Richards proves he’s City’s head boy as old rivals United loom in Wembley showdown
MANCHESTER CITY (1) vs READING (0)
ENGLAND defender Micah Richards was the hero as his header booked Manchester City’s first Wembley appearance for 12 years.
Richards powered home the winner from David Silva’s corner 16 minutes from time to secure an eagerly-awaited FA Cup semi final clash against Manchester United after the draw had earlier paired the derby rivals together.
Reading, who had beaten Premier League Everton in the last round, had their goalkeeper Alex McCarthy for keeping City at bay until quarter of an hour from time, but manager Brian McDermott was proud of his side’s efforts.
He said: “They [the Reading players] can compete against the best teams in the country, you can see that.
“Everybody who’s seen that game today would say maybe we were a little unfortunate not to get the result. If we can do that on a stage like this, we can do that anywhere.”
SEMI-FINAL DRAW
Manchester City v Manchester United
Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City
Both matches will be played at Wembley on the weekend of 16 and 17 April.
Betting (odds from Paddy Power):
11/10 Manchester United
9/4 Manchester City
5/1 Bolton
6/1 Stoke