Reading FC

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• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

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McDermott proud but gutted

08 Mar 2010 - 09:04:31

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Reading manager Brian McDermott had mixed emotions after watching his side lose 4-2 at home to Aston Villa in a thrilling FA Cup sixth round tie.

The Royals led 2-0 at the interval at the Madejski Stadium, before their Premier League visitors roared back to progress to the semi-finals.

McDermott said afterwards: "I thought we were outstanding in the first half. Our play was excellent and I'm looking forward to watching it again on TV.

"We were good value for a 2-0 lead and we could even have had more goals, but we came up against a class side.

"If you are going to lose a game, that's the way to do it, especially in the FA Cup.

"We needed to keep it tight for the first ten minutes after the break and we just couldn't do that.

"It wasn't nerves. We came up against players who could be in the Champions League next year. They have pace, power and quality all over the pitch.

"But I think we gave them as tough a game as they have had all season. I am gutted but proud.

"Our players could not have given any more and we have gone out of the FA Cup in the right way."