Under 21s behind in first leg of final

The under 21s lost their first leg of the under 21 Premier League cup final, but can make amends at the Madejski Stadium next week.

Martin Kuhl’s young side came up against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of the final and started the game superbly. Goals from Ugwu and Tanner put the Royals 2-0 up in game, but Devante Cole got a goal back just before half time.

The game’s turning point came on the hour mark, as Jake Cooper was sent off for deliberate handball on the line. He was therefore sent off and Marcos Lopes equalised from the spot. We held our own until the 88th minute, when Cole completed the comeback for City.

Disappointing blow at the end for the youngsters, but proved they can more than match their opponents and will be confident for the second and final leg at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday 19th April. Hopefully a good crowd will be there to cheer the young starts on!

Reading under 21 XI – 4-4-1-1: Lincoln, Keown, Sweeney, Cooper, Griffin, Stacey, Tshibola, Kuhl, Fosu, Tanner, Ugwu