Former Rangers defender Lee Hodson enjoyed a remarkable Sunday afternoon as he helped Eastleigh dump Reading out of the FA Cup.
The eyes of all Rangers fans were on Ibrox on Sunday afternoon as the Gers beat St Mirren 2-0 at Ibrox.
Abdallah Sima’s brace gave Rangers a much-needed win after frustrating draws with Aberdeen and Aris Limassol.
Elsewhere, one former Rangers player helps produce an incredible cup upset down in England…
Ex-Rangers defender Lee Hodson helps Eastleigh embarrass Reading
The second round of the FA Cup tends to throw up some big surprises.
There is usually at least one Football League club that end up being dumped out by non-league opposition.
This year, it was Reading’s turn as they were beaten 2-1 by Eastleigh.
The Royals have their fair share of problems off the field and sit second-bottom of the League One table having been deducted four points this season.
Fans would have expected to beat Eastleigh though, with Sunday’s hosts sitting in mid-table of the National League – two divisions below Reading.
Ruben Selles and co were embarrassed though as a Paul McCallum brace – including a 94th minute winner – sent Reading out of the FA Cup.
Rangers fans will recognise one name from that Eastleigh side as Lee Hodson lined up at right back and played the full 90 minutes.
The 32-year-old joined Rangers in 2016, arriving to reunite with Mark Warburton having worked together at Watford and Brentford.
A Northern Ireland international, Hodson joined from MK Dons and was predominantly brought in as cover and competition for James Tavernier having impressed on loan at Kilmarnock.
Hodson only managed 27 appearances for Rangers and has since featured for St Mirren, Gillingham and Hamilton Academical having left Ibrox for good in 2019.
Hodson will go down as one of many signings Warburton made which didn’t really work out; the rise in expectations from MK Dons to Rangers is simply off the charts.
Now in England’s non-league scene, Hodson is playing an important role for Eastleigh and has now played a big part in a real cup upset.
Newport County or Barnet await for Hodson and co in the next round, with Eastleigh no doubt dreaming of a cup run.
