Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni made himself an instant hero for Reading as he scored the match winner in the 1-2 victory over Derby County in Saturday’s FA Cup Fifth Round tie.
Aiyegbeni who joined Reading on a free transfer from Qatar came from the bench to score in the 82ndminute after barely 10 minutes on the pitch to the delight of traveling Reading fans.
It was Hal Robson-Kanu that put Reading 1-0 ahead in the 54thminute with a curling finish into the far corner.
However the lead for the visitors lasted for just seven minutes as Derby were back on level terms when Lingard’s shot deflected off Darren Bent and spun into the back of the net.
With 20 minutes left on the clock Reading Coach Steve Clarke called on Yakubu to come rescue the situation and the Nigerian striker did not disappoint as he fired in the winner with 8 minutes left on the clock.
Having now opened his goals account, it is expected that the Yak as Aiyegbeni is fondly referred to will continue to bang in more to give Reading the chance of a quick EPL comeback.
