EFL Trophy: Reading's Ehibhatiomhan nets brace against Arsenal team featuring Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan netted a brace as Reading's first team thrashed Arsenal U21s 5-2 on Tuesday night to progress to the next round of the newly-renamed Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

Arsenal U21 manager Mehmet Ali handed starts to first team players Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira, while 2023 Flying Eagles invitee Ovie Ejeheri started in goal.

As for Reading, Ehibhatiomhan started up front and he was joined in the starting lineup by FC Copenhagen loanee Paul Mukairu.

A brace from Ehibhatiomhan sandwiched by a goal from Caylan Vickers saw the Royals lead 3-1 at half time.

The Nigerian-born striker slotted home in the 13th minute to break the deadlock and Vickers doubled the advantage after he was set up by Mukairu in the 24th minute, before Vieira pulled a goal back from the spot to half the deficit in the 33rd minute.

Ehibhatiomhan tucked a low shot into the bottom corner to restore Reading's two-goal advantage at minute 36.

In the second half, Harvey Knibbs and Sam Smith got on the score sheet for Reading after they were teed up by Ehibhatiomhan and Mukairu respectively, while Khayon Edwards' goal was only a consolation for the Gunners.

Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez, younger brother of Reading star Femi Azeez, entered the game as a substitute in the 56th minute.

Arsenal still progressed to the knockout rounds of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy after finishing second in Southern Group G.

Igho Kingsley 

Photo Credit: readingfc.co.uk

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