Reading took Championship promotion-chasing Burnley to extra-time, but exited the FA Cup in Round Three following a 3-1 defeat at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Under 8,000 supporters turned out as the Clarets took the lead in the second half through Lyle Foster, but Lewis Wing's long-range strike squirmed through goalkeeper Vlad Hladky's body moments later to take the game into an extra 30 minutes.

First-team regular Zian Flemming scored the winner in the first period of extra-time and another in the second period to see them into Round Four.

Noel Hunt hinted that he would field a strong side in the build-up to the tie, and he did just that. Only three changes were made from the team that drew 1-1 at Charlton Athletic last week while Scott Parker made 11 changes for Burnley, who sit second in the Championship.

Burnley came flying out of the traps and looked every bit like promotion contenders in the Championship, even having made 11 changes. Lucas Koelosho and Lyle Foster in particular caused constant troubles in the Reading backline and perhaps Parker’s side were unfortunate not to lead heading into the break.

It took three minutes for the first effort, Foster firing over the bar, and nine minutes for the first shot on target from Koleosho. Reading did grow into the game, particularly from the half-hour mark onwards, and Tyler Bindon saw a big chance go begging as he rose highest from Lewis Wing’s cross only to head over the crossbar. David Button did not have a serious shot to save until five minutes from the break, palming Foster’s effort from the edge of the box away for a corner.

Reading continued the second half as they ended the first, with much more of the ball and with a dangerous streak in them. The Clarets forced Button into a save through Koleosho, but the Royals rallied and could have taken the lead on a couple of occasions. Balls into the box from Wing and Savage caused trouble throughout and both Smith and Knibbs had chances from inside the box blocked at source.

Somewhat against the run of play for the second half, Burnley took the lead as a corner was recycled and Foster was on hand to turn past Button from the low cross. However, the lead lasted only a matter of minutes as Wing tried his luck from distance and Hladky let the effort squirm through his body and into the net.

Reading through many players forward in a hope of finding a late winner, but the referee called time and signalled extra-time. Bringing on Flemming, who scored the winner in last week’s Lancashire Derby win over Blackburn Rovers, the former Millwall man finished a strong Burnley move 10 minutes into the extra period to restore the visitors’ lead.