Hunt is Royals hero

Debut joy for Reading striker

Last updated: 12th August 2008

Hunt is Royals hero

Hunt: Late winner

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Noel Hunt grabbed a last-minute winner for Reading in a 2-1 Carling Cup victory at Dagenham & Redbridge.

The Royals striker, who was making his debut, added to James Herny's first half strike.

Solomon Taiwo had pulled the hosts level midway through the second period but it proved not to be enough.

Hunt, brother of team-mate Stephen, played no part in Sunday's draw at Nottingham Forest in the Championship, but Steve Coppell included him in the side on Tuesday as he made best use of his squad.

Hunt pounced from close range after 87 minutes to break Dagenham's hearts after the League Two side more than matched their opponents who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Reading went in front after 26 minutes when Henry nodded home, but the home side were level in the second half through Taiwo's 25-yard drive in the 68th minute.

Paul Benson missed a glorious chance to put the home side ahead when he was put clean through, only for Marcus Hahnemann to block with his legs, and they were made to pay by Hunt's late strike as the frontman, who enjoyed plenty of scoring success in Scotland last season, grabbed his first competitive goal for his new club.