Midfielder scores hat trick as U21s triumph

Reading midfielder Lawson D’Ath scored a hat trick as Reading’s U21 side beat Norwich 3-0 yesterday.

Except the highly-experienced Brynjar Gunnarsson, the Royals line-up consisted of youth players under the age of 21. A notable name in the Norwich team was former Reading target Danny Butterfield, who opted to join the Canaries after the midfielder stalled over a move to the Madejski Stadium over the summer.

D’Ath’s first goal came in the opening minutes, firing an effort past Jed Steer after driving past the Norwich backline. The young midfielder, who made his debut for the Royals in the FA Cup last year, scored a second with a fine, curling effort from the edge of the area. He then completed his hat trick from close range in the second half.

Reading: Henly, Arnold, Webb, Gunnarsson, Partridge, D’Ath, Tshibola, Taylor, Losasso, Samuel, Tanner
Subs: Lincoln, Cooper, Jenkinson, Ikpeazu, Oliyide