Reading legend and current Under-21 boss Noel Hunt labelled Tuesday's win over Millwall a 'proud moment for the Academy' as a young side thrashed the Lions 4-0.
Progressing to face Ipswich Town in round two of the Carabao Cup, a Royals side with an average age of just 21 put Millwall to the sword in round one.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan bagged a brace and Mamadi Camara scored his first professional goal as fellow Academy star Nelson Abbey captained his boyhood club at the age of 19.
What a fantastic performance and result from every single player tonight!!
— Noel Hunt 🌐🌙 (@Noelhunt20) August 8, 2023
A proud moment for the Academy to see so many of its boys the pitch together! And an amazing 1st win for the Gaffer and staff, Hats off too all involved. 💙💙💙 https://t.co/WO3TVbKMYZ
Five of the starters have all graduated from Hunt's Under-21 side, while the likes of Tyler Bindon and Tivonge Rushesha are likely to feature prominently in the PL2 going forward.
Taking to social media, Hunt said: "What a fantastic performance and result from every single player tonight!! A proud moment for the Academy to see so many of its boys on the pitch together! And an amazing first win for the Gaffer and staff. Hats off to all involved."
The Academy is run by three iconic former Royals, with Michael Gilkes heading up the entire operation and Hunt's former title-winning teammate, Mikele Leigertwood, in charge of the Under-18s.
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