Kerr Smith’s first goal for Aston Villa wasn’t enough for the Young Lions as Reading staged a comeback to snatch victory in the Under-18 Premier League.
The Scotsman, who signed from Dundee United in January, put Villa into the lead after ten minutes.
But The Royals hit back with two goals in the space of three second half minutes via Caylon Vickers and Jeremiah Okine-Peters to take the win.
Defeat leaves Villa 11th in the table with four games left to play this season, the next of which is against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, April 16.
Things started well for Villa at Bodymoor Heath as they peppered Tom Norcott’s goal with a flurry of early efforts before Smith popped up with the opener.
The centre-back rose highest to meet a corner, sending a header back across goal and beyond the scrambling goalkeeper.
Frankie Ealing came close to doubling their advantage soon after, while Oliwier Zych had to be on his guard to stop Vickers at the other end.
The pace and trickery of winger Kadan Young was causing the away side problems, but they were able to make it to half-time without falling further behind.
And their resilience proved to be crucial as they got back on level terms after 61 minutes.
The Royals patiently probed around the edge of the box before feeding Vickers, who fired a shot between the legs of Zych.
A second goal followed hot on the heels of their first when Okine-Peters placed a shot into the corner of the net from outside the box.
The home side responded well and they came within inches of equalising when Sil Swinkels’ header hit the crossbar, but the chance proved to be the closest they would come to a leveller.
