READING'S young striker Sam Smith starred as Royals almost staged a sensational second-half fightback as their pre-season ended with a 3-2 defeat against Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.

Royals had a first-half to forget and found themselves two goals down at the break. Things were made worse when new signing Jon Dadi Bodvarsson was forced off at half-time with an injury.

Young Smith was thrown on to replace the Icelandic international and despite Reading going three goals down almost immediately into the second-half, the 19-year-old put on a fine display to help Reading claw their way back into the tie.

Royals then had desperate appeals for a penalty turned down after Clement latched on to a poor back-pass and drifted around goalkeeper Room. The Dutchman looked certain to score but for a last ditch challenge which was deemed a fair one by the referee.

But it sparked a bit of life into Royals’ play as Popa then crashed a thunderous strike onto the crossbar moments later.

Reading continued to move the ball around nicely and youngster Smith was sent sprawling in the box with 62 minutes played. The referee made no hesitation this time around and pointed to the spot.

John Swift placed the ball on the spot and made no mistake from 12 yards, crashing his strike to low and hard to the goalkeeper’s right.

Liam Kelly could have made it 3-2 with 69 minutes played after picking up a fine pass from Popa on the edge of the box. The 21-year-old took a touch before forcing Room into a good save down to his right.

But the comeback was officially on after a fine cross from Kelly fell to Smith who in turn crashed his shot against the post with 70 minutes on the clock. Luckily though, the rebound fell straight to winger Popa who took a touch before firing the ball into the bottom corner to make it 3-2.

Royals continued to pile on the pressure and Jaap Stam threw on young striker Danny Loader with 13 minutes left to play in a bid to try and level the scores at Adams Park.

And Loader could have stolen all the headlines when he danced past two defenders on the left before fizzing a cross towards Smith in the box. The delivery was not quite good enough however and the visitors were able to clear the danger.

Despite Reading’s sensational second-half display the visitors held onto their lead and the final whistle blew with Royals losing 3-2.