Shaun Goater enjoyed his first victory with his new club, Reading, last night as the Royals carved out a 3-1 victory away to Third Division Boston in the first round of the Carling League Cup.

As in his debut against Ipswich last Saturday, Goater found chances hard to come by and was substituted in the 70th minute by John Salako with the teams level at 1-1.

Nicky Forster fired Reading ahead in the 16th minute but their lowly opposition hit back with a 68th minute Neil Redfearn penalty.

However, the Royals went ahead again seven minutes from time when Steve Sidwell's shot took a deflection and then Forster sealed the tie three minutes from time.

Apart from Forster's breakthrough goal, the first half had featured good openings for both sides. Reading winger Scott Murray missed three good chances, twice firing over and then testing Paul Bastock with a low shot.

In reply, Boston went close when Stuart Douglas forced Marcus Hahnemann into a fine sprawling save while Peter Duffield chipped wide from 25 yards.