Dates have been confirmed for two of Reading's EFL Trophy group stage matches, including a first competitive meeting with Swindon Town for 20 years.

A return to the lower league's competition for the first time since 2002, the Royals have been drawn against Swindon, Exeter City and Arsenal Under-21s in Group G of the Southern Section.

Regular opponents in the 20th century, the Robins down the M4 have been below Reading in the pyramid since 2002, only meeting in a pre-season friendly more than five years ago.

Michael Flynn's League Two outfit are due to visit RG2 on Tuesday, October 10 at 7pm.

Reading face both members of the traditional 'Didcot Triangle' within a week in October, with Oxford United making the short journey on Eastbound on Saturday, October 14.

The group gets underway on Tuesday, September 5 at St James' Park against the Grecians.

This will be the second time Reading will have played at Exeter within 10 days, with the league meeting on August 26.

A date has not yet been confirmed for the visit of Arsenal, managed by former Reading Academy chief Mehmet Ali.

However, a provisional date in mid-November has been put aside.

Reading have never won the competition.