Reading have confirmed their group stage fixtures for the EFL Trophy, with West Ham Under-21s first up.

A competition previously solely for those in League One and League Two, since 2016 the best Category One academies have been entered to try and increase minutes for youngsters.

For 2016 and 2017, this included then-Championship Reading.

Last year, the Royals breezed through the group stage with three successive wins, including a historic 9-0 win over Exeter City and a 5-0 win over rivals Swindon Town.

This year, the Young Hammers are joined by League Two sides Cheltenham Town and Newport County.

Former Royal Mark Robson, who played seven games in 1988, brings his West Ham side to Berkshire on Tuesday, August 20.

Reading travel to Cheltenham's Whaddon Road on Tuesday, October 8 before Newport visit the SCL Stadium on Tuesday, November 12.

All fixtures in this competition kick off at an earlier time of 7 pm, with home supporters only permitted to sit in the Sir John Madejski Stand.

Last year's run ended at the Round of 16 stage when Brighton and Hove Albion Under-21 won a penalty shootout at the AMEX Stadium.