It's very rare in football to see almost universal support for a side who have just crashed out of the FA Cup due to a defensive lapse in the dying stages of the first half of extra time.

However, after Reading crashed out of the competition on Tuesday evening, that's exactly what we saw from the fans inside the Madejski at the final whistle and across social media after the game.

It was incredibly refreshing to see. Of course, every supporter has the right to complain after disappointing performances.

Reading currently boast the fourth worst home record in the Championship this season and actually had the worst before Saturday's victory over Barnsley. It's fair to say, cynicism from the Madejski faithful has been justified so far this season.

Against Sheffield United, we really saw just how much a team can benefit from consistently loud backing throughout the game.

After Reading fell behind very early on to a David McGoldrick goal, you could easily argue that Reading's support would've been justified in fearing the worst.

As soon as the initial celebrations from the travelling supporters died down, it was the Royals support - spearheaded by a capacity crowd in Club 1871 - that I could hear in the press box.

You could really notice how the players reacted to this backing.

Despite trailing, the midfield were brave on the ball, looking to play positive, forward passes and winning the physical battle against a very talented midfield.

On the flanks, Reading's wide men drove at the opposition with intent, trying to get into crossing positions and taking on their men with confidence.

Up front, Puscas' movement was great - he battled for every ball, made some really incisive forward runs and dispatched his penalty with supreme confidence.

The defence also dug in and looked motivated to battle for every aerial challenge and 50/50.

Of course the manager deserves credit for doing his bit to ensure heads did not drop after the early set back - I thought Bowen actually got his tactics spot on against Sheffield United.

Some fans in Club 1871 do need to be careful not to over-step the mark, we've seen the supporters group on social media urging for the support from the South Stand to be behind the team, rather than a confrontational style aimed at goading travelling support.

But the Royals support deserves massive praise for backing the side so vocally for two hours. The fans reacted to what they were seeing from the players and vice versa - it was the very definition of the old cliche, Reading's support really was the 12th man.

Confidence from support breeds confidence for the players. Confidence from the players leads to better performances and ultimately, better results. Better results equals more fans in the Madejski Stadium and more success for Reading Football Club.

Here's hoping the support matches the performance level for the remainder of the campaign.