Shaun Goater finally got a start for Reading at the Madejski Stadium this week and came within a whisker of a hat-trick ? but it was only for the reserves.

The Goat ? and Reading?s two other forgotten strikers ? turned out for the second string in their opening fixture of the Pontins League season against Aldershot and the Bermudian frontman grabbed goals in the 43rd and 75th minutes to help Reading to a 4-0 win.

Goater, top-scorer last season, has managed only six minutes of first team football in the Royals? opening three games of the Championship season but is remaining professional and promising to make the most of his chances when they come.

Although two goals ? and one disallowed one ? for the Goat should have made a statement, unfortunately for the former Manchester City hero manager Steve Coppell was not among the 1,300 fans on hand to witness his return to goalscoring.

After 15 minutes Goater had a goal ruled out for a push on an Aldershot defender but he did drive home with his left foot from 15 yards just before half-time. In the 75th minute, he grabbed his second, calmly chipping over the ?keeper from ten yards to seal the 4-0 victory. Lloyd Owusu, who has also found himself left out this year, bagged the other two strikes.