Newcastle's second string lost for the first time in four league and cup outings on Saturday, beaten by a single goal in a Premier League 2 fixture at Whitley Park.

Reading began the season by scoring six goals without reply against United in Berkshire, but neither side came close to that form in an error-strewn encounter.    

The Magpies went close in the 14th minute when Rosaire Longelo's cross from the right was met at the back post by Tom Allan. However his goalbound header lacked power and was easily saved.

The hosts went even closer on the half hour when debutant Lucas de Bolle's pass on the edge of the box eluded a defender and found Allan. His shot cannoned back off the post, a second attempt was blocked and Mo Sangare then saw his effort deflected for a corner.

Five minutes after the break the visitors took the lead when French youth international Michael Olise took a Ryan East pass and waltzed through a static defence before slotting home.

A late flurry from United following the arrival of Adam Wilson for the disappointing Victor Fernandez, Royals goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke unwittingly blocking a volley by Lewis Cass following a 71st minute corner.

However the closest Ben Dawson's side came to salvaging a point was in the 81st minute when Oisin McEntee got up well to headed in but was rightly adjudged to be offside.

Biffa