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Reading boss Brian McDermott eyes FA Cup run

By PA Sport

Saturday 30 January 2016 19:49, UK

Reading manager Brian McDermott
Image: Reading manager Brian McDermott wants a run in the FA Cup

Reading manager Brian McDermott revealed his affection for the FA Cup after his side beat Walsall 4-0 in the fourth round.

Semi-finalists at Wembley last season, when they were managed by Steve Clarke and lost 2-1 to Arsenal after extra-time, Reading have now reached the last 16 for the fifth time in seven years.

Now McDermott is keen to put another cup run together. 

"I love the competition," McDermott said. "We got to the semis last season and what a great day out that was. We had 40,000 fans there. What's not to love about it?

Matej Vydra of Reading scores his team's fourth goal
Image: Vydra scores his team's fourth goal

"It's a great competition and we've got the excitement now of looking ahead. It also helps to keep the season going in the Championship, it keeps the momentum going.

"The most important thing against Walsall was to get through. We did our homework on them and we knew what they were about. They're a good side, I hope they get promoted this season.

"We're trying to build something special here. That takes time. We've had some special times in the past, that's what we're trying to recreate."

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Jordan Obita of Reading and Walsall's Jason Demetriou clash during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Reading and Walsall
Image: Jordan Obita of Reading and Walsall's Jason Demetriou clash during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Reading and Walsall

Reading defeated Huddersfield in the third round, 5-2 in a replay, and were 2-0 up on League One Walsall shortly before half-time.

Hal Robson-Kanu opened the scoring in the 37th minute, lashing the ball high into the net from a tight angle after receiving Chris Gunter's swift throw-in. Soon afterwards Matej Vydra doubled their lead.

In the 75th minute Williams took advantage of a James O'Connor error and ran through to slip the ball under Walsall goalkeeper Neil Etheridge before Vydra nodded home Gunter's 89th-minute cross, for the Czech's sixth FA Cup goal in three matches.

Matej Vydra celebrates his second and Reading's fourth against Walsall
Image: Matej Vydra celebrates his second and Reading's fourth against Walsall

Walsall head coach Sean O'Driscoll said: "It took us a while to work out what we needed to do. Once we did that, we were well in the game.

"I was disappointed that a quick throw-in from Chris Gunter undid us. We were a bit shell-shocked. Then we went 2-0 down.

"Against a battle-hardened Championship team, you have to do the right things at the right times. Sometimes it won't be pretty and we have to make sure our decision-making is better.

Danny Williams of Reading celebrates scoring his team's third goal against Walsall
Image: Danny Williams of Reading celebrates scoring his team's third goal against Walsall

"We've got a lot of big league games coming up and some of the lessons the players have learned will stand them in good stead."

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