DOM Ballard said he was "happy to get off the mark" after he scored a brace as Reading dismantled Exeter 9-0 in the EFL Trophy.

The 18 year old, who is on a season-long loan at the League One Royals, scored twice and provided two assists after coming on from the bench.

Ballard managed his four-goal contributions in just 34 minutes, despite only registering 17 touches on the ball.

Speaking to Reading's club media Ballard said: “It was a great team performance and it’s great to carry on our streak from Saturday.

“It’s a massive win and we are really happy about it. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to wait too long (for my first Reading goal), and I haven’t.

“It’s good to get off the mark and there are many more to come. The assists and the goals will come.

“Exeter are a good side. The mentality of the team today, we didn’t concede and we stayed strong. It’s a great result.

“There is obviously loads of depth. We made 11 changes and Exeter couldn’t live with us tonight.

“We came in at halftime two goals up. The game was still on a knife’s edge, but we finished it off in style.

“If we do keep winning it’s going to become an addiction and that’s what we want to achieve.”

Ballard joined Reading on loan on deadline day having scored six goals in his first three Premier League 2 games for Saints under-21s.

The move has seen him link up with former Southampton boss Ruben Selles, who gave Ballard his Premier League debut last season.

The England under-19 international made his debut for Reading last Saturday, playing 56 minutes in their 2-1 win over Bolton.