Reading FC opened up their EFL Trophy campaign with a home victory over West Ham United U21s.
Goals from Jayden Wareham and Kelvin Abrefa had the Royals in a comfortable position before an own goal from Harlee Dean put the Hammers back in the contest before a second-half goal from Tyler Sackey sealed the points.
Wareham drew first blood when he sprinted in behind the West Ham defence, latched onto Ben Elliott’s pass and lashed the ball into the far corner.
Abrefa had the Royals two in front after 30 minutes when he was found by Charlie Savage’s pass and blasted the ball past the keeper.
The Hammers found a way back into the game when a low cross was diverted into his own net by Dean.
Ruben Selles opted to make a double switch at the back which saw Ehibhatiomhan and Savage replaced by Tiovonge Rushesha and Ashqar Ahmed.
Reading found their third goal of the night late in the game to seal the points when Tyler Sackey made it 3-1 with five minutes left.
Reading: Boyce-Clarke, Garcia, Kanu, Dean, Abrefa, Savage, Spencer, Elliott, Akande, Ehibhatiomhan, Wareham
Subs: Ahmed, Pereira, Craig, Harrison, Osho, Rushesha, Sackey
West Ham U21s: Herrick, Mayers, Luizao, Casey, Scarles, Akpata, Orford, Robinson, Swyer, Moore, Ajala
Subs: Adiele, Battrum, Brown, Dolaghan, Hooper, Rigge, Tarima
Goals: Wareham 22’, Abrefa 31’, Dean (o.g) 38’, Sackey 85’
