Tyrell Ashcroft scored the only goal of the game as Reading FC begun their pre-season campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Lincoln City.

The game was played behind closed doors at Reading's Bearwood Park training ground.

Former West Brom winger Kyle Edwards played 56 minutes for Reading as a trialist.

Dejan Tetek had the first chance of the game, drawing a stop from the Imps' goalkeeper after being played in by Andy Yiadom.

John Swift was next to come close during a dominant start to the game, firing over the bar from a free-kick 25 yards from goal.

Yiadom then fired a fierce effort from the edge of the area but was again denied by a good stop.

Swift then saw a deflected effort from outside the area rattle the crossbar halfway through the first half.

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After Laurent came close, the Royals made several substitutions for the final half an hour.

Midfield substitute Leavy spotted Camara in space who in turn picked out Tyrell Ashcroft with a lofted pass. 

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Ashcroft met the ball as it dropped and placed a shot past the onrushing City keeper and into the bottom corner.

The Royals continued to press for a second goal as the game entered its final minutes.

Ehibhatioman came close late on but couldn't get to a through ball ahead of the gaolkeeper.

That was the last action of the game as the Royals opened their pre-season account with a win.

Next up for Paunovic's men is a game against Aberdeen at the end of their week-long camp in Scotland.

Then, West Ham and Charlton will be the visitors to the Madejski Stadium on July 21 and 24 respectively, before the Championship season gets underway with a trip to Stoke City.