READING FC Under 18s picked up their first win in the Premier League Cup with a 1-0 home victory over Southampton.

David Dodds’ Royals had lost to Norwich City and drawn with Manchester City in their opening games in the competition.

And they rounded off the group stages with a much-needed victory at Hogwood Park on Saturday.

Reading were fortunate to go in level at the break after Southampton squandered a first-half penalty.

And the hosts capitalised on the lucky break when a Jack Nolan cross was finished off by Samuel Faniyan midway through the second period for what proved to be the winner.

Dodds stated: "We played Southampton two or three weeks ago and, although we dominated possession, we didn't create an awful lot.

"This time, we actually addressed that and we created quite a lot in the first half. They missed a debatable penalty, but we continued to create chances.

"Then in the second half, we scored and had a couple of little chances to put the game to bed.

“Southampton hit the bar late on when they kept putting the ball forward, but the boys defended well.”

Next up for Reading U18s is a home tie against Millwall in the FA Youth Cup third round at Madejski Stadium next Thursday (7pm ko).

“I think the FA Youth Cup is one of the closest games in making your debut for the first team,” added Dodds.

“There's a lot of hype around it. Sometimes the management are there watching with the hierarchy and there's a little bit of pressure on it.

“It'll be interesting to see how the players react to it."

Reading U18: Desbois, Wilson (Lawless 55), Akinwale (c), Nditi, Elva-Fountaine (Hansen 80), Buchanan, Faniyan, Coleman, Nolan, Lawrence, Simmo (Nevers 64). Subs not used: Roberts, Stevens.