Reserves smash six past Pirates

A very experienced and strong looking Reading XI side thumped a second string Bristol Rovers side 6-0 at Hogwood yesterday, with Ivorian striker Mathieu Manset bagging a hat trick.

Brian Howard, Ian Harte and Sean Morrison were the other scorers in an experienced side which contained many first team players including Bongani Khumalo, Brynjar Gunnarsson and Alex McCarthy.

Midfielder Howard opened the scoring just before the break with a good strike from distance with the Royals onslaught coming in the second half. Manset made it two with a firm header before Ian Harte scored trade mark free kick.

The Vital Reading August Player of the Month was then to set the game alight as he stormed through the Pirates defence before slotting home. ‘Beast` then completed his hat trick as he volleyed from the edge of the box to put Reading five goals to the good.

6`5 defender Sean Morrison then rounded off the rampant Royals` scoring after an Ian Harte set piece let to Morrison tapping in. The afternoon proved to be a crucial one for the Royals, showing the true strength in depth.