Royals demolish NK Dravograd

The Royals put in a very good shift, as they tore apart Slovenian third division side NK Dravograd on Friday afternoon.

McDermott opted to go for two different teams each side of half time, with Hunt and Manset starting up front in the first period and it was the Irishman who put the Royals in front. Noel was fouled in the box and stepped up confidentially to put McDermott`s men one up.

Former Hereford striker Manset then doubled the advantage as he struck from from 12 yards giving the Dravograd keeper no chance. He should have made it 3-0 shortly over but lashed over after good work from Hunt.

However, Manset made up for his miss minutes after as he crossed for Hunt to make it 3-0 with a poacher`s header at the back post.

Reading then had the ball in the net thanks to Brian Howard but only to see the offside flag raised, with Robson-Kanu suffering the same fate minutes later.

Hunt then completed his hat trick on 35 minutes after a close range finish, following a cross from the right hand side.

Manset then got his second and Reading`s fifth after Howard slipped him through with a clever pass.

The Royals put out a different team in the second half which included top scorer Shane Long, who was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after a quickly taken free kick, was harshly penalised by the referee.

The Republic of Ireland international did soon have some joy as he set up strike partner Simon Church to tap in for 6-0 to Reading. Long did get on the scoresheet eventually 15 minutes later as he slotted home well after being put through.

Reading pushed for the 8th with Dravo`s keeper making a good save from McAnuff after a good run from the newly appointed captain. Bignall then had a goal disallowed in the final moments but overall a very good run out from the Royals.

First half team: Hamer, Cummings, Pearce, Harte, Tabb, Kebe, Howard, Leigertwood, Robson-Kanu, Hunt, Manset

Second half team: Hamer, Taylor, Morrison, Gunnarsson, Williams, Antonio (Bignall), McAnuff, Karacan, Obita, Long, Church

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.