Arsenal vs Reading - Highbury, London - Tuesday 29th November 2005

This is always a highlight of the season - a Carling Cup home tie, with reduced ticket prices, the youth team out on the pitch, and usually a fantastic atmosphere in the ground because of all the occasional visitors.

Opponents this time round were Reading, who took over 7,500 tickets. Added to the low prices in the home sections, the ground was almost totally sold out. I had the pleasure of sitting right next to the REDsection, the designated singing section in the middle of the North Bank (although its only there for Carling Cup games), so the songs barely stopped all night where I was.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the Reading fans, who despite their number, hardly made a noise all evening. In fact, the sight of the Clock End fully seated was something I don't think I've ever seen before, and must be a mark of some rather quiet supporters!

The game ended in a good win for Arsenal's kids, against a strong Championsip side in excellent form. On we go to the next round,