12 mins Jay Turner-Cooke shot. 1-0

Half time: 0 Magpies 1

51 mins Charlie Wiggett shot. 2-0

66 mins Cameron Ferguson shot. 3-0

72 mins Joe White penalty. 4-0

76 mins Rawshan Scott penalty. 4-1

Full time: 1 Magpies 4

Rodrigo Vilca returned to U23 action following his loan spell with League One side Doncaster Rovers.

There was a first PL2 goal for Cameron Ferguson following his maiden U23 strike against Ashington in the Northumberland Senior Cup last time out.

Attacking midfielder Joe White broke his PL2 scoring duck for the season at the thirteenth time of asking, while defender Charlie Wiggett netted for the fourth time from the same number of appearances.

Reading included trialist Brandon Mason, formerly with Coventry City.
 

Friday brought a third successive PL2 victory for Newcastle U23s, despite lacking their two top scorers, Dylan Stephenson and Elliot Anderson.

A resounding win at the Select Car Leasing Stadium (aka the Madejski) took Elliott Dickman's side into the playoff places - a tally of 23 points from 14 games just two shy of their final total last season from 24 games.

It took just 12 minutes for Jay Turner-Cooke to put the black-clad visitors ahead; his fifth goal of the season in all competitions a low shot from the right hand side of the area.

United doubled their lead six minutes after the interval, Lucas de Bolle's delivery ending up in Tom Norcott's net via a team mate. Initially awarded to Adam Wilson, the goal was subsequently credited to Charlie Wiggett.

Wilson then turned provided, teeing up Cameron Ferguson for a close range finish in the 66th minute before Joe White got in on the scoring act, netting from the penalty spot six minutes later.

Reading then reduced the arrears with a penalty of their own, converted in the 76th minute by Rawshan Scott.