Lee Morton brace helps Reading past University of Exeter

Lee Morton scored two of the goals, but will be kicking himself for not completing a hat-trick, as he missed a penalty stroke as the Blues were looking to get back in the game after falling behind to goals from George Carson and James Ferguson inside the opening 13 minutes.

And the visitors would have had a couple more goals but for fine saves by keeper Chris Weaver.

Three minutes after Morton had sent his flick high and wide of the net, Reading's first penalty corner of the match led to Chris Ellison opening their account in the 28th minute.

Matt Richards had a shot superbly tipped over the Exeter crossbar before Morton made amends for his earlier miss by equalising with half-time fast approaching.

Having finished the first 35 minutes strongly, Blues maintained the tempo after the break and always looked the more likely side to go on and win.

When awarded another penalty stroke in the 54th minute, skipper Ciaran O'Connell took on the responsibility and made no mistake from seven yards to put his side ahead.

Blues continued to control the game, but had to wait until the final minute for their fourth goal with Scotland international Morton firing home from the top of the circle.

"We won comfortably in the end," said head coach Jason Lee. "We didn't do much wrong early on apart from missing a few passes and Exeter took their goals well. But we stayed disciplined in the second half and didn't let them score again.

"Overall, it was a good performance, but we still have a lot to work on as a team."

Reading remain sixth in the table, just three points behind Beeston in third place with half of their fixtures completed.

This Sunday (12.15pm) they visit Brooklands Manchester University, who are one place below, them but six points adrift.

Reading, playing their last league game of the year, will be seeking a double, having won 4-3 at home in September.