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Reading's first trip to Stevenage since a 2-1 win in the FA Cup, that required a late Shane Long winner, ended goalless. It maintains the unbeaten record of The Royals' pre-season friendlies, and is another clean sheet for a stable defence.
Tonight's starting XI: McCarthy; Gunter (c), Cummings, Morrison, Pearce; Hector, Obita, Blackman, Edwards, Taylor, Robson-Kanu
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) July 29, 2014
Chris Gunter kept the captain's armband, as Danny Guthrie and Stephen Kelly joined the long-term absentees on the sidelines. Hal Robson-Kanu began up front in the typical 4-2-3-1 Reading have used throughout the summer.
Shaun Cummings slotted in at left-back and Ryan Edwards again played behind the striker, who shot wide early on. The game was end to end for the most part, for a friendly at least, and Alex McCarthy was forced into a number of saves to charge his reflexes before the season opener in Wigan.
Jake Taylor had calls for a foul in the box, before HRK was subbed off with an injury that rules him out for the start of the season. A knee injury is the last thing the Welsh striker needs, finally given a starting berth up front and needing full fitness to reach any kind of form.
It did mean an extended runout for Jack Stacey, who came close towards the end as the game ended 0-0.
Meanwhile, the U21s side helped themselves to a 5-2 win over Hemel Hempstead, with Dom Samuel grabbing 2 goals.