Reading moved to the top of their EFL Trophy group with a 5-0 win over MK Dons at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday. The Royals scored five goals despite missing Jack Marriott, extending their impressive run of 22 goals in nine games.
Paddy Lane opened the scoring with a well-taken goal following a cross from Udoka Godwin-Malife. Lane’s all-round performance caught the eye, as he created three chances and made seven defensive contributions. His work rate and versatility have earned him a regular spot, displacing Daniel Kyerewaa, who many consider Reading’s most promising attacker. Lane’s improvement, including a brief spell at left-back last season, has added a new dimension to his game.
Josh Stokes stepped in for the injured George Earthy and delivered a standout display. He registered two assists, completed nine passes into the final third, and made seven recoveries, earning man of the match honours. Stokes’s ability to control the game from midfield and his quick movements drew comparisons to last season’s Lewis Wing, who has seen his role reduced thanks to new quality options in attack.
Kyreece Lisbie was another significant contributor, scoring twice and forcing an own goal. Lisbie took five shots and had eight touches in the opposition box, marking himself as one of League One’s most dangerous young forwards. His second goal was a precise finish into the top corner after being presented with an open goal.
MK Dons struggled to impose themselves despite holding 56 percent possession. They managed just 10 shots, with three on target, and recorded an expected goals (xG) of 0.44 compared to Reading’s 3.64. Their reliance on striker Aaron Collins, who has scored six of their nine season goals, was clear. The club’s low ambition has raised concerns among fans about their League One survival chances.
Reading’s dominant performance underlined their attacking depth beyond Marriott, who has been sidelined. Their current league position of sixth, despite having the best goal difference in the division, feels underwhelming given their forward momentum. The Royals and Stockport County are among the most entertaining teams to watch this season.
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s EFL Trophy fixture against Chelsea’s under-21s, Reading are expected to field a makeshift lineup. Jack Stevens will start in goal, with Ashqar Ahmed, Boyd Beacroft, Philip Duah, and Jeriel Dorsett in defence. Liam Fraser and Charlie Savage will hold the midfield, while Emmanuel Osho, Daniel Kyerewaa, and Randell Williams form the attacking trio. Jacob Brown is likely to lead the line.
Chelsea’s under-21s come into the match in good form, having beaten Fulham’s under-21s 3-1. Goals from Harrison Bettoni, Reggie Watson, and Leo Black, alongside assists from Chizaram Ezenwata and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, lifted them to fifth place in Premier League 2, just one point behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur. However, in the EFL Trophy, Chelsea sit third after a draw with Bristol Rovers and a loss to Wycombe Wanderers, leaving Reading and Wycombe in better positions to advance.
The match at the Select Car Leasing Stadium kicks off at 7pm on Tuesday, October 13, and will be officiated by National League referee George Laflin. Laflin has a high average of yellow cards per match, issuing 11 cautions in three games this season, suggesting the game could be tightly controlled with a likelihood of disciplinary action.
Reading’s recent form, combined with their attacking options and solid defensive setup, sets the stage for a strong performance against Chelsea’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy group stage.
According to Yahoo Sports.
