Reading experienced yet more play-off heartache, losing 4-3 to Sunderland in the semi-final of PL2.
More than 2,700 supporters were in attendance as the club's prestigious Academy continued to prove it is among the best in the country.
Royals legend Noel Hunt, who has taken the Young Royals to Berks and Bucks Senior Cup glory and the Premier League International Cup qualification, had to pit his wits against former captain Graeme Murty in the Sunderland dugout.
Ellis Taylor bagged himself a hattrick from right-back, including a 99th-minute equaliser.
Jayden Wareham, Adrian Akande and Matt Carson netted for Reading in what was an end-to-end encounter under the lights.
Down to 10 men following Jacob Borgnis' second yellow card, Reading nearly saw out extra time but were hit with a sucker punch in the last seconds of extra time.
Sunderland will play Tottenham Hotspur in the final on Sunday.
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