A lacklustre Reading exited the EFL Trophy at the round of 16 stage after a penalty shootout defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion Under-21s at the Amex Stadium.

Despite fielding a strong squad, with regular first-team players all over the pitch, the Royals failed to push the young Albion side too far during the 90 minutes and failed to hit the target with three of their spot kicks.

A damp squib, neither side looked too threatening throughout, with long-distance shots and overhit crosses the order of the evening. Femi Azeez was the first to force a save out of Tom McGill, stinging his palms from range before Lewis Wing missed a great chance after the keeper gifted the Royals possession inside the box. Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan was next to test the keeper, but both teams walked off at the break feeling they had more to offer.  

The hosts came fasted out of the traps in the second half, pouncing on Joel Pereira’s poor kick to force the Portugal keeper into a smart save before relying on a last-ditch Tyler Bindon tackle to bail him out. Azeez should have scored when he was sent through on goal, but McGill stood firm and blocked it with his tall body. Ehibhatiomhan came close again, this time failing to even get his shot off after some pressure from the defender following behind him. The closest a lacklustre Reading came was with 20 minutes to go, Bindon’s header rattling the post from Lewis Wing’s in-swinging corner. Even the introduction of substitutes failed to add any inspiration as the young Seagulls held firm to force penalties.

Caylan Vickers, Femi Azeez and Tivonge Rushesha all missed, with Harry Howell scoring the winner.

Back in League One action on Saturday, Port Vale visit the SCL Stadium.