Walsall emerged victorious in a dramatic EFL Trophy Round of 32 match against Reading, prevailing 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
The Saddlers started brightly, carving out their first chance just two minutes in. George Hall and Rico Browne combined to set up Johnson, whose shot was saved by Reading goalkeeper David Button. Walsall kept the pressure on, with Albert Adomah going close moments later, but his effort whizzed narrowly wide.
Reading responded in the 12th minute when Sam Hornby expertly stopped Jayden Wareham’s close-range header. However, as the first half drew to a close, Walsall came closest to breaking the deadlock. Earing’s effort inside the six-yard box was scrambled off the line, and a subsequent free-kick delivery from Evan Weir narrowly missed its target. Reading held firm, sending the teams into the break level at 0-0.
Second-Half Drama Unfolds
The second half began with Reading making a tactical substitution, but the match took a dramatic turn in the 58th minute. Goalkeeper Button was shown a red card for a foul on Hall, forcing the visitors to play with ten men and bring on substitute keeper Tom Norcott.
Walsall pressed their advantage, but Reading struck first in the 72nd minute. A misjudged long ball from the Saddlers’ defence allowed Tyler Sackey to fire home from close range, giving the visitors a surprising lead.
The momentum shifted again three minutes later as Reading’s Ashqar Ahmed was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. With Reading reduced to nine men, Walsall pushed for an equaliser. Substitute Reyes Cleary nearly levelled the scores in the 81st minute with a curling effort that sailed just over the bar.
The Saddlers finally found their breakthrough deep into added time. Cleary delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, which Nathan Lowe nodded on for Johnson to slot home from close range, sending the game to penalties.
Shoot-Out Glory for Walsall
In the penalty shoot-out, Walsall held their nerve. Hornby was the hero, saving efforts from Wareham and Charlie Wellens. Adomah, Johnson, Donervon Daniels, and Cleary converted their penalties, securing a 4-2 shoot-out win and a spot in the next round for the Saddlers.
Writer’s View
This was a test of resilience for Walsall, who showed commendable determination to come from behind against a Reading side reduced to nine men. While the Saddlers could have been more clinical in open play, their ability to stay composed under pressure and dominate the shoot-out reflects a team with growing confidence. With momentum on their side, Walsall fans can look forward to the next stage of the competition.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
