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Instant Reaction: Reading FC 2-0 Plymouth Argyle

The Royals easily defeated their League Two opponents in the First Round of the EFL Cup at the Madejski Stadium.

Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Jaap Stam's bright start as Reading manager continued, as his team comfortably made it through to the next round of the tournament previously known as the League Cup, before it was decided that name didn't make a good hashtag.

Just like on Saturday, Reading dominated first half possession and went into the break in the lead.

It took the home side just over quarter of an hour to take the lead. Joey van den Berg scored his first goal at the club from a John Swift free kick. Two games, two goals from set pieces. Unbelievable!

Midway through the first half Reading doubled their lead following a good move which saw Chris Gunter go close, before Roy Beerens tapped in the rebound.

The game was effectively won and the second half was not surprisingly a much quieter affair. Reading were able to hand another debut to Yakou Meite who impressed fans with his pace and skill.

So an enjoyable evening as the early season optimism in Berkshire continued. Of course more cautious fans will note that Plymouth lost 3-0 at home at the weekend and remember how promising Reading looked as recent ago as September last year.

Fans with longer memories may recall the last time a much changed Reading team easily beat League Two opposition: Burton Albion in 2009. Whatever happened to Nicholas Bicknell and Brendan Rodgers!?

Reading: Jaakkola; Gunter, Cooper, van den Berg, Watson; Williams, Evans, Swift; Beerens, Kermorgant, Harriott (Meite 57)

Plymouth: Dorel; Miller, Songo'o, Bradley, Sawyer; Threlkeld, Carey, Fox (Donaldson 80); Jervis, Slaw (Smith 72), Goodwillie (Spencer 72)

Attendance: 6,979 (741 Plymouth)

Keep an eye out for our full match report, player ratings and more in the coming days.