Ireland keeps up City momentum

The young midfielder stunned Reading when he latched on to a ball from Geovanni to strike a wonderful volley.

The visitors had looked set for a point when James Harper cancelled out Martin Petrov's opener only for Ireland to have the last word.

Bobby Convey had two half-chances for the visitors before City made the breakthrough through Petrov after 10 minutes.

Vedran Corluka began the move and released Ireland who found Elano in the area. The Brazilian's effort rattled the post then Emile Mpenza's shot was blocked by goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann before Petrov found the net.

City were rocked back on their heels three minutes before half-time when Reading drew level in a swift counter attack. Convey clipped the ball inside and James Harper found the corner with a sweet finish to the delight of the travelling fans.

City were then dealt another blow immediately afterwards when Croatia full back Corluka limped off. He was replaced by Sun Jihai.

Eriksson decided to make a switch at half-time and brought on Georgios Samaras for Mpenza up front, however he saw his side on the back foot in the 47th minute when Kevin Doyle found space down the right. He tried to pick out Dave Kitson in the centre but put too much weight on the pass and the chance was lost.

There was a buzz of anticipation among the home fans when Geovanni shaped to take a free-kick in the 84th minute but his effort came back off the wall.

Geovanni then hooked the ball over the top from 10 yards before Ireland grabbed a dramatic winner in stoppage time. He sent a superb volley beyond the goalkeeper.