READING FC Under 23s are through to the Premier League Cup semi finals after beating Newcastle United Under 23s 1-0 away from home.

USA youth international Andrija Novakovich scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot 18 minutes before the end to win today's quarter final at Whitley Park.

Royals youngster Ryan East tweeted: 'Unreal win against Newcastle from the boys today to get us into the semi finals. Can't wait for the next round."

 


It was 20-year-old Novakovich who threatened first for Martin Kuhl's Royals when his shot was blocked by a Magpies defender in the fourth minte.

Newcastle responded when Luke Charman fired a free-kick wide of the target before Dan Barlaser sent a free-kick over Luke Southwood's crossbar.

Axel Andresson threatened to break the deadlock for the visitors with an effort that deflected narrowly wide, but the Icelandic teenager was also relieved to see Newcastle's penalty claims turned down following his challenge on Charman on the stroke of half time.

Royals hit back and, after Magpies keeper Nathan Harker had denied Omar Richards, Novakovich went close again early in the second half.

Kuhl's side then piled on the pressure as Novakovich and Richards missed the target from good positions before Harker came to Newcastle's rescue with a fine save from the American youngster.

Reading Chronicle:

Reading U23 coach, Martin Kuhl.

But there was nothing Harker could do to keep out Novakovich's 72nd minute spot-kick after Charman had fouled Richards, with the Royals striker sending the keeper the wrong way.

Novakovich almost grabbed his second of the day soon after, but Harker managed to keep his effort out.

Nevertheless, Reading held on for the remainder of the game to secure their place in the semi finals which are over one leg.

Reading: Southwood, Holmes, Richards, Osho, Andresson, East, Frost, Rinomhota, Holsgrove, Novakovich, Smith. Subs: Driscoll, Medford-Smith, Vancooten, Barrett.