Reading fielded an under-strength line-up and embarrassed Bryan Robson's West Brom by gaining a well deserved FA Cup third-round replay after late penalty drama at The Hawthorns.

Royals boss Steve Coppell made six changes from the starting line-up which faced Cardiff on Monday and a controversial late spot-kick converted by Zoltan Gera looked to have given Albion a fortunate win.

But Reading substitute Kevin Doyle levelled with a second penalty seven minutes from time after Baggies defender Martin Albrechtsen had clearly handled.

The visitors played the better football and had the man of the match in midfielder Stephen Hunt who caused West Brom plenty of problems.

Albion seldom moved out of second gear against the runaway Coca-Cola Championship leaders for whom Brynjar Gunnarsson impressed in defence.

Fit-again Albion midfielder Ronnie Wallwork had the first attempt on goal but his swerving 20 yard drive was comfortably dealt with by Reading 'keeper Graham Stack.

Bryan Robson had urged Albion to play pressure free football away from the demands of the Premiership relegation battle.

Reading had a let-off in the 12th minute when Gunnarsson's clearance looped off Nathan Ellington and past a stranded Stack.

But the ball cannoned against the post and the West Brom striker slipped over before he could convert the rebound.

Recalled Albion 'keeper Chris Kirkland showed his worth when he blocked a left-footed shot from Dave Kitson who had burst clear of the defence.

Reading started to come more into the game and were understandably not lacking in confidence after an unbeaten league run stretching back to the opening day of the season.

James Harper tried his luck from 25 yards but Kirkland was well positioned to deal with his well-struck drive.

Chris Makin was booked after going to ground too easily when challenged by Darren Carter just inside the area.

Albion were struggling to move into top gear but Kanu nearly found a way through the visitors' defence after 34 minutes.

Curtis Davies surged upfield from defence to get on the end of a precise pass from Kanu but he was at full stretch when he stabbed the ball straight at Stack.

West Brom tried to build up a head of steam as half-time approached and Darren Moore met a cross from Jonathan Greening but could get no power on his header which was collected by Stack.

A foul by Moore on Shane Long on the edge of the Baggies area presented an opportunity for Nick Shorey to test Kirkland but the 'keeper was equal to the task.

Robson would have been looking for an improved performance from his side after the break, and Kanu was only just off target with a low 20-yard drive after receiving a crossfield pass from Darren Carter.

Ivar Ingimarsson produced a strong tackle to deny Ellington as he threatened to burst clear of the Reading defence.

Robson only waited eight minutes of the second period to make a double change with Kevin Campbell and Geoff Horsfield replacing Ellington and Inamoto.

Sidwell had a good opportunity when he found himself with a clear run at goal from Oster's pass but he lobbed the ball over Kirkland and wide of the far post.

The game was still struggling to come alive, although Kitson was yellow-carded after a flare-up with Davies in the 67th minute.

It was his last contribution before he was substituted with Kevin Doyle entering the fray up front.

Reading continued to look the more likely to break the deadlock and Kirkland saved a crisp effort from the impressive Hunt.

But with 10 minutes left a controversial penalty gave Gera the opportunity to put the Baggies ahead.

Makin appeared to make no contact with Horsfield following a Gera cross, but referee Matt Messias pointed to the spot and the Hungarian international made no mistake.

Three minutes later justice was done when Martin Albrechtsen handled in the box and Kevin Doyle scored from the spot to bring Reading level.

Teams:

West Brom Kirkland, Albrechtsen, Curtis Davies, Moore, Robinson, Greening (Gera 72), Wallwork, Inamoto (Horsfield 53), Carter, Ellington (Campbell 53), Kanu.

Subs Not Used: Chaplow, Kuszczak.

Goals: Gera 82 pen.

Reading Stack, Makin, Gunnarsson, Ingimarsson, Shorey, Oster, Sidwell, Harper, Hunt (Little 86), Kitson (Doyle 69), Long (Lita 59).

Subs Not Used: Hahnemann, Sonko.

Booked: Makin, Kitson.

Goals: Doyle 84 pen.

Att: 19,197

Ref: M Messias (S Yorkshire).