Royals quick off mark but Baggies earn replay

READING scored what is believed to be the fastest goal in the FA Cup proper when Jimmy Kebe put the Royals ahead against West Brom after just nine seconds in their 2-2 draw in the FA Cup fifth round at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

Kebe slotted a left-footed shot into the net to stun the Baggies straight from the kick-off. Although Gareth Morris scored after four seconds for Ashton United in 2001, that came in the qualifying rounds, meaning the Royals midfielder may well have made history.

West Brom drew level in the 18th minute through a well-worked goal, Robert Koren converting Chris Brunt’s cross from the right.

The hosts’ job was made harder when they were reduced to 10 men just two minutes after the break when Shane Long was sent off for serious foul play following a bad foul on Abdoulaye Meite.

However, the Baggies’ numerical advantage was short-lived after Youssouf Mulumbu went after two yellow cards. And Simon Church appeared to have given the Royals victory when he scored but the Baggies were not finished, Joe Mattock firing past Federici with three minutes to go.

Elsewhere Birmingham came from a goal down to beat Derby 2-1 at Pride Park with a last-minute goal from Liam Ridgewell.

James McEveley put the Rams ahead before Scott Dann levelled and Ridgewell hit the late winner for Blues.

Portsmouth also progressed to the last eight on Saturday thanks to a 4-1 win at local rivals Southampton.

Despite being matched by Alan Pardew’s League One side for much of the fifth-round clash, Portsmouth rattled in four goals in the last 25 minutes.

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie came off the bench and opened the scoring for the visitors at St Mary’s.

Rickie Lambert levelled shortly after but Aruna Dindane, Nadir Belhadj and Jamie O’Hara netted to give the scoreline a flattering look for the bottom club in the Premier League.