Source: Team_Talk
Royals boss: I thought we'd won it
McDermott's side took the lead in Saturday's fifth-round tie with one of the fastest goals in the competition's history when Jimmy Kebe scored after nine seconds, however Robert Koren soon equalised for Albion.[LNB]In-form Royals forward Shane Long was then sent off for a late challenge on Abdoulaye Meite but Baggies substitute Youssouf Mulumbu was also dismissed on the hour mark.[LNB]Simon Church looked to have ended an 83-year wait for Reading to reach the last eight when he scored with 17 minutes remaining but Joe Mattock hit a spectacular goal with just three minutes left to earn Albion a 2-2 draw and a replay back at The Hawthorns.[LNB]McDermott said: "I thought we'd won it.[LNB]"We changed the system when they went down to 10 men and we went for the win and when Simon scored I thought we were through.[LNB]"But fair play to them, they are a quality side and it was a superb goal at the end to get the equaliser.[LNB]"I think West Brom will definitely be in the Premier League next season and they showed their quality.[LNB]"The goal so early on was incredible - We worked on that in training![LNB]"But Jimmy has got so much pace that he can do that."[LNB]Long had scored four goals in the last three games for Reading but threatened to become the villain of the piece in the 48th minute when he caught Meite with an ugly challenge.[LNB]He now faces a three-game ban which could prove costly in Reading's fight against relegation from the Championship but McDermott defended the Republic of Ireland international's character.[LNB]McDermott said: "Shane went for the ball and he was half a second late but he is an honest player and there was no malicious intent.[LNB]"I'm not sure if it warranted a red card but it is up to the referee to make that decision.[LNB]"This is a great cup competition and to get into the last eight would be a hell of an achievement, and we still have every chance.[LNB]"There will be a big crowd at the Hawthorns I am sure and it is another good game to look forward to."[LNB]West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo is no stranger to early goals - he took just 42 seconds to open the scoring in the 1997 final at Wembley - but was in dour mood as he reflected on injuries to Meite and Gonzalo Jara which will stretch his promotion-chasing squad.[LNB]Jara was replaced at the break by Mulumbu, who lasted just 16 minutes before he picked up two bookings, while centre-half Meite failed to reappear after being caught by Long's wild challenge.[LNB]Di Matteo said: "I am sad today because we lost three players to injury and suspension and we could do without that.[LNB]"Jara had to have five stitches, it was a very bad challenge, and we will have to wait and see about Meite.[LNB]"It's not part of the plan to have a replay as we have lots of games coming up but we are happy to be still in the cup.[LNB]"I said that we would love to have a cup run this season and we are still in it."[LNB][LNB]
