Souness, who saw two of his players, defender Francis Benali and midfielder Robbie Slater, sent off to add to their tale of humiliation, had told the referee before the game that in his opinion the pitch was not fit to play on.

"He then made two astonishing statements," Souness claimed. "First he said that it was like a pitch in August and then he said it would be OK if the players only went at it 90 per cent.

"As this was an important FA Cup match I found that incredible. But then Mr Poll has a reputation of wanting to make a name for himself in the game. He certainly did that today."

Although Souness was still adamant that the pitch was unfit for play, he praised Reading for their victory, saying: "They worked hard for their win and I wish them luck. When we got back to 1-1 I thought we were back in it but when Benali was sent off we were always chasing the game.

"If Benali made contact with his elbow he deserved to be sent off. As for Slater, he has denied swearing at the linesman."

Poll made a statement after the match which said that Benali had been sent off for violent conduct and Slater for a foul followed by an abusive comment to a linesman. He also insisted that the pitch had been playable, but refused to make any further comment. The controversy could not hide the fact that Reading were well worth this giant-killing victory. They kept it simple, they worked hard and what they lacked in quality they more than made up for with their commitment. Southampton might have high-calibre players in their ranks but their self-belief looks practically non-existent.

Reading's joint-manager, Jimmy Quinn, said: "We had nothing to lose because we were playing a team from a higher division with a lot of quality players. We kept our discipline and gave them a lot of problems by the way we played. I was disappointed when we let them back into it but then we kicked on again and we could have scored quite a few more."

Reading had gone in front after only 19 minutes - and it was a gift of a goal, too, of which Southampton have been conceding many this season.

Reading striker Martin Williams had burrowed purposefully into Southampton's penalty area on the left but then over-elaboration had given possession to the big defender, Klaus Lundekvam.

But instead of thumping the ball clear, Lundekvam dawdled on it and lost it to Williams' challenge. The ball bounced free and James Lambert, who was to go on to become Reading's outstanding player, lashed it past Dave Beasant at the near post.

Southampton, for whom Matt Le Tissier was back in action after a nine-match lay-off, equalised in the 49th minute, a delightful through-ball by Eyal Berkovic sending in the big Norwegian striker, Egil Ostenstad, who scored with a low but fierce shot from 12 yards.

If Reading's heads dropped it was only momentary and within six minutes they were ahead again. A cross from the left by Lambert was headed back into the middle by Trevor Morley and Darren Caskey scored with a spectacular volley.

Said Caskey: "It's always a great thrill to score goals like that one but it was even more pleasing to prove that we can play good football. We've had a lot of critics this season but all that's been missing is consistency. I fancied our chances today."

Reading's third came from the penalty spot from Morley after he had been fouled by Benali, the offence which brought about his dismissal. And Morley might have had a hat-trick with a little more steadiness.

In the 78th minute, for instance, a surging run down the left by Michael Gilkes ended with a delightful cross, but Morley steered his header into Beasant's arms. Ten minutes after that he hit the bar from close range again.

Southampton were dreadfully short of attacking ideas. Ostenstad was as willing a workhorse as ever up front while Berkovic provided some stunning touches at times, but Le Tissier only flitted sporadically in and out of the action and eventually he was booked when, in frustration, he tried to drag the shirt off the back of Reading's impressive defender, Andy Bernal. Souness now has a major battle on his hands to keep the team in the Premiership and also rebuild their mangled confidence for their Coca-Cola Cup quarter-final match this week. - Daily Telegraph Report