Royals through to Round of 16 with penalty shootout success
Perfect penalties book the Royals' spot in next round of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, after Savage's superb curling effort helped the side get back on level terms towards the end of the second half.
In an early exchange, Smith and Wing showcased some delightful link-up play on the right flank, creating the first real threat. A swift one-two allowed Wing to advance down the wing, delivering a dangerous ball across the box, but Charlton managed to clear the danger.
Charlton exploited a moment when Elliot was caught off guard near the halfway line, allowing May to slip behind the Reading defence. Abbey exhibited impressive composure, tracking his man and nullifying any potential threat from Charlton's striker.
Wing tested the keeper's attention with a powerful long range effort from outside the box, Maynard-Brewer had to settle for parrying the ball wide and behind for a corner - which unfortunately didn't lead to a chance for the Royals.
Mbuenge's dynamic run down the right flank offered another opportunity for Reading. Although the fullback reached the ball first and found himself in a goal-scoring position, his shot veered wide, resulting in a Charlton goal kick.
Elliot orchestrated a brilliant switch, releasing Wing on goal. The midfielder controlled the ball well, but his shot rebounded into Vickers' feet. Charlton breathed a sigh of relief as Vickers failed to direct his attempt on goal.
Charlton threatened as Fraser positioned himself outside Reading's box. Controlling an awkward ball, he set up for a volley, but to Pereira's relief, his attempt sailed over the bar.
The visitors broke the deadlock just before halftime. Campbell evaded his marker, delivering a precise cutback to find May. Charlton's number nine seized the opportunity, applying the finishing touch right before the break, making it 1-0 to Charlton.
Half-time: Reading 0 - 1 Charlton
As the clock hit the hour mark both sides were unable to create any clear cut chances in the first fifteen minutes, Reading saw more of the ball as they searched for an equalizer whilst Charlton remained stern in their defence.
Selles turned to his trio of substitutions in his search for a Reading equalizer, Azeez made a bright impact as he laid off Vickers who’s shot was goal bound before a Charlton defender flung his body at the ball and stuffed the danger.
Carson did well to pick the pocket of Charlton’s midfielder, he drove forward and was urged to shoot however his shot was dragged wide, Reading still in need of a goal as the clock was ticking.
What a goal from Charlie Savage. Some relentless chasing from Ehibhatiomhan saw the substitute win the ball back for Reading in a key area as he picked out a Reading shirt, waiting on the box was Savage who picked up the ball and curled a beautiful effort into the top left corner as he earnt Reading a vital equalizer.
Savage’s curler set up an electric finish to the game, with penalties looming the game was end to end with both teams in search of a late winner, five minutes of added time went up on the board with both teams throwing everything at each other’s defence.
Elliot came close! Some great build up play down the left saw Knibbs deliver a great cross into the Charlton box, Elliot instinctively flicked his attempt goal bound however the ball trickled inches wide.
The Royals kept pushing to find that all important winner, but in the end they couldn't find the break through as the game finished level after 90 minutes, which meant penalties would decide the winner.
Full-time: Reading 1 - 1 Charlton Athletic
Penalties:
Reading: Knibbs (Scored) , Carson ( Scored) , Azeez (Scored) , Vickers ( Scored)
Charlton May (Missed) , Fraser ( Scored) , Hector (Scored) , Watson (Missed)
Reading (4) – (2) Charlton
Reading: Pereira, Mola, Elliott, Smith (Ehibhatiomhan, 77) , Mukairu (Azeez, 65), Hutchinson (Savage, 65), Bindon, Mbengue (Carson, HT), Wing (Knibbs, 65), Abbey ©, Vickers.
Unused subs: Button, Dean
Goals: Savage ( 82)
Yellow cards: Carson, (46)
Charlton Athletic: Maynard-Brewer, Jones (Thomas, HT), Dobson ©(Anderson70) , Hector, May, Fraser, Edun (Asiimwe,70) Watson, Campbell (Kanu,86) , Watson, Rylah (Mbick,70)
Unused Subs: Walker, Casey.
Goals: May (42)