Derby County 2-0 Reading

Derby have kept clean sheets in five of their last six League Cup ties

Johnny Russell scored to help Derby reach the fourth round of the Capital One Cup at the expense of Reading.

After a goalless first half, striker Russell opened Derby's account midway through the second with a low drive.

Derby then sealed victory when Reading's Alex Pearce turned a Chris Martin cross into his own net.

It was a deserved win for the hosts, with the away side's best chance a well-struck Jamie Mackie effort which was saved by Kelle Roos.

The victory means Derby have reached the fourth round for the first time since 2008-09, when they advanced to the semi-finals, eventually losing to Manchester United.

Despite making six changes to the team who drew 2-2 with Cardiff on Saturday, Derby still looked slick when they attacked and Jordan Ibe forced Reading keeper Mikkel Andersen to tip his stinging drive on to the crossbar.

After that scare, Reading were able to keep Derby at bay but their resilience was finally ended just after the hour.

Substitute Martin flicked the ball into Russell's path and the Scot got the better of two defenders to fire low into the bottom corner.

Martin then had a hand in Derby's second as his cross into the six-yard box struck Pearce's knee late on.

Derby manager Steve McClaren:

"We got the clean sheet and if we keep doing that we will win games. We have got players who are dangerous, can create and can score goals. We had to stay patient, but in the end it paid off.

"We haven't quite reached the heights of last season yet, when some of our football was absolutely fantastic to watch. But the style of play is coming back consistently and we have been a little disappointed with conceding goals.

"Reading are a good team and we knew it was going to be tough. But even though we made six changes, we felt the team was good enough to win - and it did."

Reading boss Nigel Adkins:

"Against a team who play excellent possession football I thought it was us who were in control of the game at that time.

"Unfortunately the goal changes the complexion. It's a great bit of wing play leading into the second goal which is unfortunately a deflection - the second one in two games now against us."