Reading Under-18s exited the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday night following a gutsy 2-1 defeat to three-time winners Manchester City.

The teenagers, decimated by injuries and the selling off of talent in January, had defeated Oxford City, Forest Green Rovers, Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday en route to facing the giants.

Falling two goals down inside 20 minutes, it looked to be an uphill task for Mikele Leigertwood's side from the early stages.

However, the Royals rallied and the in-form Kiyan Coke-Miles-Smith pulled one back with over 20 minutes remaining.

Huffing and puffing, it was not to be for Reading and they exited in the round of 16.

Reading legend and Under-23 manager, Noel Hunt, commented: "Despite losing players in the transfer window & injuries over the last six weeks, our boys were outstanding tonight! "The fight, desire & passion showed tonight sums up everything our Academy/Club is about! It’s not about the dog in the fight, it’s the fight in the dog."

Reading's best run was in 2014 as the side reached the semi-final, with the likes of Aaron Kuhl, Jack Stacey and Niall Keown starring for David Dodds' outfit.