U21s report: Liverpool play out Reading draw in Premier League 2

Neither team were able to break the deadlock in an even encounter at Select Car Leasing Stadium, though the hosts did have the chance to claim the spoils late on.

Reading won a penalty in added time, with midfielder Jay Spearing dismissed having been judged to have handled the ball on the line.

But Reds goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek saved Jahmari Clarke's effort from the spot to ensure Liverpool could return to Merseyside with a hard-fought point.

U21s head coach Barry Lewtas told Liverpoolfc.com post-match: "It was a close game. It was really competitive and we had to battle until the end.

"I'm really pleased with the lads in how we stuck together throughout the match, and especially late on after going down to 10 men.

"Overall it was a really strong point for us and the camaraderie we showed and the way we dug in and kept together was hugely pleasing.

"We'll take the positives and move on to the next one now."

TEAM

Mrozek, Davidson, Williams, Pinnington, Miles, Nyoni, Spearing, Pilling (K. Kelly, 84), Gordon, Kone-Doherty (Frauendorf, 72), Musialowski (Pennington, 90+5).

Unused sub: O. Kelly.

NEXT UP

The Reds will next welcome Manchester City to the Academy in Kirkby on March 17 in Premier League 2, with kick-off set for 1pm GMT.