City fell behind when Reading midfielder Jack Buchanan lashed a shot under keeper Tom Scott, but the Blues deservedly earned a share of the spoils through Nmecha’s spot-kick.
What happened
The sides were well matched from the start, both passing the ball around confidently despite chilly temperatures and the occasional shower whipping across the City Football Academy.
Youngster Tommy Doyle was neat and tidy in his midfield work, while live-wire Ian Carlo Poveda was proving a useful outlet down City’s left flank.
The closest either side came to a goal in the first half, though, was Royals’ forward Jordan Holsgrove’s free-kick against the foot of the post.
After the break Gareth Taylor’s team upped the tempo, with Doyle, Frimpong and Nmecha all going close.
But just as it looked like City were winning the arm wrestle Reading struck when Buchanan reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box to smash the ball in.
The Blues battled back and earned their chance when Akin Odimayo was penalised for handball in the box.
Nmecha produced a coolly-taken Panenka to level the scores, and although both sides pressed desperately for a winner the match ended level.
What it means
City have now have a draw and defeat from two games played in the U18 Premier League Cup, with the final group match against Norwich still to play.
Next up
The U18s take on Stoke City at home in the U18s Premier League on Saturday 18 November, kick-off 11am.
