Reading have held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw in the third round of the FA Cup despite losing goalkeeper Adam Federici midway through the second half.

The Royals, who are sitting just above the drop zone in the Championship, opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Simon Church, sending shockwaves through the Liverpool camp but the Reds managed to rally and net themselves an equaliser at Madejski Stadium.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard was the man that came to the rescue just after the half-hour mark but he could not lift his side to a win as Reading held sway and recorded an unlikely draw.

The result was completed without 24-year old Australian Federici who appeared to pull his hamstring and had to be replaced by Ben Hamer in the 69th minute.

Earlier, Federici had escaped punishment when he handled outside the area after a Gerrard pass was destined for Fabio Aurelio but the referee only awarded a free-kick.

However, Liverpool just managed to avoid an embarrassing defeat and will have to return to Anfield for a replay with the Royals.