Young Reading midfielder Ben Purcell has joined National League South Farnborough after being recalled from a spell with Hartley Witney.

The Wales Under-17 international, who started for Noel Hunt's Under-21s on Monday, played 16 times for Row and left a lasting impact.

Director of Football Anthony Millerick was full of praise for the youngster.

"We were lucky to have Benj for as long as we did," said Millerick, "and that is largely thanks to his parent club. There's no hard feelings at all about him moving on now. He's still a young man and Reading were keen for him to push on and test himself at the highest level possible. He's had a positive time with us and is now going into Farnborough with people we know will look after him."

"Benj deserves the opportunity to play at the highest level he can," added Hartley Wintney manager, Ian Selley. "He has been good for us and leaves with our very best wishes and thanks for what he contributed in his time with us. He's a great lad, and you could tell he's been with a pro club, always on time, always early to sessions, preparing himself."

Farnborough are mid-table in the sixth tier, nine points off of the play-offs and eight points clear of relegation.