Academy boss Eamonn Dolan pointed to the performance of opposition striker Daniel Sturridge as a key factor in last nigh't FA Youth Cup defeat to Manchester City.

Sturridge has already played for City's first team, and despite only just returning from injury, he scored a hat-trick as City progressed to the next round with a 3-1 victory.

The Royals led after 25 minutes thanks to a good goal from Josh Webb, but Sturridge levelled before half time and then added two more after the break.

Eamonn told readingfc.co.uk, "It's disappointing to go out but Man City are a good side.

"Sturridge played in their first team last season, he is a good player and you have to say he made a difference.

"I can't have any complaints, we did exactly how we planned in the first half and we were disappointed to go in level.

"When you are on top you need to score, and when we had opportunities in the same position as Sturridge, we didn't hit the target and he did.

"He did that with quality, they scored form a set play which is very disappointing. We didn't score from our set plays and we had much better opportunities from them.

"The delivery on ours from Gylfi Sigurdsson was outstanding, so we look back with some regret on the game

"We aren't disappointed with the performance because we gave it a go and I thought it was a real good advert for both clubs and their academies, but nevertheless it's the Youth Cup, you are there to win it, and we are disappointed we didn't.

"I think we made a very good team look very ordinary in the first half, we restricted them, but goals change games and I think the second goal for them, well it was such a poor goal and it really was a nothing ball from a nothing header.

"That is a little bit of ruthlessness that we didn't quite show, but that is one of those moments.

"We have already reviewed the game, and you have to wonder how we didn't capitalise on all the set plays.

"I will live to regret that, but no complaints. I thought that Man City thoroughly deserved it, they are a very good side, with some very good players. I can't ask much more from our lads.

"I think it was fair reflection of how they are at the moment, individually and as a team.

"Obviously we are disappointed, but that's football and you don't want to be a glorious loser.

"You have seen our first team this year beat Liverpool and that is what Reading Football Club is about

"Man City are a top, top Academy, but nevertheless it was an opportunity to win tonight and we let it slip through our fingers.

"We are disappointed about that, but good luck to Man City, they won fair and square and we wish them all the best in the next round."