The U21s extended their winless start to the season to five games on Friday night, but returned from Berkshire with a point thanks to a first Newcastle goal from Miodrag Pivas.

The Serbian defender had been on the field for barely 15 minutes when he struck to level the scores at the Select Car Leasing Stadium (formerly The Madejski Stadium).

The Royals had gone ahead through midfielder Jacob Borgnis in the 16th minute.

Both sides were reduced to ten men before Pivas netted; Reading's John Ryan given a straight red after 65 minutes and United's Sean Neave shown his second yellow for his part in the incident.