RUBEN Selles’ Reading continued their strong showings in the cups, seeing off League Two MK Dons 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
The Royals took an early lead through Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan but saw their advantage cancelled out by Dons skipper Alex Gilbey before the interval.
Half-time substitute Harvey Knibbs restored Reading’s lead with a deft header, before Lewis Wing appeared to put the game to bed. Max Dean grabbed a late goal to make for a nail-biting finish, but the Royals just about stumbled over the line.
Here’s how the players fared:
Joel Perreira 6: Looked a little hesitant on the ball in the opening stages, but settled into the game as it progressed. Not forced into any spectacular saves.
Tivonge Rushesha 7: Diligent and the better of the two full-backs, despite not playing in his natural position. Had a few forays forward.
Tyler Bindon 6: Quiet at first, but grew into the game. Sured things up alongside Abbey in the second period.
Nelson Abbey 7: Solid as always. The speedy Mo Eisa tested him for pace, but the defender was able to quell all his advances.
Matt Carson 4: Beaten on too many occasions. To his credit, did improve as the match went on. Wasn’t able to get forward and deliver as many crosses as he would have liked.
Sam Hutchinson 5: Wasn’t able to establish himself in the game and got his customary booking for a poorly-timed challenge.
Lewis Wing 8: Grabbed a goal and two assists. Played a great ball in behind to set up the opener, a perfectly-struck free-kick for the second, and finished from close range.
Caylan Vickers 5: Had to be switched on as he shifted from midfield to striker depending on whether his side had possession. Took a nasty blow to the face.
Ben Elliott 5: Picked up an early yellow, which probably played a part in Selles’ decision to bring him off. Seemed to be playing within himself.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 6: Opened the scoring with a composed finish in the third minute. Was given precious little to work with.
Paul Mukairu 5: Ineffective. Didn’t offer a great deal and was replaced by Azeez at the break.
Substitutes:
Femi Azeez 6: Spurned a couple of good chances, but offered more than Mukairu did in the first half.
Harvey Knibbs 7: Took his goal well, with a deft header off of a well-directed Knibbs free-kick.
Dom Ballard 6: Did some good work with his back to goal and did well to set up Wing’s goal.
Michael Craig 6: Went about his business quietly. Solid.
Jeriel Dorsett: N/A
