Reading Under-21s ended their 2024 fixtures with a 3-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion in PL2.

The Royals have relied heavily upon their youth this season, as they did last campaign, and many of the Under-21 squad are comprised of players eligible for the Under-18s.

Last season, Noel Hunt's side caught the eye as thousands turned out to watch them reach the PL2 play-off semi-finals, losing in extra-time to Graeme Murty's Sunderland.

Finishing sixth, above the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City, the Royals also won the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup.

It was always going to be a hard act to follow, and so it has proved.

The Under-21s have won three PL2 fixtures so far this season and sit 17th after their final league match of 2024.

Charlie Wellens, who has already made a handful of first-team appearances, scored against the Baggies in the West Midlands.

Alex Williams, Ollie Bostock and Matt Crowther netted for the hosts.

Out of the PL2 Cup and currently in-between managers following Hunt's appointment in charge of the first-team, the Royals are not in action until January 17 against Chelsea.

Reigning champions of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup, Reading will travel to Bracknell Town in the quarter-final as they start their defence.