Reading hosted Watford today in the third round of the FA Cup, with the home side claiming a 2-0 victory at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
A 35-year-old Shane Long rolled back the years with a goal in the 93rd minute, sealing the win for the Royals with a sublime first touch and a slick finish.
Long originally rose to prominence with Reading after signing for the club in 2005 from Cork City, staying with them until 2011, and playing alongside the likes of Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt.
The Tipp man then left for West Brom, before moving to Hull City, Southampton, a loan move to Bournemouth, and eventually back to Reading earlier this summer.
Watching his goal today was like stepping into a time capsule, back to the striker's prime days.
Shane Long Rolls Back The Year With FA Cup Goal For Reading
There's something beautifully FA Cup about Shane Long scoring in a Reading shirt 🤩#COYBIGpic.twitter.com/Vj3uJq43ne
— Kenny's Kids (@KennysKids) January 7, 2023
READ HERE: Southampton Fans Gutted To See Shane Long Leave The Club
Following the game, the managers of both sides gave their thoughts on the proceedings.
Reading manager Paul Ince: "It was a really good performance from us and we passed the ball really well.
"I know they [Watford] had some injuries and they were starting a couple of young lads but we were the most dominant team.
"We sometimes lacked that cutting edge but I can't moan because we won and it's a clean sheet at home."
Watford manager Slaven Bilic: "Considering everything it's a good learning process for some of our younger players who showed strength, ambition and character.
"The first goal was a strange one and a bit unlucky.
"But we showed in the second half that even with this inexperienced team we could stay in the game and create a couple of chances."
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