Sheffield United put themselves in a strong position to join Reading in the round of 16 after beating the Group H leaders 3-1 at Adams Park.
Jake Wright, pictured above, opened the scoring for the Blades with a sixth-minute penalty, before Stephen Mallon lifted the ball over Royals goalkeeper Lewis Ward for a second in as many minutes.
Wright scored his second of the match with a header, before Tyler Frost’s goal sparked a period of Reading pressure, which Sheffield United withstood.
U23 REPORT | A young Royals outfit beaten by the Blades in physical Premier League Cup encounter at Adams Park: https://t.co/U6CAceblsH pic.twitter.com/KJ0LjGu3wS
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) February 13, 2017
See: Premier League Cup tables
The result leaves Sheffield United level with second-placed Stoke City, having played four matches in comparison to the Potters' five, while bottom club Birmingham City are one point adrift after four fixtures.
The Blades can overtake Reading with back-to-back wins over Birmingham on 20 and 27 February, but Reading will secure top spot if they beat Stoke on 25 February.
See: Premier League Cup fixtures
(Photo courtesy of Simon Bellis/Sportimage)
