Reading beat League One new boys Bromley on penalties as they sunk five flawless spot-kicks to go through to the second round of the EFL Cup after a 1-1 draw.
Goalkeeper Joel Pereira proved the match winner, saving Ethon Archer's spot-kick in the shootout to claim a 5-4 victory.
Josh Stokes had given the Royals the lead but Michael Cheek responded for Bromley, who had Richard Taylor sent off in the 90th minute.
Reading struck in the 14th minute as Stokes rifled home after Kyreece Lisbie's cut back was not dealt with.
But Bromley were competitive in the encounter and deservedly equalised just after the half hour.
Omar Sowunmi's through ball dissected the defence and Cheek scored at the second attempt.
Lisbie had the first meaningful chance of the second half but headed straight at Shamal George.
Lewis Wing should have settled the tie with 20 minutes to go but smashed his penalty against the post after Lisbie was adjudged to have been fouled.
Just before added time substitute Taylor received his marching orders for a second yellow card.
Bromley survived some late Reading pressure to take it to penalties, but Wing, Charlie Savage, Jack Marriott, Liam Fraser and Randell Williams all scored before Pereira denied Archer.
Report supplied by PA Media.
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