The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

[3points]

Anyone going to the U23s game at Telford tonight? Debating whether to pop along from Birmingham or not

[Sutekh]

Quite an interesting write up on Shane Griffin's time at Reading before his return to Cork last season.

http://www.the42.ie/shane-griffin-22-se ... 2-Sep2017/

[Sutekh]

From the OS

Reading's Under-23s fell to an agonising 2-0 defeat against Portuguese giants FC Porto in the Premier League International Cup on Friday night.

Reading U23 0-2 FC Porto B (Galeno 81'; Pereira 90' PEN)

The Royals twice hit the woodwork in the first half, and looked the more likely to score throughout before Wenderson Galeno stroked home with nine minutes remaining to give the holders all three points.

This result looked to be harsh on a spirited Royals side, who had put in

International Cup holders Porto settled straight into their rhythm in Southampton, quickly appearing to have the better of possession, with the Royals seemingly content to sit back and contain their movement.

Chances came in quick succession for the Portuguese side, but efforts from Ruben Macedo and Anderson Campos fell harmlessly wide of the post.

The Royals began to grow into the game as the half wore on, Danny Loader finding a gap in defence to break into the box but goalkeeper Mouhamed Mbaye did well to react quickly and save.

Porto always carried a threat going forward, with full-back Luis Mata breaking with enormous speed to get away, he lobbed the committed George Legg but his effort bounced a yard wide.

Scott Marshall's side began to work away and find the gaps with increasing success, Josh Barrett flying through on goal with Mbaye stranded and appearing to handle outside the area in his attempts to block.

Two defenders had already chase back behind their goalkeeper and Barrett's effort went over both, but agonisingly hit the bar, with Loader's follow-up blocked.



The Royals soon had their second effort of the half to strike the woodwork after Sam Smith latched on to Jake Sheppard's cross, the goalkeeper was beaten but his header hit the post.

Porto started the second half quickly, as they had the first, with a lofted ball over the top leaving Pereira in on goal, before Omar Richards slid in and swept away the danger.

Reading still fought hard in midfield, with good efforts in quick succession from Barrett and Ryan East, before skipper Gabriel Osho put in a last-man tackle himself at the other end to keep the scores level.

However, the deadlock was broken just nine minutes from time with substitute Galeno getting on the end of a cross to finish and put the Royals behind.

The Royals went all out in search of the equaliser with two attacking substitutions, but it was to no avail as Pereira was brought down in the area, with the referee adjudging it to be a penalty.

The striker stepped up to take the spot kick, sending Legg the wrong way to secure the three points for Porto on the night.

Reading U23s: Legg, Holmes, Osho (c), Andresson, Richards (Medford-Smith 61'), Rinomhota, Sheppard (Frost 87'), East, Smith, Barrett, Loader (House 82').
Unused subs: Howe, Driscoll, Holsgrove, Rollinson.

Such is the publicity on this I didn't even know Reading were involved in the competition.

[Nameless]

Been stuff on it on the OS.
Sadly no games at the Mad Stadium this year, unlike the Hertha game last year.
Will go to the Bayern game at Wycombe and maybe the Arsenal game at Borehamwood.
Shame we don't play the European teams away, would definitely have gone to Munich for that one....

[Sutekh]

And, as no one seems to have noticed, Reading U-21s lost 1-0 to Southend in the Check a Crowd Trophy on Tuesday

http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport ... nd_United/

[Hound]

And, as no one seems to have noticed, Reading U-21s lost 1-0 to Southend in the Check a Crowd Trophy on Tuesday

http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport ... nd_United/

It’s discussed on another thread

[Snowflake Royal]

U23s vs Villa appears to be streaming live on FaceyB tonight if anyone is interested.

[Royals and Racers]

1-1 Barrett equalised

[Snowflake Royal]

Lovely move for ours... although it's a completely different standard to the first team obviously. Barrett wasn't it?

Defending for theirs looked atrocious.

2-1 now, House from a Popa assist.

[Hound]

Watching. Might wander down for the second half if I can be arsed

Popa looks lively- good assist that. Jaap should have used him more - would rather see him as #9 than Beerens if we have to go down that route

[Snowflake Royal]

Quite enjoying all the clueless teeny Villa fans in the comments claiming they had a certain penalty denied by a useless ref. Blatant dive under minimal contact. Rightly a booking.

Also, Jack Grealish is a cocky little shit with too high an opinion of himself.

[windermereROYAL]

Watch it live here.

https://www.facebook.com/12514054420009 ... 905762848/

[Snowflake Royal]

Comments going mental after Villa have two penalties turned down and we get one. First was never, second didn't see it, ours probably given most times.

Barrett's effort saved.

[tidus_mi2]

The Villa fans commenting are getting super wound up over an U23 match, it's quite hilarious.

[Snowflake Royal]

Anyone know what the side is?

I know we started out playing Popa, House and Barrett as a front three, but I think House went off and there was another sub at HT.

Our No. 3's looked decent

[PistolPete]

Quite an interesting write up on Shane Griffin's time at Reading before his return to Cork last season.

http://www.the42.ie/shane-griffin-22-se ... 2-Sep2017/

Nice piece.

[Snowflake Royal]

Their no. 9 is trying to dive his way to a red card. Meanwhile, Reading re-take the lead with more good work from Popa and a tasty finish from Barrett - who looks a bit of a unit these days.

[Royals and Racers]

Anyone know what the side is?

I know we started out playing Popa, House and Barrett as a front three, but I think House went off and there was another sub at HT.

Our No. 3's looked decent

Legg,Holmes,Osho,Andresson,Medford-Smith,East,Sheppard,Holsgrove,House,Popa,
Barrett
House replaced by Frost
Sheppard replaced by Howe

[Snowflake Royal]

Anyone know what the side is?

I know we started out playing Popa, House and Barrett as a front three, but I think House went off and there was another sub at HT.

Our No. 3's looked decent

Legg,Holmes,Osho,Andresson,Medford-Smith,East,Sheppard,Holsgrove,House,Popa,
Barrett
House replaced by Frost
Sheppard replaced by Howe

Ta. I thought 3 would be Osho. Can't say Andresson has really stood out to me. Med-ford-Smith hasn't particularly impressed me. East, Sheppard and Holsgrove all looked tidy, but not hugely impressed though. None of them have played badly though.

[Hound]

Dragged my backside down for the second half. Quite a good crowd and atmosphere considering

Playing pretty well imo, quite entertaining. Couple of nice assists for Popa