Aiyegbeni Fires Reading Into the FA CUP Last 8

Former Everton and Blackburn Rovers striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni grabbed the match-winning goal as Reading FC advanced into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at the expense of ten-man Derby County on Saturday.

On loan Aston Villa striker Darren Bent canceled Hal Robson-Kanu’s opening strike before the Nigerian, who arrived at the Madejski Stadium on a free transfer during the January transfer window, sealed victory with his first FA Cup goal since 2007- when he scored for Middlesbrough against West Bromwich Albion.

Derby’s full-back Stephen Warnock was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 39 minute.

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The Royals capitalised on their numerical advantage to pull ahead in the 53rd minute, when Robson-Kanu curled inside the far post a left-footed shot.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni Helps Reading Seal a 2-1 Win at Derby County in an FA Cup Match. Image: Getty.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni Helps Reading Seal a 2-1 Win at Derby County in an FA Cup Match. Image: Getty.

The visitors’ lead lasted only for seven minutes as former England international Bent saw a Craig Forsyth cross deflect off him into the net.

Coach Steve Clarke’s Reading had previously lost to Derby in the Championship and the Capital One Cup this season, but Aiyegbeni prevented another reoccurrence as he latched on to a lovely through pass and then swept home from close range.