Although it wasn't a perfect start to the new 2026/2027 season the Royals at least got the job done, coming through a penalty shootout 5-4 after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Bromley.
The game got off to a bright start but Reading played their best football in the second half without being able to find the back of the net.
The penalty shootout saw Lewis Wing, Charlie Savage, Jack Marriott, Liam Fraser and Randell Williams all convert their penalties before goalkeeper Joel Pereira stepped up with the decisive moment, saving Bromley's spot-kick to secure a League Cup first round victory for Reading.
Reading took the lead after 14 minutes when Josh Stokes scored Reading's first goal of the season, after Kyreece Lisbie's cross was not properly cleared. However, Bromley made it 1-1 shortly after the half-hour mark. A through ball saw Michael Cheek score at the second attempt after his first effort was saved.
Reading struggled to turn their better possession into enough meaningful chances after half time but were at least lively down the wings. Lisbie had a header straight at the goalkeeper and then won a penalty which should have been the game's decisive moment, but Wing fired his penalty kick against the post.
