The Royals reserves have defeated Lewes 5-0 in their latest totesport.com Combination fixture, maintaining their strong challenge for the league title.

It was a comfortable victory for Nigel Gibbs' side, who opened the scoring early on and raced into a 4-0 half-time lead to put the game beyond reach.

Leroy Lita and Abdulai Baggie both scored twice with Alex Pearce also netting, while Glen Little played the full 90 minutes.

The opening goal was created by Tom Hateley with a pass to Lita, who produced a great first touch before firing the ball into the far corner.

The second was added by Lita shortly afterwards; a wide free-kick was delivered by Gary Frewen and Lita finished with a tidy glancing header.

Baggie made it three with a penalty after Lita was fouled, and Pearce nodded home the fourth from a corner shortly before the break.

Baggie completed the scoring early in the second half, slotting home his second of the day after near interchange with Lita.

Coach Nigel Gibbs told readingfc.co.uk, "We dominated from start to finish against a young Lewes team.

"The pitch was very poor, but the lads applied themselves well and tried to do the right things on a difficult surface."

Team: Mccarthy, Spence, Harding, Pearce, Golbourne, Hateley, Tabb, Little, Frewen, Lita, Baggie
Unused subs: Kamdjo, Kitteridge, White, Kelly, Stockinger