Brentford progress in Carabao Cup with victory over Reading

Brentford maintained their strong start to the season on Tuesday night, securing a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup following a 2-1 win against Reading.

Goals from Callum Wilson and Fabio Carvalho were sufficient to clinch the victory against the League One team.

Reading had hopes of a late revival after a goal from Limerick native Paudie O'Connor in the 72nd minute, but Keith Andrews' side held on to secure the win.

However, the match could have taken a different turn had a significant decision not gone against the home side early in the game.

Irish defender had goal ruled out vs Brentford Paudie O'Connor believed he had opened the scoring much earlier in the match, only for his acrobatic effort in the first half to be disallowed for a high boot.

Reading centre back Paudie O’Connor scored this outrageous overhead kick But the referee disallowed it for a high boot!!! 😡 Officials ruining the beauty of the game#ReadingFC pic.twitter.com/HZfOxgdVgA, AllAboutLeagueOne (@LeagueOne25) September 16, 2026 This strike would have levelled the match at 1-1, and the decision not to allow it seems rather questionable, with O'Connor not close to making contact with the Brentford defender.

Following the match, Reading manager Leam Richardson described the decision to disallow the goal as one of the worst he had ever witnessed.

It was possibly in the top three [wrong] decisions that I’ve seen in my career - and I’ve seen thousands of games and played in hundreds. I’m not saying we win the game [if the goal stood] and I never really come out and criticise officials, but when it starts happening too regularly, you start getting really concerned.

Keith Andrews defends referees after Reading vs Brentford Officiating has been a significant topic of discussion in English football recently, particularly following the VAR error during Sunday's Manchester derby.

This incident is likely to ignite further debate, although Keith Andrews argues that some understanding is necessary as officials strive to perform an incredibly challenging role.

It’s been a tough week for officials as everybody is probably aware. I think we just need to let them ref the game and be human beings and make decisions. We have gone through a period in the game where I feel like they weren’t actually making decisions in both boxes because of the technology we have in the game and I feel like that is a real shame.

After an impressive Premier League campaign last season, Brentford supporters would certainly welcome the prospect of a cup run this year. The club has never won a major trophy, and Keith Andrews may well be optimistic about their chances of claiming some silverware in the coming months. Currently sitting seventh in the league, it could be a significant season for the London club.

Source: Balls.ie