Reading Eliminates Newport County from EFL Trophy with 3-0 Victory

Newport County failed to advance to the EFL Trophy last 32, experiencing a 3-0 loss to Reading in a match that saw late goals. The initial phase of the game was notably dynamic, with both teams creating scoring opportunities; Ben Elliot of Reading struck the woodwork with an early shot, and a free-kick taken by Newport’s Bobby Kamwa narrowly missed the target. Courtney Baker-Richardson almost capitalized on a careless back-pass, but Reading’s goalkeeper David Button reacted swiftly to avert the threat. Following halftime, Mamadi Camara found the net for Reading, though his goal was subsequently disallowed due to an offside call. However, as the match neared its conclusion, Reading netted two rapid goals; Harvey Knibbs opened the scoring in the 73rd minute, and Jayden Wareham followed with another goal just two minutes later. Knibbs then secured his second goal, ensuring Reading’s progression in the competition alongside Cheltenham Town, who had already qualified as winners of Southern Group H.