With City’s U16s, U18s and first team also in action on the same day, City were stretched to the limits and it meant a number of players featured in an unfamiliar position.
U18s captain Joel Latibeaudiere stepped up to EDS level to partner James Horsfield at centre-back while Brahim Diaz starred on the right wing for Davies’ side.
The boss was particularly impressed by the Spaniard, whose 71st minute strike proved to be the winner.
He said: “With the number of absentees we had today and with all four of the most senior sides at the club playing, we needed several players to fill in slightly different positions.
“That shows the character that we could rely on the likes of Brahim Diaz to play out on the right and still have a big influence on the match.
“With all of the competitions coming to a head in the second half of the season, everyone knows they have a role to play and there are going to a number of varied tests to come.”
Reading’s early goal through Josh Barrett’s powerful effort allowed them to sit back for most of the match.
City created a number of chances in the first half but were left frustrated until Paolo Fernandes finally equalised in the second half.
“Reading only had one attack in the first 15 minutes and they scored so although they were more clinical than us we were confident we were in control of the match,” said Davies.
“The two goals were exceptional individual efforts but our team play created a number of overloads in the final third. We just couldn’t seem to find the final finish for most of the match.
“We attacked both centrally and in the wide areas so we had the best chance to get around them on the transition from their possession to ours.”
Manchester City’s EDS travel to Derby County in the Premier League Cup on Monday 19 December. Visit the ticket office for information on how you can support our future.
