READING FC ended their Checkatrade Trophy group campaign on a disappointing note after a 2-0 defeat to Yeovil Town at Madejski Stadium last night.

The loss means Royals had to settle for a runners-up spot, with Yeovil going through to the knockout stages as Southern Group A winners.

As a result, Martin Kuhl's Under 23 side were denied a home tie in the next round and now face a trip to Southampton in the week commencing December 5.

Royals looked favourites to finish top of the group as they went into Tuesday night's clash as leaders thanks to a previous 3-2 victory against Bristol Rovers and a win at Portsmouth on penalties.

However, they came up against a determined Yeovil side who needed at least a draw to secure their own passage into the knockout round of 32 teams.

Kuhl named 10 Academy graduates in his starting line-up including fit-again centre-back Jake Cooper.

Dominic Samuel was handed the captain's armband while Liam Kelly and Tennai Watson were also included in the side.

There was little in the way of goalmouth action to excite the sparse crowd of just 739 in the first half.

Cooper went close with a header from a Kelly free-kick, while Royals keeper Stewart Moore denied Matt Dolan at the other end.

Liam Shephard also fired wide for the visitors before Kelly threatened towards the end of the first period.

But the Glovers broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half when Tom Eaves beat the offside trap from a free-kick and slotted past Moore.

Kuhl's side tried to find an equaliser with Tyler Frost and Andy Rinomhota both shooting over the bar before Josh Barrett saw two efforts expertly saved by John Maddison.

Reading continued to press but found Maddison in superb form as the Yeovil stopper brilliantly denied Sam Smith and Novakovich.

And Royals' hopes of a comeback were dashed late on when substitute Francois Zoko doubled Yeovil's lead with a close-range finish from another free-kick.

To compound Reading's frustrations, Kelly picked up a knock in the first half and did not reappear after the interval.

Reading: Moore, Watson, Cooper, McIntyre, Richards (Smith), Kelly (Barrett), Gravenberch, Rinomhota, Frost, Novakovich, Samuel (Keown). Subs not used: Tupper, Andresson, East, Van Cooten.

Yeovil: Maddison, Shephard, Smith, Dolan, Mugabi, Lacey, Khan (Zoko), Butcher (Ezewelle), Campbell (Eaves), Hedges, Whitfield. Subs not used: Krysiak, Copp, Sowunmi.

Attendance: 739.