I should’ve have known when we set out fifteen minutes late from the car-park at The Hawthorns that time was to have a defining impact on the afternoon. After finally arriving at the impressive Madjeski Stadium and taking our seats I was expecting another away win for the Baggies on the road. What an immediate shock I had!
Despite Roberto Di Matteo claiming a number of changes would be made to the starting XI, it was only Simon Cox, Gianni Zuiverloon and Abdoulaye Meite who were introduced after Andy Slory somehow injured his Achilles in the warm-up.
Dreadful start
The two recalled defenders were to have a significant influence inside the first ten seconds as first Gianni Zuiverloon – more like Gianni lunatic – stumbled on the ball with Kebe gleefully accepting possession. As the winger strode forward Meite backed off allowing the midfielder to advance into the area and slot home under Scott Carson. Nine seconds into the game and Albion were 1-0 down. After Northy had stopped kicking seven shades out of the seat in front him and sat down we both looked at each other in a state of shock. Had we really just seen Albion concede inside ten seconds? Unfortunately, yes!
Despite Brunt and Bednar both doing their best geeing-up impressions towards Zuiverloon’s direction the right back was clearly shaken with his confidence in tatters – something which was crystal clear in the following 93 minutes.
Reading should’ve doubled their advantage in their next attack when a dangerous McAnuff cross was headed into the side netting from two yards out by Kebe with Zuiverloon again nowhere to be seen. Albion were shell-shocked and all over the place.
After the worst possible start the Baggies finally decided to show up. Gonzalo Jara, back in his best position in the centre of midfield, and Graham Dorrans were finally getting the ball down and playing some decent football. Dorrans burst through the middle and swung a decent ball out to Brunt in space down the right. The Northern Ireland international feigned right before whipping a brilliant ball with his left foot finding Robert Koren with the easiest of tap-ins. Albion back in the game!
Bednar could’ve given the Albion the lead following good work from Cox a minute later but, reminiscent of Gazza back in ’96, was just an inch too short to convert the inviting cross. The in-form striker was back in action minutes later when he sent a swerving shot towards Federici’s goal with the keeper only able to palm away the vicious effort.
The Baggies were well on top now and came within inches of taking the lead when Koren hit a fantastic volley past Federici with the ball unfortunately rebounding back off the post.
Minutes before half-time Jara was involved in a nasty tackle which left the right-back, left-back, centre-back, central midfielder, winger clutching his foot in agony. Week in, week out you see referees running over with red cards in their hand to the offender however the poor Chris Foy failed to give a foul. It was clear as Jara hobbled towards the tunnel at the half-time whistle we wouldn’t see him again for the second half.
After the break
Youssouf Mulumbu entered the action for the injured Jara with the midfielder about to have a short afternoon in the Albion red. I must admit I didn’t see the incident which led to Shane Long receiving his marching orders as I was passing my hip flask to Northy! You can’t beat a drop of whiskey can you? Especially when it’s snowing on you! Meite was unable to continue after the challenge – not sure how hurt he was! – with Gabriel Tamas finally replacing the defender after taking minutes to put his shinpads on. Simon Church also entered the fray with McDermott shuffling his pack as a result of Long’s dismissal.
I’m not sure why this always happens but referee Foy was only too happy to even the scores when the next challenge arose. Youssouf Mulumbu the unfortunate victim after he was adjudged to have tackled from behind. Strange when the two players were shoulder to shoulder at the time.
With a man’s advantage Albion bossed the game passing the ball nicely across midfield with Dorrans looking particularly threatening every time the ball was at his feet. The Scotsman made one jinking run into the area with Reading defenders desperately trying to flick the ball away from his feet. Their efforts failed with the ball reaching Bednar who poked the ball agonisingly inches wide.
A goal was on the cards for the visitors but it was Chris Foy’s cards which were again to hand the advantage to Reading. At the time I thought that Mulumbu had simply clipped the heals of his opposing number but the replay clearly showed him pull his shirt and bring him down. Absolutely stupid from the battling midfielder. Not only will he miss the next game but he could easily have cost us the game.
The hosts were now in the ascendancy with McAnuff only inches wide with his curling effort with Carson helpless. In one of the few chances Albion had in this period Mattock flashed an effort inches wide when it looked like the left-back would open his account for the Baggies.
In the next attack Albion’s pairing in the centre of Dorrans and Koren failed to close down Reading’s midfield with Church running on to the long ball with Olsson and Tamas simply letting the attacker run free. The forward initially saw his effort saved by Carson before stroking home rebound. Albion were heading out of the cup.
The Baggies tried to push forward but looked tired and void of any ideas. Long balls were easily headed away by Ingimarsson and Mills in the heart of Reading’s defence as the minutes ticked down. With all three subs used as well there looked little way back however I thought we’d always get another chance – after all, RDM’s men don’t lie down these days to they?
With the fourth official’s board signalling four minutes it looked as though I might well be wrong but after all we’ve got Graham Dorrans haven’t we! The Scotsman jinked his way to the edge of the area before finding Simon Cox with a clever reverse pass. The forward at first seemed to mis-control the pass but found the marauding Joe Mattock down the left. The left back took a touch before firing the ball across the keeper and into the far corner! Cue 4,000 Albion fans being sent into rapture! The Baggies had somehow salvaged a replay in the most dramatic circumstances.
On Reflection
Whoever thinks the FA Cup has lost some of its magic clearly wasn’t at the Madjeski Stadium yesterday. It was a typical and exciting cup tie. The Baggies played the better football without ever dominating or impressing yet still had to score a 91st minute to rescue a replay. After Zuiverloon’s early error it took Albion a good ten minutes to find their feet. However, not for the first time this season, we battled back twice from a goal behind. It’s this fighting spirit which will hold us in good stead for the rest of the season I’m sure.
BRING ON THE VILLA!