READING FC’s FA Cup replay with Stevenage last week, which saw them switch from blue to orange shirts at half time, prompted club historian David Downs to delve into his memory bank once again.

He recalls the time in 2002 when Royals played at Chesterfield. Keeper Phil Whitehead’s top clashed with the home side’s colours, leading kit-man Ron Grant to go into the club shop at half time to acquire a new jumper for Whitehead for the second half.

Then looking back even further, David recalls the FA Cup tie at Southport in the 1951-52 season. The game ended 1-1, but the replay at Elm Park was played on January 1 with Reading needing to change their strip.

With the shops closed, club secretary Fred May drove down to Portsmouth to borrow kit from them. Reading won that replay, and they were also successful against Stevenage.

And that struck a cord with Downs, who suggested Reading should change the music they run out to from Sweet Caroline to Out of the Blue, the popular RAF march that introduces Sports Report on BBC Radio each Saturday.

  • READING-BASED coach Aftab Habib is coaching Galaxy Gladiators Lantau, one of the five franchise teams who will be playing in the Hong Kong T20 Blitz next month.

His squad includes Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, who played for Surrey last season.

  • EUAN Woods’ performances for England in the U19 World Cup currently taking place in New Zealand will have been noted by first class counties.

The Berkshire and Henley CC all-rounder hasn’t had his contract with Surrey extended, so if they no longer want the 19-year-old from Wargrave, then other counties look set to step in, with Hampshire and Middlesex likely to be among those interested.

  • READING Hockey Club failed to reach Super 6s finals day at the Copper Box Arena this Sunday, but seven of their former players are involved in the semi finals.

Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh, Abi Harper, Ashlie Caddick and Ellie Cockburn are playing for East Grinstead, Samantha Quek is in the Bowdon Hightown squad, while Holcombe include Dirkie Chamberlain.