Half-Time Report: Nick Blackman fires Reading into shock lead against Everton

Reading are on course to cause one of the biggest shocks of the League Cup third round after Nick Blackman gave the Championship side a half-time lead against Premier League Everton.

The Royals, fresh from a 2-0 victory at Bristol City at the weekend, tried to find an early breakthrough with Aaron Tshibola taking aim at the visitors' goal, but found himself quickly closed down.

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However, the Berkshire outfit nearly conceded inside the opening 10 minutes as Arouna Kone saw his initial shot blocked before the Ivorian fired narrowly wide of the target.

Reading, undeterred by Everton's initial pressure, continued to press the Toffees' defence and went close to taking the lead when Blackman, who scored twice at Ashton Gate on Saturday, brought a save out of Joel Robles.

Blackman again threatened the Blues' goal midway through the half as he was again thwarted by Robles, in for first-choice stopper Tim Howard, before Romelu Lukaku hit a left-footed strike over the bar moments later for the visitors.

Nine minutes before the break, Reading managed to edge in front as Blackman unleashed a powerful effort, which found the top corner of the net for his sixth goal in as many games.