Reading rise to beat Birmingham in Carabao Cup
Posted Wednesday, August 15, 2018 by PA
Reading secured their first victory of the season when they eased past Sky Bet Championship rivals Birmingham 2-0 in the Carabao Cup first round.
Yakou Meite gave Reading a half-time lead with a thumping drive and John Swift’s clever free-kick secured the win against a hugely understrength Birmingham team.
Reading, who are bottom of the Championship after losing their opening two matches, went ahead in the 11th minute at Madejski Stadium.
Marc McNulty flicked through a superb pass and Meite ran on to it before unleashing a fierce shot past goalkeeper Lee Camp from the edge of the area.
Birmingham manager Garry Monk made 11 changes to his starting line-up, with the home league game against Swansea on Friday clearly on his mind.
His side lacked cohesion and failed to threaten until near the half-hour mark, when Connor Mahoney forced a smart save from Sam Walker.
Birmingham improved after the break and Viv Solomon-Otabor should have done better when directing over a close-range header.
Reading could also have increased their lead, with Sam Baldock missing a sitter from McNulty’s precise cross.
However, Reading did extend their advantage in the 72nd minute, when Swift curled home an excellent 20-yard free-kick past Camp.
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