Matchday 2 in the EFL Trophy
Reading are in Bristol Street Motors action this evening, with Rubén Sellés and his team making the 70 mile trip west to Cheltenham Town's EV Charger Points Stadium for a 7pm kick off.
After victory in the opening tie with West Ham Under 21, the Royals know a win this evening would put them in pole position to secure safe passage to the knockout stage. However the Robins, with a win to their name in matchday 1, will be hoping to maintain a 100% start themselves.
The full match preview can be found below.
Tickets
Tickets will be available from the main Ticket Office at the The EV Charger Points Stadium for the following prices:
| Price Band | Price |
| Adult | £10 |
| 65 & Over | £6 |
| Student | £6 |
| 14 to 17 | £6 |
| 13 & Under | £2 |
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK & Ireland can listen to all of this evening's action with a Royals TV Audio Match Pass, which gives you access to BBC Radio Berkshire commentary for just £2.50. Monthly subscriptions are also available for £4.49 per month, or a seasonal package for £45.
International supporters can purchase RoyalsTV Video Match passes to watch all of the action wherever you are.
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The Opposition
Cheltenham Town were relegated from Sky Bet League One last term, and have recorded a total of ten points from their opening ten games in the fourth tier to date. Their opening game in this season's Bristol Street Motors Trophy saw the Robins come from behind to beat Newport County 2-1 at Rodney Parade, which leaves them neck and neck with the Royals in the top two standings of Group H.
In their last outing, Michael Flynn's side fell to a 2-1 loss to in-form Barrow, leaving them in 20th position in the Sky Bet League One table. The loss was the Robins' sixth of the season in the league to date, with three wins and a draw also to their name.
One to Watch - Joel Colwill
Welsh youth international Joel Colwill put pen to paper on a loan move to this evening's opponents from his parent club Cardiff City this summer, and has three goals to his name from 10 appearances so far. Although the three goals came across two fixtures, they have in fact all been scored against Newport County - a brace in an opening day 3-2 victory, and a goal his sides 2-1 EFL Trophy victory against the Exiles.
The attacking midfielder has represented his nation at Under 16, 18, 19 and 21 level, and he will be hoping to replicate his brother Rubin Colwill by turning out for First Team in the future.
Played for both - Luke Southwood
Former Royals Academy product and First Team goalkeeper Luke Southwood played for Cheltenham Town initially on loan in the 2022/23 season, before a further season as a permanent addition in 2023/24.
In his maiden campaign for the Robins he kept 16 clean sheets to help his side finish in 16th in Sky Bet League One. In the EFL Trophy, he would play a key part in his side's march to the semi-final, where they would cruelly miss out on a trip to Wembley on penalties to Plymouth Argyle - despite saving two penalties in the shoot-out.
This summer he signed for Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer.
HEAD TO HEAD
This evening's match will be just the seventh between the two teams, with the Royals currently unbeaten against the Robins.
The last showdown between the two sides saw an entertaining 2-2 draw played out last December.
The head to head record makes for better reading:
- Cheltenham Town wins - 0
- Draws - 2
- Reading wins - 4
REFEREE WATCH
James Durkin will officiate Tuesday's game, with Declan O'Shea and Oliver Taylor as his assistants running the line. Alan Cresswell is the 4th official.