Reading FC Under 21’s gave the fans yet another reason to be proud of the club’s prestigious academy with an impressive victory over Ajax U21s.
Making their debut in the Premier League International Cup, Noel Hunt’s team were able to claim all three points over the Dutch side who are famed for having an iconic academy system.
Tyer Sackey opened the scoring for the Royals and Ajax equalised before the break before an own goal settled the game in the second-half at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Reflecting on a huge performance from his side, Hunt told Reading FC’s media: “I thought we were great, from the first minute, I thought our energy, intensity and then moments we switch from off the ball to on the ball.
“The control in the spells of the game, large spells, first half especially was really pleasing.
“We mixed the play really well, and we do seem to have a little thing here how we want to start game.
“The style we want to oppose ourselves on, getting a foothold in the game, where we want the play, the areas we feel comfortable in.
“They took it on board, they were great on Monday in training, to go and deliver it, against a team like Ajax, it was really pleasing to see.
“We saw it from the warm-up, they were so sharp, they were so focused. I think there was a real inner focus from the team meeting, you could sense and feel it. In the team you’ve got young players like Andre [Garcia], he was outstanding, Ashqar [Ahmed] the other full back who was equally as good, Tyler [Sackey] who scored – everyone was just outstanding.
“Then alongside them you have some key senior, experienced players like Harlee Dean coming in to help – so everyone played their part.
“These boys have been outstanding through all the controversy and disappointments.
“These lads have been shining, and it is a pleasure to go to work with them every day because they come in with the right attitude, they want to work, and you can see that out there how well they work, how hard they work.
“That’s what we just spoke about after the game, the fundamentals of our club, the underdog mentality, and the work we had, the desire to win.
“And I’m delighted it was there to be witnessed in front of our home supporters. There are some great memories from the end of last season playing here, the boys really feed off that energy the supporters bring. When we go on the pitch, you can hear the supporters get behind you.
“So it was a pleasure again, I’m very lucky and blessed to play in front of all these people, so thank you to them.”
