Reading Under-21s secured a dramatic late draw against Newcastle United Under-21s, with Dashi scoring deep into added time to earn a 1-1 result at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The point was salvaged despite the visitors taking the lead early in the second half through Vakhtang Salia, who was later sent off.
Salia had put Newcastle ahead in the 48th minute, netting his third goal in his last four league matches at this level. Reading's goalkeeper Josh Welland was called into action to keep his side in the game, pushing a shot from the promising Brazilian winger Matheos Ferreira out for a corner. Newcastle's Roman Dowell also made a strong save to deny Reading's Joe Barough, preserving the visitors' slender advantage as the clock ticked down.
Salia sees red in stoppage time
The match's complexion changed dramatically in stoppage time. Newcastle's goalscorer, Vakhtang Salia, was shown a straight red card for violent conduct after appearing to kick out at Reading defender Kevin Mfuamba. The dismissal left the Magpies to see out the final moments with ten men.
Reading immediately capitalised on the numerical advantage. In the 96th minute, Dashi found space and fired a powerful effort into the far right-hand corner, beating Dowell to spark celebrations among the home supporters. The goal denied Newcastle a third consecutive clean sheet and handed Robbie Stockdale's side a frustrating conclusion.
Newcastle had included Johnny Emerson in their starting lineup after he served a one-match suspension, while Reading's young squad showed resilience to fight back. The result provides a positive note for the club's academy following the first team's 2-0 defeat at Oxford United last time out. Reading's senior side currently sits sixth in League One with 22 points from 14 games, having recorded six wins, four draws, and four defeats. Their recent form shows two wins, one draw, and two defeats from the last five matches. The team has scored 25 goals and conceded 15 this season, leaving them seven points behind the league leaders. The senior side's next challenge is a difficult away fixture against second-placed Stockport County on Saturday 14 November, where they will hope to call upon the firepower of top scorer J. Marriott, who has eight goals in nine appearances.
The late drama at the Select Car Leasing Stadium offers a glimpse of the fighting spirit within the club's youth ranks ahead of a key period in the League One campaign.
The report in full is at newcastleunited.com
