READING started their pre-season with a 1-0 win over Exeter City at St James Park on Tuesday evening.

The victory came thanks to an eighth minute strike from Australian youngster Ryan Edwards, after the ball was flicked on to him by Pavel Pogrebnyak.

The Royals had the better of the first 45 minutes, but after the break Exeter’s Jimmy Keohane hit the post.

Late on, Reading teenagers Jack Stacey and Craig Tanner combined, with the latter denied by a good stop by Christy Pym.

Reading are on their travels again on Saturday, when they face Yeovil Town (kick-off 3pm).

The Glovers drew at Torquay United 2-2 on Tuesday night, having also shared the spoils 1-1 against Basingstoke Town last Saturday.