Reading

Mark Bowen reacts to Reading’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Sheffield United

Speaking to the club’s official website, Reading boss Mark Bowen has said he hopes the supporters are proud of his players after their FA Cup Fifth Round defeat to Premier League side Sheffield United.

Reading were unable to secure a place in the FA Cup’s quarter-finals on Tuesday night, falling in extra time to high-flying Premier League side Sheffield United.

The Royals were put on the back foot from the beginning, with David McGoldrick putting the Blades 1-0 up after just two minutes, heading home after a cross from Ben Osborn.

Reading fought their way back into the game shortly before the end of the first half, with striker George Puscas scoring from the penalty spot with 43 minutes on the clock after Andy Rinomhota was judged to have been fouled by George Baldock.

But, when the game went to extra time, it was Sheffield United who were able to press on and secure a place in the quarter-finals. Luke Freeman’s cross was met by Billy Sharp after 105 minutes to ensure Chris Wilder’s side ran out 2-1 winners.

After the game, Reading boss Mark Bowen reflected on the tie, saying that he hopes his supporters are proud of his side’s showing in their Fifth Round clash. Speaking to the club’s official website, he said:

“I wanted our fans to go away tonight with a smile on their face because we had won the game and we were in a quarter-final. They may not have a smile on their face, because we were beaten. But I hope that they can go away feeling pride in their team.

“There were times when we had to get the shape right and soak up pressure, let them have the ball a little bit – that was part of our game-plan. But there were long periods of the game where we took it to them and played some really good stuff.

“Every man, every individual. It’s difficult to finish the game with nothing to show for all that effort. That’s really galling.

“I thought we looked like we might win it in extra-time or at least take the tie to penalties, but football has a habit of coming back and kicking you in the backside if you get too far ahead of yourself. And that’s what it did tonight. 

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