NUHIU AT THE DOUBLE AS STAM’S STRUGGLES GO ON

JOS LUHUKAY won a duel of Dutch managers with Jaap Stam to guide Sheffield Wednesday into the fifth round with unlikely ease.

Reading had more chances — and better ones — but were punished by clinical finishing.

Atdhe Nuhiu scored twice and George Boyd hit his first for the club before Cameron Dawson’s late own goal. Surprisingly, considering the quality of chances they gave up, it was the first goal Wednesday have conceded in Luhukay’s four games as boss.

After fine displays in 2017 that saw both clubs reach last season’s play- offs, neither have managed a Championship goal in 2018 and lie 17th and 18th. The key difference is that Wednesday’s slump cost Carlos Carvalhal his job whereas Stam continues to survive as Royals boss.

Reading made the smoother start, so it was a surprise when Wednesday sprang a devastating attack on the half hour. Frederico Venancio’s pass was a peach, especially for a centre back, and Nuhiu closed in from the right to finish with great composure.

Reading were wasteful after the break. Yann Kermorgant was guilty, but Wednesday keeper Dawson was excellent to deny Jon Bodvarsson.

Nuhiu inflicted the punishment from Marco Matias’s cross, before Boyd angled a third goal and Reading substitute Sam Smith forced an own goal.