U18s begin 2018 with Reading win

Swansea City Under-18s kicked off the new year with a bang by beating Reading 2-0 at Fairwood thanks to goals from Shaquille Wynter-Coles and Mason Jones-Thomas.

The young Swans were awarded a penalty inside 10 minutes after Wynter-Coles was fouled in the area.

The striker saw his spot-kick saved by James Hillson but made sure the rebound found its way past the Royals goalkeeper.

Reading came close to finding an equaliser when captain Harry Philby’s looping header looked goalbound only for Alex Lang to turn the ball around the post.

Wynter-Coles almost got his second late in the half but his individual effort was well saved Hillson.

Swansea doubled their advantage a minute into the second half as Jones-Thomas headed home Kees de Boer’s corner on the line.

The home side continued to dominate throughout the half and were unfortunate not to score a third when substitute Jack Fox saw his effort sail narrowly over the crossbar.

Lang again did well to ensure the visitors left empty-handed with an excellent save in the dying minutes.

Back-to-back wins in Premier League South keep the Swans fifth with six victories in all, level on points with Fulham, who visit South Wales on Wednesday in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.

Swans U18s: Alex Lang, Joe Lewis, Jacob Jones, Tom Price (Dan Williams, 52), Cameron Evans, Brandon Cooper (capt), Finley Hazell, Kees De Boer, Shaquille Wynter-Coles (Jack Fox, 65), Oliver Cooper, Mason Jones-Thomas.

Subs not used: Scott Reed, Matthew Roberts, Marc Walsh.

Reading U18s: James Hilson, Jake Pemberton, Emmanuel Obamakinwa, Harry Philby (capt) (Kosta Sparta, 58), Steve Kaca, Moroyin Omolabi, Terrance Saydee (Leon Okuboyejo, 75), Dan McBeam, Tommy Stevens, Jazz Wallace (Michael Olise, 58), Michenaidgelo Hanson.

Subs not used: Myles Roberts, Fabio Sole.