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A young Reading FC side were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Stevenage on Tuesday evening.
Playing at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for the second time in the space of three days, Paul Ince made eight changes to the eleven who defeated Cardiff on Saturday.
Saxon Earley put Stevenage ahead after ten minutes, converting a ball fizzed across the box.
The Royals struggled to get a foothold in the game, but Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan restored parity just past the hour mark, pouncing on a delightful Mamadi Camara through-ball.
It was not to be for Reading, however, as Danny Rose latched onto a teasing cross with just one minute remaining to send his team into the second round.
Dean Bouzanis 6: Used his voice to guide the youngsters in front of him and cannot be faulted for either goal. Could have been more commanding when coming out for the ball.
Louie Holzman 6: Grew into the game after initially struggling to match the physicality of Stevenage’s front line. Primarily opted for long balls into the channel with little success.
Tom Holmes 5: The captain demonstrated his leadership skills by organising the make-shift back five. Came off at half-time for Tom McIntyre as planned.
John Clarke 5: Often caught in two minds whether to get forward or not. Showed positive intent when he did albeit with little end product.
Nesta Guinness-Walker 6: Looked more comfortable when moved to his customary wing back position from the left side of a back three. Offered an offensive outlet.
Kelvin Abrefa 6: A solid showing. Tried his utmost to be an attacking presence on the right hand side and defended with tenacity.
Tyrese Fornah 6: Did the simple things well time and time again. Composed on the ball and covered every blade of grass on the right half of the pitch. Gave Abrefa the licence to get forward.
Mamadou Loum 7: Showcased his class despite not being match sharp. Amazed fans with some deft touches, memorably dancing around three Stevenage players deep inside his own half. A presence in the air too.
Kian Leavy 5: Put in a shift, but struggled to keep up with the pace of the game in the early stages. Was replaced early in the second half.
Basil Tuma 6: Was one of very few bright sparks in the first half. Set the tone for the rest of the team, pressing with high energy from minute one. Did as well as he could with the little his was given in the way of service.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 7: Was working off scraps for the majority of the game, but took his chance, slotting home just past the hour mark. Kept knocking on the door and could have added a second. Should be credited for his willingness to defend.
Tom McIntyre 6: Typically commanding performance from the centre-back. Did well to guide both young centre-backs either side of him through the second half.
Mamadi Camara 8: Changed the game. Created two clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities, driving forward and playing in Ehibhatiomhan and Clarke. Only one of which was converted, but gave the team the lift they needed.
Jahmari Clarke 5: Had a chance to put the Royals ahead but was thwarted by a Stevenage defender at full-stretch.
Michael Craig: N/A
Subs: Jokull Andresson, Andy Yiadom, Jeff Hendrick, Tom Ince, Shane Long
