Advertisement

Reading travel to League Two promotion chasers in EFL Trophy after Friday night draw

james earnshaw
·1-min read
A general view of the EFL trophy ahead of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday April 7, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Final. Photo credit should read: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: <i>(Image: Bradley Collyer)</i>
A general view of the EFL trophy ahead of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday April 7, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Final. Photo credit should read: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: (Image: Bradley Collyer)

Reading will travel to Walsall in the Round of 32 of the EFL Trophy following Friday's draw.

The Royals finished second in their group in the southern section, beating West Ham Under-21 and Newport County, finishing behind group winners Cheltenham Town.

A side with an average age of just 19 lost 1-0 to the Robins at Whaddon Road to limit the Royals to a runner-up position, meaning it will be an away tie to come.

Recently renamed the Vertu Trophy, a Wembley final in April awaits anyone who reaches the final.

Due to take place in the week commencing December 9, the Royals will visit the Bescot Stadium  in midweek next month.

It will be the fourth competition the club's first-team fight in, following the League Cup, FA Cup and League One.

Last season, Ruben Selles' side knocked out Charlton Athletic at this stage with a penalty shootout win before losing on spot kicks to Brighton and Hove Albion Under-21s at the Amex Stadium.