READING FC Under 23s secured a 3-2 victory against Brentford Under 23s at Hogwood Park.

Royals fell behind on Wednesday when Bradley Clayton volleyed home in the ninth minute.

Danny Loader levelled from the penalty spot six minutes later – only for Herson Rodrigues Alves to miss a penalty for Brentford soon after.

However, Ben House netted to put Scott Marshall’s hosts ahead then Ryan East struck on the hour mark for a 3-1 lead.

Theo Archibald reduced the arrears with 20 minutes to go, but Reading held on.

The win came on the back of a 9-1 thumping by a strong Brentford 'B' team in a friendly at Hogwood on Sunday.

Adrian Popa netted a consolation for the Royals with an exquisite free kick.

Royals U23s are back in action at Madejski Stadium on Monday when they host Wolves U23s in Premier League 2 Division Two (7pm ko).

Reading are third in the table, level on points with leaders Aston Villa, and unbeaten in four matches in all competitions.

They also boast a 100% record at Madejski Stadium this season having beaten Villa 3-1 in November through Josh Barret's brace and a Ben House goal.

Mashall's men also saw off Brighton in January when Loader netted an injury-time penalty to secure the victory.

As always, parking will be free for Monday's clash against Wolves, who are also unbeaten in four.

Reading Under 18s 3 - 1 Leicester City Under 18s

READING FC made it back-to-back wins with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City in Premier League Under 18 South.

David Dodds’ youngsters followed up their FA Youth Cup triumph over Charlton Athletic last week by claiming all three points against the Foxes at Hogwood Park on Saturday.

Royals were denied a second-minute lead when Jakub Stolarczyk saved Ayo Faniyan’s penalty.

But Khalid Simmo broke the deadlock midway through the second half before Faniyan added a second soon after.

Alassane Meite pulled one back for the Foxes before the break, but Charlie Lawrence sealed the win with a third 15 minutes from time.

Dodds beamed: “It was a pleasing result after the cup win and a lot of credit must go to Ryan Williams who worked alongside Mikele Leigertwood to prepare the boys.”

Reading U18: Desbois, Wilson, Elva-Fountaine, Balogun (Coleman 15), Nditi, Omolabi, Simmo, Lawrence, Faniyan, Wallace, Nolan (Nevers 60). Subs not used: Hansen, Boyce-Clarke, Buchanan.

  • READING’S FA Youth Cup fifth-round clash at Colchester United will take place on Tuesday, February 6 (7pm ko).