Football: Far from slick City win battle of the Quinns

Reading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Manchester City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

(Manchester City win 3-2 on aggregate)

WITH ALL their divisions and distractions, an early exit from the Coca-Cola Cup to third-rated opposition was the stuff of nightmares for Manchester City, and the relief was both spontaneous and tangible last night when Niall Quinn rescued them with a free header nine minutes from time, following Terry Phelan's pin-point delivery.

The taller, younger of the mighty Quinns had therefore claimed the most decisive contribution of a finely balanced second leg. Earlier, Jimmy, an admirable target man still, had supplied Reading's second-half equaliser and provided the impetus that promised to take them to the third round.

An impressive performance of immense heart and no little skill almost took the Second Division challengers to the extra half-hour. In the last minute, Andy Dibble dropped a cross and, although Keith Curle cleared Stuart Lovell's goal-bound effort, the corner pressed City's panic button once more. This time Dibble did well to fend off Keith McPherson's attempt, a follow-up header hit the woodwork, and City survived.

Measured, composed and happy to make a game of it, Reading seemed in need of a more straightforward approach at times, because Quinn would clearly win them important touches in the areas of most reward.

On a splish-splosh of a surface, both sides had problems dealing with crosses. Fitzroy Simpson, preferred to the departing Rick Holden, was wasteful with two chances that resulted from high balls, though it was a pass of international pedigree from Steve McMahon that enabled Steve Lomas to drive home his first senior goal in the 42nd minute.

Reading wasted little time forcing an equaliser after Jeff Hopkins had chipped the ball back in and Quinn's head was uppermost as he found his 11th goal of the season. Asked to come back a second time, Reading fell narrowly short and a 15-match unbeaten run at Elm Park was at an end.

Reading (5-3-2): Hislop; Ranson (Taylor, 83), Hopkins, McPherson, Williams (Gilkes, 68), Kerr; Gooding, Dillon, Parkinson; J Quinn, Lovell. Substitute not used: Veysey (gk).

Manchester City (4-4-2): Dibble; Edghill, Kernaghan, Curle, Phelan; Lomas, Flitcroft, McMahon, Simpson; Sheron, N Quinn. Substitutes not used: Mike, Holden, Margetson (gk).

Referee: P Jones (Loughborough).