U18 Preview: Reading vs Saints

THE MATCH

Reading U18s vs Southampton U18s
Under-18s Premier League Cup
Saturday 29th September, 11am BST
Reading Training Ground

Reading have enjoyed a mixed start to the season, with varying results in recent weeks, and are currently poised mid-table after six league games played.

Tomorrow's attention is on the Premier League Cup, though, with Saints having met tomorrow's hosts in last year's competition, again with varying success.

Reading's fortunes have differed recently, earning a 1-1 draw at free-scoring Spurs a fortnight ago, but were edged out by Swansea in their latest encounter.

Saints, buoyed by a first win of the season seven days ago, will head to Reading's training complex confident of kickstarting their cup campaign positively, ahead of future ties with Stoke and Liverpool.

FLASHBACK: Reading 0-3 Saints (Nov 2017)

Michael Obafemi was on target twice, with Will Ferry adding a third when Saints travelled to Reading in the league back in mid-November of last year.

COACH'S THOUGHTS

Coach Paul Hardyman was especially pleased with last week's defensive performance, having seen off Brighton 1-0, but is keen to ensure more chances are converted at the opposite end, as this week's attention turns to the cup clash with Reading.

"A lot of work has gone into the team to try and stabilise defensively - and last week was our first clean sheet, which is a massive positive.

"We hit two milestones really, in terms of a clean sheet and a win. But the levels of performance, in general, have been really good.

"They've been working hard, and the first win is very much deserved. It all came together nicely against Brighton.

"Usually Reading play quite direct, they'll be physical. It's a cup game, so we'll rotate personnel a bit. But ultimately, we'll be doing our best to try and progress in this competition."