Reading FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Wigan on Saturday afternoon.
A stunning Tom Ince curled free-kick proved decisive as the Royals bounced back from a disappointing performance against Sunderland in midweek.
Paul Ince’s men moved up to third position in the Championship table heading into the first international break of the season.
Joe Lumley 6: An assured performance from the Reading stopper. Commanded his box well, without being forced into any major saves. Was somewhat fortunate not to flap a ball into his own net in the second half.
Andy Yiadom 6: Another solid shift from the skipper. Seemed to enjoy the right centre-back role, largely containing the lively Aasgaard. Offered intent down the right side, teeing up a golden chance for Hendrick in the first half.
Tom Holmes 6: A much-improved performance from midweek. Was deployed in the middle of a back three and rose to the challenge of duelling the powerful Magennis in the air.
Tom McIntyre 6: Did his defensive duties to quell Wigan’s attacking threat. Created a wonderful chance for Ince in the second half after good work down the left. Could have grabbed a goal for himself too.
Junior Hoilett 7: Was the only real attacking threat in the first half. Put in lots of crosses from the right and was committed to attacking McClean. Operated well with Yiadom.
Baba Rahman 6: Still working his way back into fitness, but a positive showing from the left back. Could do more to offer McIntyre protection in the defensive third.
Tyrese Fornah 6: A decent performance from the midfielder, who once again demonstrated his ability to retain possession of the ball. Difficult to see how
Sam Hutchinson 7: The manager’s decision to deploy him in defensive midfield worked a treat. Was all-action and acted as a screen in front of the defence. Battled and was happy to put a foot in.
Jeff Hendrick 6: One of Hendrick’s strongest showings in a Reading shirt. Embraced the fight in midfield and tried to get forward where possible. Should have scored in the first half.
Tom Ince 8: A moment of magic from Reading’s number 10 was enough to decide the match. Could have had a brace when he missed a headed chance from close range. Demonstrated his trademark work-rate.
Lucas Joao 5: Just couldn’t get the ball to stick. Tried to close the ball down, but often allowed the gap between the midfield and himself to get too big. Was replaced by Meite
Mamadou Loum 5: Had a good reaction to being benched for the first time since joining the club. Replaced Fornah and did what was required in midfield to get over the line.
Yakou Meite 5: Will be disappointed not to have doubled Reading’s lead after being put through one-one-one with Amos. Put in a shift out of possession.
Amadou Mbengue N/A: Replaced Hoilett with a few minutes remaining. Made timely interventions with his side withstanding pressure from the home side. Ince will look to utilise his versatility across the back line and in midfield.
Andy Carroll N/A: Reading’s new number two came on deep into stoppage time and helped the team see out the win. Will benefit from a couple weeks of training with the squad during the international break.
Subs: Bouzanis, Guinness-Walker, Craig
