Former Reading favourite among famous faces in low crowd for EFL Trophy victory

Former Reading defender Nelson Abbey was among the sparse crowd at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Tuesday as Ruben Selles' side booked their place in the knockout phase with a 3-0 win over Newport County.

Despite dominating proceedings in the final match of the group phase, it took goals in the final 15 minutes from Harvey Knibbs (brace) and Jayden Wareham to seal the victory and book a place in the Round of 32.

In bitterly cold conditions, only 1,870 supporters turned out although many more would have watched from the comfort and warmth of their homes on Sky Sports +.

177 had travelled from South Wales to follow the Exiles, just the second time the League Two outfit had appeared at the SCL Stadium.

Among those in attendance was 21-year-old Abbey, a former fan favourite back in his hometown to support his former teammates.

(Image: ©Jason Dawson)

Breaking through last season and regularly captaining his boyhood side, Abbey departed in January to join Greek giants Olympiacos, registering 31 appearances in total for Reading.

Playing four times in Greece, the central defender joined Championship Swansea City on loan over the summer but has so far only made one Carabao Cup appearance for the Swans.

Other famous faces in the crowd included current Royals Sam Smith and Joel Pereira, as well as former owner Sir John Madejski.