READING FC Under 23s were beaten 3-0 by Premier League 2 leaders Everton at Goodison Park on Monday night.
The Toffees went ahead in the first half through Nathan Broadhead's header from a Jonjoe Kenny cross.
Royals recovered from the early blow and were more of a match for the hosts for the remainder of the first period.
But the visitors faced an uphill task when Kieran Dowell and Henry Charsley both netted within 10 minutes of the restart.
Dowell went on a powerful run from the half-way line and, with Reading back-tracking, drilled the ball past Jonathan Bond for a 2-0 lead.
Everton wrapped up the victory soon after when Charsley converted from close range after his initial effort had been blocked.
Reading hope to bounce back when they host Birmingham City in the Premier League Cup on Monday (1.30pm ko).
Royals currently top Group H and a victory against the Blues would secure their place in the knock-out stages.
The fixture has been switched to Wycombe's Adams Park due to the rearranged first-team fixture against Fulham at Madejski Stadium the following evening.
Reading: Bond, Watson, Jules, Dickie, Cooper, Gravenberch (Novakovich 34), Rinomhota, Frost, Loader, Barrett, Smith. Subs not used: Southwood, East, Medford-Smith, Howe.
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