Reading were in control by half-time at Fratton Park
Reading scored two first-half goals to beat Portsmouth in the first round of the Carabao Cup at Fratton Park.
Goals from Andre Garcia and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan were enough for the Royals despite a late consolation by Olutayo Singerr in injury time.
Both rotated sides wrestled for control of the game in the opening stages, with the biggest early opportunity falling to Portsmouth, who would have scored but for a fine double save by Reading keeper Jack Stephens from close range.
Kamari Doyle then came close with a free-kick from just outside the area, but his dangerous strike narrowly flew over the crossbar.
Just after the half-hour mark the visitors took the lead through the boot of 17-year-old Garcia.
Ehibhatiomhan dashed beyond the Portsmouth back-line and, despite calls for offside, the flag stayed down.
Reading's number nine let fly with a powerful shot that was well saved by Ben Killip, Doyle followed up with an effort of his own but Killip saved again, and eventually Garcia sprinted in at the far post and fired it into the roof of the net.
Just minutes later, Ehibhatiomhan received the ball over the top of the Portsmouth defence again and stunned the home crowd as he calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net to double the Reading lead.
In the second half, Killip seemed to be at risk of receiving a red card when his clearance hit Reading forward Mark O'Mahony and bounced back into the keeper's arms while he stood outside of his penalty area
However, the referee opted to give a free-kick to Portsmouth for a handball against O'Mahoney.
Late on, Portsmouth managed to score a consolation goal when academy graduate Singerr glanced a header into the back of the net from a short-corner routine.
Post-match reaction
John Mousinho speaking to BBC Radio Solent
