Reading FC climbed to second in the league after seeing off Stoke City 2-1 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Lucas Joao got Paul Ince’s men off to the perfect start, bringing down Joe Lumley’s long-ball and rounding a stranded Jack Bonham to give the Royals a second-minute lead.
The Potters hit back from a set-piece with half-time fast approaching as Ben Wilmot swept home a header nodded down by Aden Flint.
The Royals dug deep and were rewarded after Joao won and converted a penalty just before the hour mark.
The victory served as the ideal response to Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat at Sheffield United.
Joe Lumley 7: Showcased his awareness and distribution, grabbing an assist after setting up Joao’s opener. Was solid when claiming balls and could not be faulted for the goal.
Tom Holmes 8: Got his foot or head on anything that came anywhere near him. Will be disappointed to have lost the header which set up Stoke’s equaliser in what was an otherwise outstanding display.
Sam Hutchinson 7: Although his beach blonde look didn’t bring the sunshine, his performance will have pleased the Reading faithful. Ever-dependable and not afraid to put his body on the line.
Tom McIntyre 7: Allowed Wilmot to get in front of him for Stoke’s equaliser, but largely did what was required. Was not afraid to get forward, attacking the space between Brown and Wilmot.
Andy Yiadom 7: Did well up against the dangerous Tariq Fosu on the Potters’ left. Offensively, got more joy in the second half and would have set up a Joao hattrick had it not been for a double ricochet off Wilmot.
Junior Hoilett 7: We might not see Hoilett in the left wing back position as often given Rahman’s signing, but the Canadian did a stellar job defensively, coming off to a standing ovation.
Jeff Hendrick 6: A quiet day at the office for the Irishman. Deputised for the absent Loum in holding-midfield role and did a decent job. Initiated a few give-and-goes to get his team out of tight spots.
Tyrese Fornah 7: Growing in confidence game by game. Perhaps took one touch too many touches in the first half but, to his credit, rarely lost possession. Was an outlet on the left as the game became more stretched.
Tom Ince 8: Absolutely everywhere. Started on the right side of the midfield three and brought an abundance of energy. Wriggled past the line countless times with tidy footwork.
Shane Long 6: Worked his socks off, battling with Stoke’s back line all game. Missed a golden chance on the half-hour mark, blazing over from inside the six-yard box.
Lucas Joao 9: What a way to celebrate his birthday. Two goals, one in the second minute and another from a penalty he had won, were the least the Angolan deserved. Top-class work rate out of possession.
Baba Rahman 6: Came on for Hoilett in the second half and picked up where he left off last season. A strong 20-odd minutes, clearing up loose balls and not letting Wilmot get a sniff.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 6: A thorn in the side of the away side after replacing Long on the 71st minute. Fancy footwork in the corner earned the Royals some valuable moments of respite in the latter stages.
Nesta Guinness-Walker N/A
Subs: Bouzanis, Tetek, Abrefa, Craig
