READING booked their place in the last eight of the FA Cup thanks to a 2-1 win at Championship rivals Derby County.

In an excellent cup tie the Royals’ Simon Cox hit the post in the first 45 minutes and they also had a big shout for a penalty following a handball from Richard Keogh.

The home side then had Stephen Warnock sent-off after 39 minutes, as he picked up his second yellow card for the Rams, after he fouled Jamie Mackie.

After the break, the visitors opened the scoring from Hal Robson-Kanu and with a nice curling finish.

Despite being down to 10 men Derby equalised as Jesse Lingard’s shot deflected off the thigh of Darren Bent.

Eight minutes from time new Reading signing Yakubu struck to book his side a place in the last eight of the competition.

Reading manager Steve Clarke said: “All credit to Derby for the way they played with 10 men. We are pleased to be in the next round.”

The Royals will find out their next opponents on Monday, when the draw for the sixth round takes place at Deepdale at 7.35pm on BBC1.

This will be ahead of the final fifth round tie of the competition, between Preston North End and Manchester United.

Reading return to Championship action on Tuesday evening, when lowly Wigan Athletic travel to the Madejski Stadium (kick-off 8pm).