Reading boss Steve Coppell was delighted with his players' battling qualities in last night's 1-0 Carling Cup defeat of Swansea City.
Defender Sam Sodje was sent off in the 58th minute, leaving Reading to scrap for their lives against committed and quality opponents.
But when Lita, making his first start of the season, nudged home Dave Kitson's cross there was no way back for the home side, whose poor finishing ultimately cost them dear.
A relieved Coppell said: "We wanted to be through to the next round and I think that showed tonight.
"We had a desire to be in the next round - we wanted to get through.
Coppell labelled the second yellow card brandished by referee Kevin Friend to Sodje as "outrageous" but also paid tribute to Lita and Kitson.
Coppell added: "They both did terrifically well and you like healthy competition in all positions."
