Double Dutch as Royals sink Pilgrims in EFL Cup
Sky Bet Championship side Reading eased into the second round of the EFL Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory over League Two Plymouth Argyle at Madejski Stadium.
The Royals led at half-time with efforts from summer signings Joey van den Berg and Roy Beerens, the Dutch duo's first goals for the club.
Reading manager Jaap Stam made five changes to the team which had started their Championship campaign with a 1-0 home win over Preston on Saturday.
Plymouth boss Derek Adams faced the task of raising morale after his men had lost 3-0 to Luton in their League Two opener at Home Park.
It was the Pilgrims, last season's beaten League Two play-offs finalists, who fashioned the first chance.
Jordan Slew escaped along the left flank and crossed low into the Royal box, where Jake Jervis just failed to make a telling connection.
Reading, though, responded with two goals in 12 minutes to take control of the tie.
Veteran midfielder Van den Berg, signed from Heerenveen, nodded home on 16 minutes, flicking in unmarked from free-kick by John Swift.
It was 2-0 on 28 minutes when Beerens drilled in a 20-yard shot after Plymouth goalkeeper Vincent Dorel had parried a fierce effort from Chris Gunter.
Reading began the second half where they had left off at the break, totally in command, with Callum Harriott shooting straight at Dorel.
Plymouth did finally fashion a couple of chances, but defender Sonny Bradley blazed over at the near post and striker David Goodwillie could only find the sidenetting from close range.
Reading soon reasserted their authority and could have increased their winning margin but for a couple of decent saves by Dorel from substitute Yakou Meite and then Swift.
Source: PA
