THE LEAGUE Cup was one of only a few pieces of domestic silverware which eluded Jaap Stam during his time at Manchester United.
And while it remains to be seen if he can now go on and add this honour to a decorative list as a manager, his Reading side are deservedly through to the second round of the competition – now known as the EFL Cup – after disposing of Plymouth Argyle this evening.
Royals will face tougher tests this season, yet they were both pleasing on the eye and professional in seeing off their League Two opponents, with first-half goals from Joey van den Berg and Roy Beerens seeing the job done.
It was also a night of firsts – Stam’s foray into the competition as manager and his fellow Dutch companions opening their accounts for the club.
While many would have expected more goals from the hosts given Reading’s total dominance during the first 45 minutes, they would have to settle for just the two, but those home fans present would go home happy having watched another satisfactory performance and with the perfect start to the new campaign in tact.
Stam made five changes to his starting XI which opened the Championship season with a 1-0 win over Preston North End on Saturday, with Ali Al Habsi, Jordan Obita, Paul McShane and Garath McCleary all omitted, while striker Deniss Rakels took a place on the bench.
In their absences came ‘keeper Anssi Jakkola for his first team debut, while another summer recruit, Callum Harriott, was also in from the off – as was Tennai Watson, Jake Cooper and Yann Kermorgant.
Despite the amendments, it was still very much an attack-minded side sent out by the Dutchman, and he would watch on as his charges were tidy in the opening stages, yet lacking an end product.
While quick to utilise Harriott and Beerens out on the flanks, the first real note of excitement would arrive when John Swift cleverly worked his way into the box, only to find Yann Songo’o one opponent too many and the midfielder was dispossessed.
The tie was now some 15 minutes old and still waiting to witness an real goalscoring opportunity, yet that was all to change when Harriott won a free-kick out on the left.
Swift swung over a delicious set piece and an unmarked Van den Berg was on hand to glance the ball beyond Vincent Dorel in the Argyle goal and open his account for the club.
While taking credit for laying on the opener, Swift was involved in everything Royals created going forward and a gorgeous back heel sent Chris Gunter – captain for the night – racing away on the overlap, and although his cross was an inviting one, it was intercepted by a green shirt.
And the free transfer arrival was at it again minutes: a raking pass from deep split the Plymouth defence where Kermorgant, in turn, sent Beerens racing into the box, but the former Hertha Berlin man saw his powerful drive blocked by Dorel.
Yet just moments later he was not to be denied.
Swift would again orchestrate the move, as another deft touch was picked up by Gunter, who drove towards goal once more.
The defender would steady himself before letting fly, but Dorel would get behind the strike once more – but could only divert it back into danger, where a razor-sharp Beerens made it 2-0 via a low, first-time strike.
They were in again once more just seconds later. Watson’s cross from out on the right touchline was a devilish one and Kermorgant did everything right in getting the better of his marker and sending the ball goalwards, only to see it drop inches wide of the far post.
Regardless of the miss, the hosts were in cruise control, enjoying stacks of possession once more as the opposition chased shadows.
The flowing moves were countless and of the blink-and-you’ll-miss it variety, and one such attack would yield a sight of goal for Danny Williams, but Dorel was not for beating on this occasion.
Argyle forays were rare and more of a respite, but they were able to show some causes of concern when getting beyond the Reading backline, but such moments would end with an over hit cross or dallying in possession, which allowed the opposition to recover.
The second half would begin by offering some encouragement to the visitors and a first chance at goal, but Sonny Bradley was over with a header from a corner.
And they would go even closer on the hour mark. Reading failed to deal with a free-kick swung in from the left and David Goodlwille would pounce on the loose ball and show Gunter a clear pair of heals.
But with only Jaakkola to beat, the one-time Blackburn Rovers man could only find the side netting from a tight angle.
While arguably not as fluid as witnessed during the first half, Reading still had their moments, with several quick touches creating a chance for another debutant, Yakou Meite, but his low strike was swallowed up by Dorel diving to his right.
The attacker, introduced on 57 minutes, showed some neat touches and turn of pace as he was eased into the English game and will no doubt have been pleased to get some minutes under his belt after his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.
Although a quieter session given his evening’s standards, Swift had supporters on their feet once more when dancing into to the box. However, his attempt to stroke the ball into the corner was met by the hands of Dorel.
A late rally from Plymouth would see replacement Jimmy Spencer head wide and, amid constant calls from their fans to ‘shoot’, defender Sonny Bradley fire way over from distance.
With two wins under their belts and confidence within the camp continuing to grow, Royals will be looking to notch up a third win on the spin away at Wolves on Saturday (3pm).
READING: Jaakkola, Gunter (c), Watson, Cooper, Van den Berg, Evans, Swift, Williams, Harriott (Meite 57), Kermorgant, Beerens.
Subs not used: Bond, Rakels, Jules, Tanner, Gravenberch, Kelly.
Goals: Van den Berg 16, Beerens 28
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE: Dorel, Miller, Sawyer (c), Songo’o, Bradley, Carey, Threlkeld, Fox (Donaldson 79), Goodwillie (Spencer 71), Slew (Smith 71), Jervis.
Subs not used: Purrington, Rooney, Ijaha, McCormick.
Referee: Simon Hooper
Attendance: 6,979 (741 away)
