Ruben Selles’ young Royals pulled off an upset for the ages on Tuesday night, blowing away Championship Millwall 4-0 to progress to the Second Round of the EFL Cup.
Academy graduate Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan broke the deadlock inside the first minute with an well-executed lob over the Lions’ onrushing goalkeeper, before doubling his tally with a tap-in shortly after the break.
Charlie Savage went on to open his account with Reading via a sumptuous free-kick from 23 yards out, while Mamadi Camara’s late goal completed the rout.
Here’s how the players fared…
Coniah Boyce Clarke 7: Largely untroubled in the first half but pulled off a great stop on the hour mark. Commanded his box with authority in the closing stages.
Amadou Mbengue N/A: Took a nasty-looking blow to the face and was forced off after 18 minutes.
Matthew Carson 6: Struggled to read the ball over the top and got caught out on a number of occasions. To his credit, never gave up and grew into the game.
Nelson Abbey 8: Captained the side on the night and led by example. Never afraid to put a foot in and contained Millwall’s front line with a maturity far beyond his years.
Tyler Bindon 8: Outstanding. Not overawed by the occasion and impressed with his calmness on the ball. His positioning and ability to read the game will put him in good stead this season.
Tivonge Rushesha 7: Industrious as always and adapted well when moved to right-back following Mbengue’s substitution. Tidy in possession.
Lewis Wing 6: Adopted the six position next to Rushesha and then Craig, before making way at half-time. Did well to track late runners and will benefit from the minutes.
Mamadi Camara 7: Was visibly delighted with his goal, which was more than deserved. A dynamic threat through the middle and created plenty of chances for his teammates.
Harvey Knibbs 6: Worked hard out of possession but was a little quiet on the ball in truth. The manager decided to replace him at the interval, presumably with Saturday’s trip to Port Vale in mind.
Caylan Vickers 7: So positive. Set up the opener with a perfectly-weighted through ball and was a livewire in the first half. Could have doubled Reading’s lead after being played in by Camara, and was perhaps unlucky not to be credited with Ehibhatiomhan’s second.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 8: Took his goals brilliantly, chipping the ball over Bialkowski inside the first minute and tapping in from underneath the crossbar. Held the ball up better than in previous matches.
Substitutes:
Michael Craig 6: Didn’t bat an eyelid despite being introduced earlier than he would have expected. Typically composed.
Charlie Savage 7: What a way to open his goalscoring account with Reading. His free-kick, and subsequent celebration, will live long in the memory of the travelling fans.
Femi Azeez 5: The intent was there and he put himself in good positions – just needs to be more clinical.
Harlee Dean 6: Good to get some minutes under the belt.
Basil Tuma 5: Left his marker for dead in the build-up to Camara’s goal.
Nesta Guinness-Walker: N/A
