A superb hat-trick from Regan Linney crowned a magnificent Carlisle fightback as the National League side defeated League One Reading 3-2 after extra time in the FA Cup first round.
It proved a disastrous day for new Reading manager Leam Richardson, who took over on Tuesday – replacing the sacked Noel Hunt – and had to endure a humiliating late collapse from his side.
Reading had led comfortably until the frantic closing stages, with Lewis Wing tucking home in the 32nd minute and substitute Mark O’Mahony making it 2-0 in the 68th minute with a close-range finish.
Carlisle appeared to be heading out until top scorer Linney, a 69th-minute substitute, dramatically struck in the third and eighth minutes of stoppage time.
Both were from cleanly struck shots, though home keeper Jack Stevens should have done better to save his second effort.
It took Linney’s goal tally for the season to 13 but he made it 14 in the fourth minute of extra time from another well-drilled effort after a quick Carlisle break.
Reading produced little in response as Richardson, booked during normal time for protesting too strongly to referee Ruebyn Ricardo, was unable to spark a revival at his new home.
