Andy Carroll scored his first goal for Reading since his return this month as Noel Hunt's Under-21s beat Millwall at the SCL Stadium.

A strong side full of first team experience, Yakou Meite, Dean Bouzanis and Nesta Guinness-Walker all gained minutes in their recovery from injuries.

Currently in the international break, Paul Ince's first team don't play until Saturday against Huddersfield Town.

Starting fast, Rashawn Scott- who made his first team debut on the final day of last season, got on the end of a Carroll lay-off and thundered a long range strike into the back of the net. 

A comfortable half for the Royals, Australian Bouzanis was rarely tested by the previously unbeaten Lions- cleaning up distance efforts and overran dribbles.

Shortly after the break it was the turn of the 33-year-old Geordie, who rose highest from a cross to nod home a trademark goal.

Seemingly cruising through the rest of the send half, the visitors began to see more of the ball when the more experienced players were taken off on 75 minutes and George Walker pulled a close-range finish back to give the hosts a nervy ending.

The win takes Reading into the upper echelons of the Professional Development League, a strong selection of Category Two Academies.

Next Monday the side travel to Cardiff City- looking to repeat the win they had over the Bluebirds in the Premier League Cup earlier in the month.