Long heroics come up short

HOW TO shatter a dream.

Shane Long has most probably contributed more than anyone to the thrill of the FA Cup this season, but the man who started his career at Cork City was dealt the most bitter of blows as Aston Villa scored four goals in the second-half to ensure their place in the semi-finals.

After scoring a dramatic winning goal against Liverpool in extra-time at Anfield in January, Long took yet more Premier League defenders to task yesterday, demonstrating all his predatory instincts to fire Reading into a two-goal lead at half-time.