Striker Tom Denton scored two goals as a Cheltenham Town reserve side was beaten 3-2 by Reading today.

The match was played at the Reading training ground at lunchtime between two young sides looking to gain match practice.

The Cheltenham team contained recent signings Ajet Shehu (defender formerly with Spurs) and Sam Cox (midfielder signed on loan from Spurs).

Reading took a 2-0 lead in the first half but Denton's first goal reduced the arrears. Reading then made it 3-1 but Denton converted a second half penalty awarded for a foul on Cox.

"It was a good workout for us against a young but useful Reading team," said youth team manager John Brough.

"We started the game with a new system playing 4-3-3 and that seemed to work for the first 15 minutes as both Tom Denton and Josh Egan had chances.

"Then the game went away from us a bit and we conceded a couple of goals. We had a re-group at half-time and went to 3-5-2. This gave us more possession in midfield and Jack Durrant in particular used the ball very well.

"We got some better quality balls into the box and Tom Denton got his first goal from one of those.

"It was good to get 90 minutes for Ajet Shehu and to have a look at Sam Cox. Sam is a tenacious tackler and he also got forward well, which is how he won the penalty.

"I think we got a lot out of the game and it's good to keep a relationship going with clubs like Reading."

CHELTENHAM TOWN RESERVES (4-3-3): Perry, Sauntson, Keen, Shehu, Quaynor (Waters 85); Durrant, Cox, Tabor (Fawke 60); Egan (Tosh 46), Denton, Lewis. Other sub: Barnfather