Report | Reading U23s 5 Swansea City U23s 0

Swansea City Under-23s were beaten 5-0 by Reading in their Premier League 2 Division Two clash at the Madejski Stadium.

The young Swans slipped to their third consecutive league defeat in a game in which they trailed 3-0 at half-time.

Goals from Adam Liddle, Thierry Nevers and Michael Olise handed the Royals a commanding lead at the break.

Ryan East added another in the second half as the Swans’ hopes of a dramatic comeback were ended by his 54th-minute strike, while captain Gabriel Osho finished off the scoring from the penalty spot after Josh Gould tripped Liddle.

Cameron Toshack and Gary Richards made three changes to the side that lost 4-3 to Stoke City last time out.

Jordon Garrick, who has gained first-team experience this season, returned to the development side while Jacob Jones made his first start of the season at left-back. Kees de Boer was recalled in the heart of midfield in the final change.

It was one-way traffic in the first half, and it took 12 minutes for Reading to take the lead as Liddle steered home Teddy Howe’s cross.

The Swans replied via Keiran Evans, who saw his low shot parried by keeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke.

Gould was called into action soon after as the keeper had to tip over a shot from the experienced Garath McCleary before Michael Olise volleyed over from close range.

There was nothing Gould could do to stop Nevers from doubling the hosts’ lead, though, as the Royals frontman perfectly controlled a cross before powering on and firing past the Swans stopper in a fine individual goal.

The visitors needed a response after the interval, and Evans’ chipped pass was met by Oli Cooper in the box, but he failed to keep his volley on target.

But long after the Royals added to their lead as East fired into the bottom corner beyond the reach of Gould after 54 minutes.

Liam Cullen then went close to reducing the deficit after connecting with Garrick’s cross after the winger’s pace saw him outrun his marker down the right.

The Swans huffed and puffed, but couldn’t find a consolation for their efforts.

There was time for one more goal, however, as Liddle was tripped by the onrushing Gould as he latched onto a through ball. Osho coolly stepped up and fired into the bottom corner.

There was also time for more drama, with Reading being reduced to 10 men after Andre Burley was dismissed following a scuffle.

Defeat leaves the Swans with four points from five games, while they are back in action on Thursday when they host PSV Eindhoven in the Premier League International Cup at Landore (7pm).

Swansea City U23s: Josh Gould; Tivonge Rushesha, Cameron Evans, Brandon Cooper, Jacob Jones; Jack Evans (capt), Kees de Boer (Daniel Williams, 62); Jordon Garrick, Oli Cooper, Keiran Evans (Mason Jones-Thomas, 62); Liam Cullen.

Subs not used: Lewis Webb, Jake Thomas, Ryan Bevan.