A Sam Smith goal gave Reading a 1-0 victory over Stoke City and sent them top of group H in the Premier League Cup.
Smith struck just before the hour, following up after a shot had been saved as a Reading team whose oldest player was 19 made it two wins from two in the competition.
Jack Butland was due to continue his return from injury in the Stoke goal but did not play, with Harry Isted taking his place.
REPORT | A very young U23 side impressed in a 1-0 win against Stoke at Madejski Stadium this evening... https://t.co/pfq1uqW2g2 pic.twitter.com/Q8ouUmWswf
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) December 2, 2016
The defeat leaves Stoke second in the table, with four points from three matches.
Reading are next in Premier League 2 action, at Manchester City on 10 December, while Stoke are at Blackburn Rovers two days later.
See: Reading report | Stoke report