JORDAN Holsgrove’s late screamer earned Reading FC U23s a first Premier League 2 win with a 2-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Martin Kuhl’s youngsters got their campaign off to a stuttering start with defeats to Southampton and Blackburn, conceding nine goals in the process.

But they were in front at the Amex Stadium with less than 15 minutes on the clock thanks to Josh Barrett.

The 19-year-old midfielder picked his spot perfectly as he drilled a shot past former Royal Billy Collings following good work from debutant Andre Burley, Ramarni Medford-Smith and Ben House in the build up.

Reading keeper George Legg denied Max Sanders then Jordan Davies headed wide as Seagulls looked for a reply.

Burley almost made it 2-0 when his volley from a Tyler Frost corner was smartly saved then Legg did well to deny Daniel Mandriou at the other end.

Brighton equalised 10 minutes after the restart when Steven Alzate squeezed an effort past Legg from William Collar’s delivery.

They threatened to go in front when Aaron Connolly’s effort deflected an inch past the post off Gabriel Osho.

But Reading finished strongly as Danny Loader forced a spectacular save from Collings.

And the visitors did grab a winner with just seconds remaining when Ryan East rolled a free-kick into the path of Holsgrove who smashed it into the top corner from 25 yards.

Brighton U23: Collings, Collar, Cox, Hutchinson, Hall, Kerr, Bjordal (Connolly 46), Sanders (Ajiboye 75), Alzate, Mandriou, Davies (Tilley 38). Subs not used: McGill, Moore.

Reading U23: Legg, Holmes, Medford-Smith, Burley, Osho, East, Frost (Howe 71), Holsgrove, Barrett, Loader, House (Olusanya 76). Subs not used: Driscoll, Shokunbi, Rollinson.