Reading FC to host rivals Oxford United in December

Having not met competitively since 2004, the high-flying U's were due to visit the SCL Stadium tomorrow, were it not for both sides having too many players away on international duty.

Instead, Tuesday, December 12 has been confirmed as the backup date for the return of the derby.

Reading faced fellow rivals Swindon Town on Tuesday, the first competitive meeting for over 20 years, with the Royals winning 5-0 in the EFL Trophy.

📅 The new date for our home encounter against Oxford United has been scheduled as 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟐 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 (𝟖𝐩𝐦).

And a fall-back date has also been pre-agreed, should either side need an FA Cup second-round replay.

Full info here 👇

— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) October 12, 2023

There was crowd trouble both before and after the match, with police dogs and choppers present. This is despite just 6,000 supporters turning out for the minor competition.

In comparison, a season-high crowd will be expected against Liam Manning's promotion chasers.

However, there is potential that the game could take place on Tuesday, November 19.

This is if either Reading or Oxford United are required to play an FA Cup Round Two replay.