel Agger flashed a 25-yard shot well wide after Alberto Aquilani's free-kick had deflected to him off the Reading wall and the Italian headed a good chance wide from a Benayoun cross.
In contrast, Reading created a number of good opportunities during the half.
Substitute Brian Howard swung over a superb cross to the edge of the six-yard box but somehow Ingimarsson failed to make contact with the goal at his mercy.
Not long after, McAnuff picked up the ball on the halfway line and drove at the Liverpool defence, evading a string of challenges to find himself clear on goal but with the hard work done and keeper Diego Cavalieri committed to ground early, he shot wide of the upright.
Reading's final chance appeared to have gone when Cavalieri palmed away a shot from Sigurdsson in the 90th minute but there was still time for another twist.
A long ball forward broke fortuitously to substitute Long in the Liverpool box and whilst Benayoun's tackle on the forward was mistimed more than malicious, no contact was made with the ball and referee Philip Dowd pointed to the spot.
Sigurdsson showed an admirable lack of nerves to side-foot the penalty in, with Cavalieri diving the wrong way.
Having rescued themselves at the death, a buoyed Reading stunned Anfield by taking the lead 10 minutes into extra-time.
Brynjar Gunnarsson nutmegged Emiliano Insua on the right before sending over a pinpoint cross that Long glanced into the Liverpool net from six yards.
Inevitably, the rest of extra-time was played largely in the Reading half but despite their best efforts Liverpool were unable to force an equaliser.
Benayoun spurned a glorious chance to equalise when through on goal but he dwelt on the ball and Federici was able to save his shot and Ngog fluffed a good shooting opportunity after finding space in the box.
120:00+2:30 The referee signals the end of extra time.
120:00+1:54 The ball is sent over by Daniel Agger, Adam Federici makes a save.
119:39 The assistant referee flags for offside against Leiva Lucas. Adam Federici restarts play with the free kick.
117:18 Brynjar Gunnarsson restarts play with the free kick.
117:18 Booking Brynjar Gunnarsson shown a yellow card.
117:00 Foul by Leiva Lucas on Shane Long, free kick awarded.
112:31 Dirk Kuyt takes a shot. Save by Adam Federici.
111:36 Foul by Daniel Agger on Shane Long, free kick awarded. Brynjar Gunnarsson takes the free kick.
111:05 David Ngog has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the target.
109:53 Long range effort by Jamie Carragher goes wide right of the target.
108:18 Jamie Carragher sends in a cross, clearance made by Matthew Mills.
107:35 Leiva Lucas sends in a cross, Ivar Ingimarsson manages to make a clearance.
107:01 Outswinging corner taken by Leiva Lucas from the right by-line played to the near post, Shane Long makes a clearance.
105:41 Jimmy Kebe sends in a cross, clearance by Daniel Agger.
Extra Time Started
105:01 The match restarts for the second half of extra time.
Extra Time Half Time
104:55 Yossi Benayoun takes a shot. Save made by Adam Federici.
103:23 Simon Church is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Free kick taken by Diego Cavalieri.
103:12 Centre by Jimmy Kebe.
102:38 Free kick awarded for a foul by Alberto Aquilani on Jimmy Kebe. Matthew Mills takes the free kick.
102:26 Centre by Simon Church, Diego Cavalieri makes a save.
101:18 Direct free kick taken by Jamie Carragher.
101:18 Booking The referee books Ivar Ingimarsson for unsporting behaviour.
101:01 Foul by Ivar Ingimarsson on Ryan Babel, free kick awarded.
99:36 The assist for the goal came from Brynjar Gunnarsson.
99:36 GOAL - Shane Long:Liverpool 1 - 2 Reading Shane Long grabs a headed goal from close in. Liverpool 1-2 Reading.
99:32 A cross is delivered by Brynjar Gunnarsson,
98:18 Shane Long challenges Alberto Aquilani unfairly and gives away a free kick. Martin Skrtel takes the free kick.
97:50 The referee penalises Ryan Bertrand for handball. Diego Cavalieri restarts play with the free kick.
97:15 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Brian Howard played to the near post, clearance by Alberto Aquilani.
96:43 Ryan Babel takes a shot. Save by Adam Federici.
94:22 Alberto Aquilani takes a outswinging corner to the near post, clearance by Shane Long.
94:12 Daniel Agger takes a shot. Blocked by Jobi McAnuff.
93:16 Gylfi Sigurdsson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Dirk Kuyt. Free kick taken by Daniel Agger.
91:08 Emiliano Insua sends in a cross, clearance made by Ryan Bertrand.
Extra Time Started
90:01 Substitution Philipp Degen leaves the field to be replaced by Martin Skrtel.
Full Time
90:00+5:01 Normal time is of over and the game goes into extra time.
90:00+3:04 Assist by Shane Long.
90:00+3:04 GOAL - Gylfi Sigurdsson:Liverpool 1 - 1 Reading Placed penalty scored by Gylfi Sigurdsson. Liverpool 1-1 Reading.
90:00+1:57 Yossi Benayoun challenges Shane Long unfairly and gives away a Penalty.
90:00+1:33 Centre by Jimmy Kebe, clearance made by Alberto Aquilani.
90:00+1:06 Dirk Kuyt is caught offside. Adam Federici restarts play with the free kick.
90:00+0:50 Simon Church is ruled offside. Diego Cavalieri takes the free kick.
90:00+0:29 Gylfi Sigurdsson has an effort at goal. Save by Diego Cavalieri.
88:10 Corner taken by Leiva Lucas from the right by-line to the near post, clearance made by Shane Long.
84:30 Header from deep inside the area by Simon Church goes over the bar.
83:57 David Ngog gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ivar Ingimarsson. Free kick taken by Adam Federici.
83:22 Jimmy Kebe is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Free kick taken by Diego Cavalieri.
83:01 Jimmy Kebe produces a cross, blocked by Leiva Lucas.
81:01 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jimmy Kebe by Leiva Lucas. Free kick crossed left-footed by Brian Howard, clearance
made by Jamie Carragher.
80:05 Substitution (Reading) makes a substitution, with Shane Long coming on for Jem Karacan.
79:35 Effort on goal by Jobi McAnuff from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target.
75:53 Matthew Mills gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on David Ngog. Free kick crossed right-footed by Alberto Aquilani
from right wing, clearance made by Matthew Mills.
75:42 Centre by Jimmy Kebe, Jamie Carragher manages to make a clearance.
74:40 Effort on goal by Brian Howard from 30 yards. Diego Cavalieri makes a comfortable save.
74:29 Jem Karacan sends in a cross, Jamie Carragher makes a clearance.
73:15 The official flags Ryan Babel offside. Matthew Mills takes the indirect free kick.
72:13 The offside flag is raised against Simon Church. Indirect free kick taken by Diego Cavalieri.
70:37 The ball is swung over by Yossi Benayoun, Alberto Aquilani has a headed effort at goal from deep inside the area missing
to the left of the target.
69:03 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ryan Bertrand by Ryan Babel. Ryan Bertrand takes the direct free kick.
66:51 Foul by Matthew Mills on David Ngog, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Jamie Carragher.
65:27 Jobi McAnuff fouled by Emiliano Insua, the ref awards a free kick. Brian Howard delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed
from right wing.
64:25 Substitution Grzegorz Rasiak goes off and Jimmy Kebe comes on.
64:13 Shot from outside the box by Daniel Agger goes wide right of the target.
63:07 Free kick awarded for a foul by Ivar Ingimarsson on Ryan Babel. Alberto Aquilani fires a strike on goal direct from the free
kick.
60:42 David Ngog sends in a cross, Ivar Ingimarsson makes a clearance.
60:20 The ball is delivered by Ryan Bertrand, Leiva Lucas makes a clearance.
58:41 Substitution Brian Howard on for Kalifa Cisse.
58:00 Yossi Benayoun crosses the ball, blocked by Matthew Mills.
57:03 Ryan Babel gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gylfi Sigurdsson. Direct free kick taken by Adam Federici.
55:40 The ball is swung over by David Ngog, clearance made by Jem Karacan.
53:02 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ryan Bertrand by David Ngog. Ivar Ingimarsson crosses the ball in from the free
kick, Alberto Aquilani makes a clearance.
52:03 Adam Federici restarts play with the free kick.
52:03 Booking Philipp Degen goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour.
51:56 Philipp Degen challenges Ryan Bertrand unfairly and gives away a free kick.
50:39 Alberto Aquilani crosses the ball, Dirk Kuyt has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the
target.
50:33 Yossi Benayoun produces a cross, Matthew Mills manages to make a clearance.
49:58 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kalifa Cisse on Alberto Aquilani. Alberto Aquilani takes the direct free kick.
48:05 Unfair challenge on Dirk Kuyt by Ivar Ingimarsson results in a free kick. Daniel Agger produces a strike on goal direct from
the free kick.
45:01 The referee blows his whistle to start the second half.
45:01 Substitution Ryan Babel on for Steven Gerrard.
Half Time
45:00+2:21 The match has reached half-time.
45:00+1:11 Assist on the goal came from Steven Gerrard.
Correction - 45:00+0:51 GOAL - Ryan Bertrand:Liverpool 1 - 0 Reading An unfortunate own goal is conceded by Ryan Bertrand. Liverpool 1-0 Reading.
45:00+0:51 GOAL - Ivar Ingimarsson:Liverpool 1 - 0 Reading Own goal by Ivar Ingimarsson. Liverpool 1-0 Reading.
45:00+0:35 Outswinging corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the right by-line, clearance made by Ivar Ingimarsson.
45:00+0:02 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Steven Gerrard, Yossi Benayoun takes a shot. Gylfi Sigurdsson gets a block
in.
44:04 The free kick is delivered left-footed by Daniel Agger from left channel, clearance by Ivar Ingimarsson.
44:04 Booking Matthew Mills is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.
43:57 Foul by Matthew Mills on Yossi Benayoun, free kick awarded.
43:06 Alberto Aquilani handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson from left
channel.
40:47 David Ngog takes a shot. Comfortable save by Adam Federici.
39:44 Yossi Benayoun has a shot on goal from outside the area which misses right.
37:00 Free kick awarded for a foul by David Ngog on Brynjar Gunnarsson. Direct free kick taken by Adam Federici.
35:08 Foul by Yossi Benayoun on Jobi McAnuff, free kick awarded. Free kick crossed by Brynjar Gunnarsson.
32:01 Grzegorz Rasiak challenges Philipp Degen unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Jamie Carragher.
30:24 Philipp Degen challenges Jem Karacan unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson,
clearance made by Steven Gerrard.
29:41 David Ngog challenges Ryan Bertrand unfairly and gives away a free kick. Adam Federici restarts play with the free kick.
28:55 Substitution David Ngog on for Fernando Torres.
25:13 The ball is sent over by Jobi McAnuff.
24:32 Outswinging corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the right by-line, clearance made by Matthew Mills.
22:54 Free kick awarded for a foul by Gylfi Sigurdsson on Philipp Degen. Philipp Degen takes the free kick.
21:20 The ball is delivered by Simon Church, Grzegorz Rasiak produces a left-footed shot from close range which goes wide of the
right-hand upright.
19:56 The ball is delivered by Steven Gerrard, Matthew Mills makes a clearance.
18:52 Fernando Torres delivers the ball.
17:39 Free kick awarded for a foul by Gylfi Sigurdsson on Steven Gerrard. Alberto Aquilani takes the free kick.
16:41 Steven Gerrard crosses the ball.
16:22 Dirk Kuyt takes a shot. Blocked by Matthew Mills.
15:30 Free kick awarded for a foul by Gylfi Sigurdsson on Philipp Degen. Free kick crossed right-footed by Steven Gerrard, clearance
made by Matthew Mills.
10:22 Simon Church takes a shot. Diego Cavalieri makes a comfortable save.
9:16 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson, Grzegorz Rasiak produces a header from deep inside the six-yard
box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
8:21 Gylfi Sigurdsson fouled by Leiva Lucas, the ref awards a free kick. Gylfi Sigurdsson produces a strike on goal direct from
the free kick, save by Diego Cavalieri.
5:19 Steven Gerrard takes a outswinging corner from the right by-line to the near post, clearance made by Grzegorz Rasiak.
3:36 Steven Gerrard delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from left wing, save by Adam Federici.
3:36 Booking The referee shows Jem Karacan a yellow card.
3:01 Corner taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard, Steven Gerrard fouled by Jem Karacan, the ref awards a free kick.
2:48 The ball is crossed by Steven Gerrard, clearance by Ivar Ingimarsson.
0:25 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jem Karacan by Leiva Lucas. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Ivar Ingimarsson
from right channel, clearance made by Daniel Agger.
0:00 The ref blows the whistle to begin the match.
Live text and data provided by The Press Association.
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