READING FC secured their first points of the season, coming from behind to beat Cardiff 2-1.
Playing their first home game of the 2022-23 Championship campaign, Paul Ince’s men started slowly and saw O’Dowda head home for the Bluebirds in the fourth minute.
However, goals from Shane Long and Tom Ince either side of half-time secured the win for the Royals.
The Irishman started his first game back at Reading after Yakou Meite was added to the team’s growing injury list.
Manager Ince will be delighted by his side’s performance, but will be keen to bring in some new faces as the Royals could only field a bench with a cumulative zero Championship appearances.
Joe Lumley 6: Made an important save down to his left to deny O’Dowda moments after his first to keep Reading in the game. Was not troubled an awful lot, but was quick off his line when required.
Tom Holmes 6: Fought hard to win his duels. Relished the battle with Max Watters, largely containing the powerful forward.
Tom McIntyre 6: Settled into the first half after a somewhat shaky first ten minutes. Made some vital defensive contributions while also coming forward when required, spraying quality cross-field passes to the right.
Andy Yiadom 6: Another solid shift from the captain. Put in a sumptuous cross from the right which should have been converted by an onrushing Guinness-Walker.
Junior Hoilett 7: Showed his intent from the get-go, making plenty of faurays down the right and putting in dangerous crosses. Was forced to temper his defensive exuberance after getting booked for an overzealous challenge in the first half.
Nesta Guinness-Walker 7: A much-improved display from his performance at Blackpool. Provided an outlet on the left side without neglecting his defensive duties. Will be forgiven for unnecessarily giving away the free-kick for Cardiff’s goal and also blazed over the bar from point-blank range.
Tom Ince 8: Superb. Scored Reading’s second, an absolute pearler from 25 yards out. A constant thorn in Cardiff’s side all afternoon. Was positive from minute one, driving at Cardiff’s back line and whipping in crosses. Won the penalty after rounding the Cardiff keeper.
Tyrese Fornah 6: A positive performance from the youngster. Did well to ride out a difficult first ten minutes. Grew into the game and showed composure on the ball. Reading will need to see the best of Fornah this season to stay competitive.
Jeff Hendrick 5: Lost his aerial duel at the back post for O’Dowda’s goal. Marshalled the midfield well and gained more confidence as the game went on.
Ovie Ejaria 6: Some moments of brilliance in a solid performance from the midfielder. Worked hard on the left side of the midfield four and tempered his usual attacking tendencies for the better of the team. These performances should not go unnoticed.
Shane Long 7: Scored from the spot, firing into the bottom left. Did well with the service he was given. Got caught offside on a number of occasions, demonstrating his eagerness to stretch Cardiff’s back line.
Kelvin Abrefa 5: Filled in at right wing back as Hoilett moved to the left. Took an important booking to stop a dangerous Cardiff counter attack.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 5: Came on with ten minutes ago in place of a tiring Long. Held the ball up well.
John Clarke: N/A
Subs: Bouzanis, Holzman, Leavy, Tuma
