Ngoy double helps Stoke to dream start

Premier League Cup

Potters beat Sheffield United while Reading win at Birmingham

Julien Ngoy scored twice as Stoke City kicked off their Premier League Cup Group H campaign with a 4-0 win over Sheffield United at the bet365 Stadium.

Thibaud Verlinden opened the scoring before setting up Dominic Telford for the second and then Ngoy struck twice after the break.

Reading won 3-1 at Birmingham City in the other group match with all the goals coming in the first half.

Andy Rinomhota opened the scoring for Reading in the first minute and although Corey O'Keeffe equalised, further goals from Tom McIntyre and Tyler Frost secured the victory.

In the next round of group matches Stoke host Birmingham and Sheffield United welcome Reading on 5 November.