READING FC U23s got off to a winning start in the Premier League Cup with a 3-1 victory away to Birmingham City.

Martin Kuhl's side clinched three well-deserved points in their first fixture in their group on a west Saturday in Solihull.

Royals got off to a blistering start when Andy Rinomhota fired them ahead in the first minute.

Dominic Samuel flicked on a Zak Jules clearance and attacking midfielder Rinomhota raced through to score.

The lead lasted only five minutes as Birmingham levelled when Corey O'Keeffe beat the offside trap before sliding the ball past keeper Stuart Moore.

But Reading went in front for a second time midway through the first half when 17-year-old Academy scholar Tom McIntyre headed home from a Josh Barrett free-kick.

It got even better for Kuhl's side shortly after when Shane Griffin hung up a beautiful cross at the far post for Tyler Frost to head into the net for a 3-1 lead.

Reading were a major thrreat throughout the opening 45 minuets as Barrett and Jake Sheppard also went close and Samuel saw a strong penalty appeal turned down.

And both goalkeepers came into their own after the break, with Moore making a stunning save to deny O'Keepe before Sheppard was thwarted at the other end.

Luck did go against the Blues when a long-range shot beat Moore but rattled against the crossbar.

However. Royals substitute Harry Cardwell almost grabbed a fourth for the visitors late on when his angled shot drew a fine stop.

A delighted Kuhl said: “We started very well and controlled large patches of the game.

“Stuart Moore made three good saves for us, but in possession we were very good.

“It rained a lot which was great for us because the pitch was quick, which meant we could move the ball.

“We controlled the tempo of the game really well. Like the first team, we changed one formation for another dependent on what was needed.”

Royals have endured mixed fortunes in this competition after being inaugural winners in 2014 only to crash at the first hurdle against Brentford last year.

A change in format this season means Reading are competing in a group along with Sheffield United, Stoke City and Birmingham City.

Kuhl added: “Birmingham are second in their league and just a point off the top. They beat the likes of Crystal Palace and Cardiff in the last few weeks so we knew we’d be in for a decent game.

“We’ve been good in this competition – we won it in the first year, and then we got pipped in the semis the next year when we should have gone through.

“Last year was disappointing because we went out in the first round, but this year is good because it gives us more competitive games so our lads can put pressure on the first-team players.”

Reading: Moore, Sheppard, Griffin, Jules, McIntyre, Bennett, Rinomhota, Frost, Barrett, Novakovich, Samuel.

  • READING U23s are back in action tonight when they travel to Portsmouth in the Checkatrade Trophy.

The match at Fratton Park kicks off at 7.45pm.

The likes of Joseph Mendes, Dominic Samuel and Tyler Blackett are expected to be named in Martin Kuhl's squad.

Teenager Andy Rinomhota, signed from nearby AFC Portchester last year, will also feature for the Royals.

Likely line-up: Jaakkola, Watson, Blackett, Gravenberch, McIntyre, Kelly, Rinomhota, East, Cardwell, Samuel, Mendes.