Under 18s go top, as under 21s fight out stalemate

Reading’s under 18 side beat Bolton 2-0, while the under 21s drew 0-0 with Bolton’s under 21 side.

The under 21 side, boasting Brynjar Gunnarsson as the only experienced first-team member, fought out a stalemate with their Lancashire opponents at Hogwood Training Complex. Another notable starter in the XI was defender Michael Hector, who has returned to Reading after a loan spell at League One outfit Shrewsbury.

However, the under 18 side enjoyed a 2-0 victory over the Trotters, taking them top of the Academy League table. Jack Stacey and Liam Kelly were the scorers as they overtook Bolton, who were the side perched on top spot. Eamonn Dolan’s called it a ‘a real ‘Reading’ performance’ and said it ‘epitomised everything that’s good about the club’.