Another youthful Reading XI battled to a 0-0 draw away to Gillingham on Tuesday afternoon, thanks in part to a great save from Mikkel Andersen.

At 25-years of age Bongani Khumalo was by far the most senior member of the side, and crafted the first opening of the day as he fired wide from 25 yards.

Lawson D'Ath then cut in from the left flank before finding fellow Academy graduate Nick Arnold, but the full back couldn't test the Gillingham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

Stefan Payne sliced wide for the home side, before Sean Morrison denied a Gills attack with a last-ditch saving challenge.

Australian youth international Cameron Edwards began the second half by firing narrowly over the bar, before Morrison saw his header well saved by Gazzaniga.

Andersen's moment came in the dying moments as Payne raced clean through on goal, only to be denied by the Danish under 21 international.

There was almost time for D'Ath to win it at the death, but the usually prolific midfielder couldn't quite connect correctly with Arnold's cross - and saw a limp effort easily gathered.

"It was a vast improvement from last week (a defeat to Bristol City), all be it a game without many chances," said Development Coach Chris Cummins.

"Both teams had a couple of really good chances and Mikkel's made a great save at 0-0, their striker was through one on one and he stood up nice and big.

"It could have gone either way but on quite a lively pitch, in difficult conditions, we played very, very well.

"It's great for the lads to go and play in the stadiums, we do it right and give them an idea of what it's about."

Reading XI: Andersen, Khumalo, Mills, Gage, Morrison, Trialist, Arnold, Edwards, Ugwu (Murphy 76), D'Ath, Raymond (Walcott 46).
Unused subs: Oliyide, Locke, Amofah.