the Blues edge past Reading

                          Micah Richards scored his third goal of the season to give City the lead

Man city break Readings hearts with a Micah Richard header to set up a massive semi final with local derby Manchester united at wembley.

City defender Richards headed the winner from David Silva's corner 16 minutes from time to secure the eagerly-awaited last-four clash after the draw for the last 4 was made earlier pairing city with local rivals united.

Reading stood in the way of a first Wembley meeting between Sir Alex Ferguson's United and the club he brands the "noisy neighbours" - and they did it to great effect and with total commitment until Richards gave City the victory they needed.

 Roberto Mancini's side were frustrated for long periods at Eastlands, but also did enough to keep Reading's outstanding keeper Alex McCarthy busy as he produced a succession of fine saves and crucial blocks. 

Reading chances were few and there was unable to produce the heroic win at everton in the fifth round of the cup but had the organization to frustrate city.

city were tired from the dynamo  Kiev game on Thursday that ended in Europa League defeat, and Italian manager Mancini will be relieved to have at least delivered a Wembley appearance - and the club's first FA Cup semi-final since 1981 - as part of a return on his vast investment in City's squad.

And as City chase their first major trophy since 1976's League Cup win against Newcastle United, the prospect of United standing in their way makes the semi-final date at Wembley a mouth-watering prospect that will fire Manchester's imagination.