A lacklustre Reading failed to get out the traps against Brighton and Hove Albion Under-21s, exiting the EFL Trophy on penalties at the Amex Stadium.

Here are the ratings.

Joel Pereira, 6: Made two big saves, after the keeper had given the ball away from a poor kick, but had a quiet evening in Sussex. Kept two penalties out but it was still not enough as three Royals failed to even hit the target. 

Amadou Mbengue, 6: Had flashes of his usual self, loving to get forward and recovering well. At times he bullied his opposite winger, using experience and strength to win his individual battles.

Nelson Abbey, 6: Easiest day at the office for the defender, who had little to do throughout the 90. Didn't take a penalty.

Tyler Bindon, 7: Probably one of the better performers on the pitch. The New Zealand international made one key last-ditch tackle and another superb block to keep a clean sheet. Best attacking chance too, hitting the post from a corner.

Jeriel Dorsett, 6: Not as effective as previous weeks, struggling to impose himself as an attacking force. Had a relatively quiet evening from a defensive perspective, with the hosts offering little threat.

Michael Craig, 6: Quiet but went about his job without fuss. Not one he will remember in weeks to come.

Lewis Wing, 6: The most experienced player on the pitch, he tried his best to drag the team to victory but it was not enough. His hold on the game waned as it progressed, taken off before penalties to preserve energy for Saturday.

Charlie Savage, 6: Full of hustle and bustle, the youngster ran himself into the ground. Testing the keeper on a few occasions from distance, the Wales international was unable to properly connect with one of his trademark long-range stunners.

Femi Azeez, 5: Below par from the star performer, who never seemed to make the right decision when faced with a decision to make. Hopefully saving all his efforts for League One.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, 5: Bad evening for the youngster, who never truly got in the game. Saw chances pass him by and struggled to hold it up. Won't be challenging Sam Smith for a league start based on the performance against the young Seagulls.

Paul Mukariu, 6: Hit and miss from the wide man, who usually has a good strong performance in the EFL Trophy.

 

Substitutes

Caylan Vickers, 5: Struggled to get into the game for the final 30 minutes. Topped off by failing to hit the target from the penalty spot.

Jayden Wareham, 6: Different kind of striker to Ehibhatiomhan, harrying and hustling the defenders constantly. Never had a chance in open play, but took his penalty well.

Clinton Mola, 6: n/a

Tivonge Rushesha, n/a