Play-offs beckon for U23s

SAM SMITH bagged a hat-trick to book Reading Under-23s’ spot in the end of season playoffs with a 3-1 victory over Stoke City.

Needing victory to secure a top five spot in Premier League 2, Royals named a number of players with first team experience in Joseph Mendes, Smith and Andy Rinomhota among the starters, while Saido Berahino lined up for Stoke.

Royals dominated the first half at Madejski Stadium, but were struggling to break down the resolute Potters defence and when they did get through, goalkeeper Joseph Bursik brilliantly denied Smith.

But the deadlock was broken on 36 minutes when Tyler Frost broke forwards and crossed for Smith to tuck in at the near post.

That lead was quickly doubled before the break as Smith latched onto a long ball and rounded the keeper before tucking in.

Reading stopper Liam Driscoll had to be alert after the restart to preserve his clean sheet, but he was beaten when William Forrester headed in.

The post denied Smith a hat-trick after good work by Danny Loader while substitute Ben House also went close before the win was sealed on 86 minutes as Smith completed his hat-trick.

The play-off semi-final against Aston Villa takes place on Tuesday, May 1 at Villa Park (7pm).

READING: Driscoll, Odimayo, Osho (c), McIntyre (Burley 61), Frost, East, Watson, Rinomhota, Mendes (House 61), Loader (MedfordSmith 88), Smith. Subs not used: Desbois, Howe.

READING U18s ended their season with a 2-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Shamar Moore and Khalid Simmo got the Royals 2-0 up and despite a second-half Jack Spong goal, the hosts held on to win and move up to 10th in the U18 Premier League.

READING: J. Andresson, Wilson, Lawless, Philby, Balogun, Omolabi, Coleman, Faniyan (Olise 75), Simmo (Nevers 66), Nolan, Moore. Subs not used: Roberts, Stevens, Pemberton.