READING picked up their first Championship win since August with a 98th minute winner from Matt Miazga stealing all three points.
With the game heading for a 0-0 stalemate, Miazga latched onto a rebound from Jordan Obita’s powerful strike to give Mark Bowen the ideal start to his career as Royals manager.
Player ratings
Rafael 6: A quieter afternoon than the Royals keeper would have been expecting against high flying Preston who only managed four shots on target.
Andy Yiadom 7: Reading’s most consistent performer, always a threat down the right-hand side when playing in a five at the back and defended better than recent weeks.
Liam Moore 6: Played a superb long ball to Puscas in the first half to create an opening. Solid in defence to help keep Reading’s third clean sheet of the season.
Matt Miazga 7: His first goal and Reading colours and what a time to get it. Striker’s instinct to latch onto the rebound and led the jubilant celebrations with the fans in the Eamonn Doland stand.
Michael Morrison 6: Put his body on the line on several occasions, receiving a nasty cut to the eye in the second half. Helped to keep the league’s top scorers relatively quiet.
Jordan Obita 6: Still settling his way back in after such a long period on the sidelines but did his job as a wing-back effectively.
Pele 7: Probably his best game since joining from Monaco on loan in the summer. More effective in possession and found Puscas with an excellent cross from deep. Shielded the defence well as the deepest midfielder and put in some important tackles.
John Swift 5.5: Not his finest display having returned from suspension. Forced a good save from Rudd in the first-half with a long ranged free kick fired at the keeper’s side.
Ovie Ejaria 8 (man of the match): Showed again why he’s one of the most naturally gifted footballers in the Championship. Effortlessly silky on the ball, danced through the opposition on numerous occasions and almost won a penalty.
Yakou Meite 4: Worked hard and pressed well from the front but failed to make an impact before being replaced by Baldock in the 70th minute.
George Puscas 5: Got in some good positions and had a couple of half chances but his goal drought continues.
SUBS
Sam Baldock 6: Helped to reinvigorate Reading’s attack and brought energy to the attack after replacing Meite in the final 20 minutes. Will hope the change in management will bring more first team chances.
Danny Loader 4: Didn’t make as much of an impact as Baldock, who he partnered up front as part of a double change made by Bowen.
Charlie Adam N/A: Wasn’t on the pitch long enough to make an impact. Was used sporadically by Jose Gomes, will be interesting to see how Bowen rates him.
