Royals XI confidently beat Palace

A Reading XI line-up full of youth and experience dismissed Crystal Palace reserves 3-0 at Hogwood yesterday, with striker Cederic Baseya continuing his great scoring run.

Reading took the lead in the first half thanks to 6'5 striker Baseya. A good ball in was headed at goal by Mathieu Manset but the Palace keeper pulled off a good save, only for Baseya to tap in from 5-yards.

The lead was then doubled after a good ball down the line from Obita was picked up by Manset who pulled it across goal for Lawson D'Ath, as the playmaking midfielder bundled in for number two.

The Royals fine performance was then rounded off by a third goal from defender Sean Morrison. Ian Harte with a trade mark free kick delivered the ball in for the 6'4 giant to head home.

It was a fine performance from the side, with manager Chris Cummins commenting: 'I was really pleased with the two strikers, Mathieu was bright, creating lots of chances, and our two wingers Obita and Antonio were very, very lively - delivering some really good balls into some good areas.'

The game also saw a return of Michail Antonio, who Brian McDermott decided to bring back from Colchester after wanting to keep him rather than extending his loan.

Reading XI: Andersen, McDonald, Mills, Morrison, Harte, Antonio, Tabb, D'Ath, Obita, Manset, Baseya

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.