Reading ends Bradford’s surprise FA Cup run

Reading's Garath McCleary, left, celebrates with Chris Gunter after he scores a goal during an FA Cup match. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP)

Second-tier Reading reached its first FA Cup semifinal since 1927 by beating 10-man Bradford 3-0 on Monday, ending the third-tier team’s surprise run in the competition.

Bradford had already beaten Premier League sides Chelsea and Sunderland en route to the quarterfinals, but came unstuck at Madejski Stadium after conceding two goals in the opening nine minutes.

Hal Robson-Kanu headed in from a corner in the sixth minute and Garath McCleary quickly added a second with a deflected shot after cutting in from the right wing.

Bradford had midfielder Filipe Morais sent off for a dangerous challenge in the 63rd and Jamie Mackie scored with a low finish five minutes later.

Reading, which is in mid-table in the League Championship, will play titleholder Arsenal in the semifinals at Wembley Stadium.

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