READING FC booked their place in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win against Watford.
The Royals took the lead at the end of what was a largely uneventful first half. Kelvin Abrefa’s cross from the right left Maduka Okoye backpedalling and fortuitously found the back of the net.
Shane Long added a late breakaway goal to confirm Reading’s passage into the next round.
Dean Bouzanis 5: Despite not having an awful lot to do, a combination of poor handling and inaccurate distribution made for an underwhelming performance.
Kelvin Abrefa 7: His goal was fortuitous and impressive in equal measure. Was eager to get forward and certainly didn’t do his claim for first team opportunities any harm.
Amadou Mbengue 6: Looked to attack and provide overlapping runs for Abrefa wherever possible.
Scott Dann 6: The start at West Brom seemed to have helped with his match sharpness. Seemed more up to speed, albeit against far inferior opposition.
Naby Sarr 6: Will definitely benefit from a slightly lower-intensity run-out. Marshalled the back line competently.
Baba Rahman 6: Grew in confidence as the game went on, making more runs down Reading’s left. Wasn’t able to add too much quality in the way of service however.
Sam Hutchinson 5: Put himself about and received an unnecessary booking after losing possession. Came off at half time.
Tom McIntyre 6: Did well to adjust to the defensive midfield positon although Watford probably should have equalised off the back of him losing possession. A few tidy turns and a good assist for Long’s goal.
Femi Azeez 7: A positive performance. Was Reading’s bright spark in what was an uneventful first half, dropping his shoulder and beating his man on a number of occasions.
Lucas Joao 4: Struggled to get into the game. Was forced into wide areas where he looked less likely to impact the game.
Shane Long 6: Deserved his goal after pressing hard all game. Also played a good looking through ball into Joao, which the Angolan was unable to convert.
Mamadou Loum 5: Replaced Hutchinson at the interval and put in a steady performance.
Andy Carroll 5: Was introduced alongside Joao and Long, helping to see out the game.
Michael Craig: N/A
Nesta Guinness-Walker: N/A
Subs: Lumley, Abbey, Holzman, Scott, Senga
