Brighton 1 Reading 2: Royals survive Tyler Blackett’s dismissal and a late onslaught to stun Seagulls in EFL Cup
Former Manchester United kid sent off in first half but strikes from Quinn and Swift proved enough for Jaap Stam's side
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READING survived Tyler Blackett’s dismissal and a late onslaught to stun Brighton.
The Royals lost the ex-Manchester United kid to a straight red in the first half.
Yet they still made the fourth round thanks to goals from Stephen Quinn and John Swift - though sub Tomer Hemed ensured a nervy finish with a late strike.
Jaap Stam’s side deserved the win and threatened early when Dominic Samuel and Liam Kelly went close.
While Oliver Norwood - who left Stam in the lurch by quitting the Madejski for the Amex three days before the season started - drilled just wide from distance for the hosts.
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Stam’s side went in front on 31 minutes as Brighton failed to clear a corner, allowing Irishman Quinn to blast in from eight yards out.
But ten minutes later Blackett was sent off for a crunching challenge on Belgian debutant Sebastien Pocognoli.
Chris Hughton’s men almost equalised straight after as a well-worked free-kick saw ex-Royal Glenn Murray head against the crossbar.
The Amex was only a fifth full but the 6,235 souls who did show no doubt thought the Seagulls would press home the man advantage after the break.
But those hopes were dealt a huge blow on 54 minutes when Swift curled beautifully into the far corner from the edge of the box.
Brighton pushed late on with Steve Sidwell having a shot cleared off the line after some pinball.
And on 84 minutes, Israeli hitman Hemed lashed in from close range for a pulsating end.
Stam was then left breathing a huge sigh of relief as penalty was NOT given when Callum Harriott appeared to catch Hemed - and the ten men somehow made it through six minutes of injury time.