Reading 1-1 Liverpool

A disappointing Liverpool performance saw them held by Championship strugglers Reading in the FA Cup third round.

Rafa Benitez fielded a full strength side but still went behind after 24 minutes, conceding from a set-piece once again. Simon Church poked home from close range after Gregor Rasiak had kept the ball in play when Liverpool failed to win the ball from the cross.

Liverpool equalised through Steven Gerrard‘s cross from deep that evaded the Reading keeper after Dirk Kuyt’s step-over.

Liverpool were absolutely woeful, with full backs Emiliano Insua and Stephen Darby struggling in possession, resorting to hacking the ball away time and time again and failing to impress.

A replay will take place at Anfield on 13th January.