Charlie Savage came out on top in the FA Cup’s Battle of the Savages with a goal against his dad Robbie’s new team, Peterborough United. 

Already two goals up thanks to strikes by Daniel Kyerewaa and Jack Marriott, Reading made a place in round two virtually secure when Robbie’s son Charlie added a third in first-half stoppage time. 

The midfielder, 23, latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the Peterborough area and fired home, with the aid of a slight deflection, before racing off towards the visiting fans and celebrating with a knee slide. 

Dad Robbie, who took over as Posh boss last month after his stint at Forest Green Rovers, looked initially frustrated at his team’s defending but you almost sensed a smile given the identity of the goalscorer.  

‘Charlie Savage’s goal is all about him seeing the danger, holding his run, letting it run across his body and finishing,’ said former Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell on BBC Sport. ‘Reading are deservedly in charge of the game, and Savage has been superb.’

Former Leicester midfielder and Wales international Robbie had feared as much in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail before the first-round tie. 

‘Charlie Savege’s goal is all about him seeing the danger, holding his run, letting it run across his body and finishing,’ said former Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell

Savage Jnr celebrates with a knee slide that his dad would have been proud of

Charlie takes advice from the Reading bench as his father Robbie (centre) looks on 

‘It’s going to be horrible,’ he had said. ‘Every time I watch my sons play, I’m anxious. I’m nervous. I want them to do well. If they give the ball away and the other team attack, I’ve got butterflies thinking, “Please don’t score”. 

That particular wish took on a new meaning as his lad lined up to shoot with his left foot to strengthen Reading’s vice-like grip on the tie. 

Like his dad, Charlie came through Manchester United’s youth ranks and made one first-team appearance, as a substitute at the age of 18 against Young Boys in the Champions League. It was an unforgettable night for Robbie, who was on co-commentary duty with a lump in his throat. 

Much the same applied on Saturday night, though this time there were mixed emotions in the Savage household. 

It got worse, much worse, as Jamie Reid netted twice in the second half to make it 5-0 to the visitors. 

Peterborough can now focus on improving their position from third bottom of League One, while Reading may wish to put thoughts of Wembley to one side as they set their sights on a promotion push. 

‘People keep telling me it’s great I’m managing against my son… it’s not – it’s horrible’: Peterborough boss ROBBIE SAVAGE and Reading star CHARLIE on their ‘awkward’ FA Cup showdown, playing for Man United and dangers facing modern young players