Reading FC: Under 23s fall to narrow defeat to Bayern Munich in Premier League International Cup

Scott Marshall’s youngsters took on Bayern’s second-string at Wycombe’s Adams Park in a hotly contested cup tie.

Royals showed some promising signs early on, but fell behind with just 11 minutes on the clock when Niklas Tarnat raced on to a Maxime Awoudja through-ball and slotted past Anssi Jaakkola.

However, they almost levelled two minutes later when Pelle Clement’s first-time effort flew a shade wide after good work from Josh Barrett.

Reading continued to carve out chances with Jordan Holsgrove narrowly missing the target from an Adrian Popa assist.

Barrett also tested Bayern keeper Leo Weinkauf then Omar Richard saw his effort cleared off the visitors’ line after a neat one-two with Popa.

Bayern, though, ended the first half on top with Jaakkola making two saves in quick succession to deny Mario Crnicki from close range and Niklas Dorsch from the edge of the box.

However, Reading thought they had levelled early in the second half when Danny Loader tapped in, but Popa was flagged for offside in the build-up.

And their luck was out again moments later when Clement’s effort from Popa’s cross was blocked on the line before Ryan East’s follow-up was desperately saved by Weinkauk.

Bayern were struggling to create much of their own in the second period and were relieved to see a Tiago Ilori header from a Holsgrove free kick land on the roof of the net.

But the visitors held on for the win after a frustrating night for Marshall’s young side.

Reading return to Premier League 2 action on Monday when they host Southampton at Hogwood Park (12.30pm ko).

Reading U23: Jaakkola, Sheppard, Ilori, Richards, Blackett (Holmes 70), Holsgrove, Clement, East, Popa, Barrett, Loader. Subs not used: Legg, Medford-Smith, Rollinson, Nolan.

Bayern Munich II: Weinkauf, Turkkalesi (Gotze 60), Mayer, Tarnat, Pantovic (Zylla 46), Crnicki, Awoudja, Obermair, Isherwood, Dorsch, Benko (Shabani 46). Subs not used: Rossi.