Harrison Reed hits late winner as Fulham triumph at Stoke in FA Cup

Harrison Reed’s opportunistic finish carried Fulham into the fifth round of the FA Cup as they came from behind to see off Championship strugglers Stoke 2-1 at the bet365 Stadium.

The Potters have not won a game since seeing off Coventry in the previous round, with three losses and three defeats, but started well against a Cottagers side showing 10 changes from their midweek defeat by Manchester City.

South Korean midfielder Bae Jun-ho capped a fine move by putting Mark Robins’ team ahead after 19 minutes but they were overpowered as their Premier League opponents settled after the interval.

Brazilian winger Kevin got his reward for a livewire performance in the 55th minute, sending a first-time effort into the bottom corner after cutting in from the left, and a self-inflicted error cost the hosts dear with six minutes remaining.

Under siege for long periods, goalkeeper Tommy Simkin attempted a short pass to Tatsuki Seko, who was caught daydreaming by Fulham’s captain-for-the-day Reed. He collected the ball as Seko tumbled to the turf, finished calmly and sealed the London club’s place in the next stage.

Both sides had early sights of goal, Stoke’s Ashley Phillips missing at the back post after meeting a floated free-kick and Reed shooting over from the edge of the box after Rodrigo Muniz did well to keep the attack alive.

For Fulham, American full-back Antonee Robinson was a lively starter down the left but the raft of changes made for some careless passing that threatened to invite trouble. The home side drew the first save, cup regular Benjamin Lecomte blocking with his feet after Sorba Thomas rifled a low shot through a crowd of bodies.

The opener duly arrived and it was expertly worked, Tomas Rigo feeding Eric