The last decade has not seen too many thrilling third round clashes, with the early stages littered with wholesale changes and empty stands, however it has seen the Royals reach the semi final for the first time in over 120 years.

Since 2012/13, with Reading then a Premier League side, five seasons have seen the club win their opening tie.

But for every win over Huddersfield, Blackpool and Crawley Town, there's a defeat to Brighton, Manchester United or Kidderminster Harriers.

Here are three of the best third round ties for the Royals in the last decade.

2015/16: Reading 5-2 Huddersfield Town

A trip to the John Smith's Stadium was the draw, the second successive season that the club would begin their journey against the Terriers.

A dull first half burst into life after the break, with four goals shared in the final half hour to set up a replay at the-then Madejski Stadium.

Over 8,000 saw a classic as six goals were shared in Reading's favour.

Jamie Paterson and Tommy Smith put the visitors into a 2-0 lead after just 15 minutes, but Jonathan Hogg's red card turned the game on its head.

Lucas Piazon pulled one back almost instantly before a Matej Vydra second-half hattrick ensured it was the hosts who progressed.

Loveable Spaniard Alex Fernandez netted his only goal for the club deep into stoppage time to add some gloss and set up a fourth round tie with Walsall.

2017/18: Reading 3-0 Stevenage

Showing how little options there are, one of the best third round ties of the last decade was a replay against fourth tier Stevenage.

A 0-0 draw in Hertfordshire caught the attention for the wrong reasons when captain Paul McShane confronted angry supporters. Frustrations were high and the club went on to endure their worst finish for almost 20 years come May.

Looking to put together a morale-boosting cup run, almost 5,000 turned out on a midweek to watch the Championship strugglers ease to a win.

Jon-Dadi Bodvarsson netted twice in the last knockings of the first half to all-but seal progress, but history was made when the hosts came out wearing their away shirt after half time, with the referee deciding the kits were too similar.

It did not matter to the Icelander, who completed his hattrick with 25 minutes remaining to complete a hattrick in two separate kits.

The run would end in the next round, comprehensively beaten 3-1 by divisional rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

2019/20: Blackpool 0-2 Reading

Reading faced five matches on route to round five in 2020, being taken to replays by Blackpool and Cardiff City in the opening two rounds.

Over 10,000 saw League One Blackpool twice take the lead in Berkshire, but the hosts twice fought back through Sam Baldock and Danny Loader.

Another 5,000, many of whom went along for Royals midfielder Charlie Adam’s emotional return to former club Blackpool, witnessed a relatively straightforward 2-0 win at Bloomfield Road to set up a tie with the South Wales Bluebirds.