READING FC Under 23s’ seven-match unbeaten run came to a halt after a 4-1 mauling at Newcastle United on Monday.

Skipper Gabriel Osho had an evening to forget after an own-goal was followed by a straight red card.

Osho’s mistake opened the scoring for the hosts, but Josh Barrett’s sixth of the season soon brought the scores level.

Barrett almost turned the game around shortly afterwards when his free-kick crashed against the woodwork.

Royals’ form dipped in the second-half when Osho was handed his marching orders for hacking down Tom Heardman in the box.

George Legg produced a stunning stop to keep the scores level, but the Magpies used the extra man to full advantage.

Substitute Luke Charman scored either side of a Callum Roberts goal to put the game beyond doubt and condemn Royals to their first Premier League 2 defeat in eight games.

Reading U23: Legg, Holmes, Osho, Andresson, Medford-Smith, East, Sheppard, Holsgrove (Davis 85), House (McIntyre 63), Barrett, Rollinson (Shokunbi 80). Subs not used: Rosario, Howe. Booked: Medford-Smith 58, House 59. Red card: Osho 57.

Under 18s

DANNY Loader returned to action for the first time since England’s Under 17 World Cup win but could not help Reading FC Under 18s avoid a 3-0 defeat against Southampton.

Royals dominated early on but their confidence was knocked back by Michael Obafemi’s second-half brace before Saints substitute Will Ferry added a third.