Boss Steve Coppell was pleased with the contribution of James Henry and Alex Pearce in last night's 2-1 first round Carling Cup win at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Right winger Henry scored one and was inches away from a second goal soon after, while Pearce put in a determined and strong display in the centre of defence.

With Glen Little and John Oster both having left Reading this summer, Henry is closer to the first team and his performance on his full debut did his chances no harm.

Coppell said, "James is certainly in the picture. In pre-season he did OK and tonight I thought he did well out there in the first half.

"In the second he found it harder, but he's not played many games in pre-season and it was physically demanding here. In the end he was running on vapour but he stuck in there and that was important.

"That was why I wanted to keep as many as I could on the pitch for the full game, I wanted them to get full value."

Pearce was aggressive and difficult to beat, and it was clear he has benefitted from playing more than 30 games out on loan in the last 18 months or so.

Steve said, "He just loves to head the ball! He wants to get his head on it in defence and in attack. He's very, very brave and will put his head in there when he shouldn't.

"He can read situations, he can pass the ball and all in all he can be very pleased with how he did at the heart of the defence and in a winning team."

Full video reaction from boss Coppell is on Reading World now, with video highlights to come.

The Royals are back in Coca-Cola Championship action this coming Saturday when we host Plymouth Argyle.

Tickets are on general sale now, starting at £23 adults and £12 for 16 & under. Phone 0844 249 1871, use the online ticketing service or visit in person.