Most FA Cup first-round ties come down to the usual storylines: giant-killings, rare TV coverage and a big pay day for the lower-league clubs.

Peterborough United against Reading had something far more personal going on. On the touchline was Posh boss Robbie Savage, and on the pitch was his son, as they came face-to-face in a professional setting.

Reading’s midfield boasted Charlie Savage, who has followed in his father's footsteps, having become a professional footballer in 2021, and he enjoyed a unique afternoon at the Weston Homes stadium in what was a rare start for the midfielder.

Before half-time, the plot had already taken a cruel turn for Savage senior, the former Wales international, as one side dominated on a cool and cloudy afternoon in the FA Cup First Round.

Father vs son in the FA Cup

Savage was only appointed at Peterborough in October, and within weeks the draw had pitted him against the club where Charlie has played since leaving Manchester United in 2023.

The 52-year-old was open about how strange the build-up felt. He admitted that facing his son could be “horrible” and put their usual phone calls on hold, ensuring that Charlie wouldn’t accidentally let slip anything about Reading’s preparations.

“I will be consoling him or congratulating him,” Savage said of what would come after the final whistle.

The form guide only pointed one way, with Reading sixth in League One and Peterborough 22nd going into the tie, as one of the best stories of the round played out on Saturday afternoon.

Robbie Savage’s reaction to Charlie’s goal

Reading were already 2-0 up when Charlie struck in first-half stoppage time. His deflected effort found its way in for 3-0, in what was his first goal of the season, and he wheeled away to celebrate in front of the travelling Reading fans.

TNT Sports’ cameras quickly cut to the Peterborough dugout, where Savage was clearly torn between pride and the pain of watching his side go further behind.

Reaction on social media was interesting to say the least, with one fan saying: ‘He actually just looks like he’s buzzing his lad has scored but is pretending he’s p***** off.’ Another agreed: ‘He’s deffo pretending to be p***** off, he’s buzzing.’

Whilst others focused on how hard Savage was working to keep a straight face: ‘Trying his best not to be proud on the sidelines,’ wrote one. ‘He’s holding back everything he has not to smile,’ said another.

Another angle saw fans question the Peterborough boss’s acting skills, with one posting: ‘Look at manager pretending to be p***** lmfao.’

A second was even more blunt: ‘That's the worst bit of acting from Robbie trying to look angry.’

Reading added two more after the break to complete a 5-0 win at London Road, sending Charlie through to the second round and his father out of the competition.

‘It’s embarrassing’

Any pride Savage felt for his son was quickly overshadowed by his side’s display. Speaking afterwards, he called the defeat “embarrassing” and took the blame himself.

“I’m devastated. It’s not acceptable, it’s embarrassing,” he said. “It’s on me, I pick the players and I pick the tactics.”

It is a tough start to life in the dugout at Peterborough. Savage won his first game in charge against Leicester City, but Posh have now gone six matches without a win since.

For the Savage family, though, this is one afternoon that won’t be forgotten in a hurry, as this father-son duo have a professional moment in time to look back on, even if one will be happier than the other.