Reading are returning to Stockport County's Edgeley Park for the first time in 26 years this evening, hoping to avenge a 53-year wait for a win in that particular part of Greater Manchester.

Last visiting in 1998, the Royals suffered a chastening 5-1 defeat as Terry Bullivant's men eventually succumbed to relegation in May.

Ahead of tonight's trip, which see's the two sides battling for a place in the top six early on in the campaign, take a look back at the side that lost 5-1.

Nick Colgan

A young goalkeeper brought in on loan from Chelsea, Irishman Colgan made five appearances for the Royals in 1998 before finding a home at Hibernian in 1999.

Spending the 2003/04 season on loan with Stockport County, Colgan retired in 2013 with Huddersfield Town and is now back at Edgeley Park as goalkeeper coach- a role he has held since 2022.

Gareth Davies

Injury cut the full-back's career short in 2002 while with Swindon Town but the Wales Under-21 international managed 19 appearances for the Royals between 1997 and 1999.

He had previously featured for the likes of Hereford United and Crystal Palace.

Keith McPherson

A club legend by this point in 1998, central defender McPherson made almost 300 appearances in nine years with the club.

Departing in 1999, the defender had a season with Brighton and Hove Albion before retiring in 2000 and taking up coaching.

Linvoy Primus

A popular defender, Primus had joined in 1997 after impressing with Barnet and racked up nearly a century of appearances in three years.

Moving on in 2000, the central defender became a hero at Portsmouth with over 200 appearances and a Hall of Fame induction.

In 2015, Primus was awarded an MBE for services to football and charity in the town.

Andy Legg

One of the few who have called Swansea City and Cardiff City their home- racking up over 150 appearances for both South Wales rivals, the international defender made 12 appearances for Reading in-between longer stints in Wales.

Retiring in 2012, the 58-year-old has since taken up coaching roles around Wales and was most recently manager of Llanelli in 2021.

Martyn Booty

Defender Booty signed for Reading in 1996 after impressing at Crewe Alexandra and made nearly 70 appearances for the Royals.

Leaving in 1999, the 53-year-old had prominent spells with Southend United and Chesterfield before ending his professional career with Huddersfield Town.

He has since had coaching roles across non-league with the likes of Curzon Ashton and Hyde Town, however not since 2016.

Ray Houghton

A Republic of Ireland legend who was a First Division winner with Liverpool, Houghton joined Reading in the closing stages of his career and made nearly 50 appearances- ending his professional career in Berkshire in 1999.

He has since been a regular in the media for the past 25 years.

Michael O'Neill

Northern Ireland regular O'Neill partnered Houghton in midfield at Edgeley Park, one of his nine loan appearances for the club in 1998.

Enjoying a 20-year playing career with the likes of Newcastle United, Hibernian and Wigan Athletic.

He is better known these days as a manager, leading his nation to the 2016 European Championship. A short spell at Stoke City ended in 2022 and he has returned to his previous role with the national team.

Carl Asaba

Impressing with a goal every other game at Brentford, his move to Reading in 1997 was less successful as the forward hit just eight goals in 33 appearances.

Reigniting his career with Gillingham and Sheffield United, the 51-year-old is now a regular pundit for the Blades on BBC radio.

Jason Bowen

A prolific forward for three clubs in South Wales- Swansea City, Cardiff City and Newport County- Bowen scored once in 15 appearances for the club between 1997 and 1999.

In 2023, it was revealed that the 52-year-old had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

Martin Williams

A regular with Reading in the late 1990s, the forward hit 26 goals in 127 appearances for the Royals.

Leaving in 2000, his final professional match was for Swindon Town in 2001 before enjoying spells in non-league.