In what was his third career appearance as a professional, Nigerian-born centre-forward Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan netted his maiden goal for Reading as they were beaten 2-1 by Stevenage in a Carabao Cup first round clash at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Tuesday evening.

In the 63rd minute, Ehibhatiomhan brought the Royals back on level terms as he fired the ball into the net but the visitors netted the winner in the 89th minute when Danny Rose poked home from close range.

The average age of Reading's starting lineup against Stevenage was 21 years, 8 months and 3 days, with Ehibhatiomhan even younger at 19 years and 108 days.

Manchester United legend Paul Ince, who is Reading's head coach, stressed that he was proud of the display of his young players, including Ehibhatiomhan, against seasoned professionals.

"Academies are all about developing players, and with games like this in our circumstances it allows us to look at these players. And you’ve seen Kelvin get his first senior goal – he won’t be able to sleep tonight!" Ince told Reading's official website.

"It also shows that they have a long way to go. You look at the first XI that played against Cardiff and we will need to rely on some of these young boys, and we’ll need them against Rotherham, so getting that experience tonight will enhance that"

Ehibhatiomhan made his professional debut in a Carabao Cup first round match against Swansea City exactly a year ago and his first Championship game was against Welsh club Cardiff City on August 6, 2022.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : readingfc.co.uk

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