READING FC secured a convincing 3-1 win over Blackpool at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Paul Ince’s side took an early lead through son Thomas, whose effort was struck too fiercely for Chris Maxwell to keep out.
Andy Carroll doubled the Royals’ lead from the spot in the 70th minute after Yakou Meite earned his side a penalty and the Ivorian was at it again moments later, beating his man before teeing up Ince for his second and Reading’s third.
Sonny Carey grabbed a late consolation goal for the away side.
Joe Lumley 7: Made a smart save to keep out Gary Madine at the end of the first half. Was visibly disappointed to lose the clean sheet.
Amadou Mbengue 7: Went about his business diligently. Perhaps fortunate to stay on the pitch after a poorly-timed challenge in the second half.
Scott Dann 6: A competent display from the defender who was rarely troubled. Contained Madine and Carey for most of the game.
Naby Sarr 6: No frills in what was an assured performance, barring a couple of moments of uncertainty. Commanded the back four well.
Tom McIntyre 6: Struggled to handle the threat offered by Josh Bowler early on but grew into the game. Did well in the left-back role.
Jeff Hendrick 7: Did the simple things really well throughout the afternoon, giving Casadei and Ince the licence to get forward.
Cesare Casadei 8: Really positive showing from the Chelsea loanee. Kept things tidy in midfield and made some useful runs into the box.
Tom Ince 9: Snatched his eighth and ninth goals of the season against his former side. A fantastic performance from the midfielder.
Junior Hoilett 6: Did not have as much joy in the left wing position as he would have liked. Was replaced on the hour mark by Femi Azeez.
Yakou Meite 8: Phenomenal down Reading’s right. Skipped past his marker time and again, winning the penalty and setting up Ince’s second.
Andy Carroll 7: Another great showing from the stand-in skipper. Slotted home his penalty with aplomb.
Substitutes:
Femi Azeez 6: Wasn’t able to get onto the ball as much as he would have liked, but supported McIntyre on Reading’s left to help see out the game.
Shane Long: N/A
Mamadou Loum: N/A
Nelson Abbey: N/A
Tyrese Fornah: N/A