Reading failed to back up midweek cup success, losing 1-0 at Port Vale on Saturday afternoon.
Andy Carroll was denied from the spot early on before Vale had a Alex Iacovitti goal ruled out for offside.
But the home side grabbed a winner midway through the second half through Ben Garrity, whose deflected effort from the edge of the box sailed over David Button’s head and into Reading’s goal.
David Button 5: Spilled a fizzed Funso Ojo strike from range into the danger zone, but was bailed out by Holmes. Unlucky with the goal.
Andy Yiadom 5: Worked hard. Fancied himself against Conor Grant down Port Vale’s left side, particularly in the first 45, but failed to create anything of note.
Tom Holmes 4: Never looked fully in control of his area and didn’t use the ball effectively when in possession.
Tom McIntyre 4.5: A marginally stronger performance than his centre-back partner. Was stronger in the challenge and won his aerial duels but still made plenty of errors.
Nesta Guinness-Walker 6: A threat down the wing all afternoon and won Reading’s penalty, jinking past several defenders. Has to do more to cut out crosses from his side – could do with more help.
Charlie Savage 5: Quiet. Always showed for the ball and looked to get the ball forward whenever possible. Was replaced by Wing in the 67th minute.
Sam Hutchinson 5: Tried to put himself about but didn’t provide the back four with enough protection, nor did he press with the same vigour he did against Peterborough.
Harvey Knibbs 5: Started brightly and was a nuisance to the opposition. Would probably like to have more impact with the ball at his feet and could offer his full back more protection.
Femi Azeez 4: Some decent bursts of pace but could have been a little more incisive in possession. Faded a lot as the game went on.
Andy Carroll 3: Will be disappointed to have tarnished his previously exemplary record from the spot. Attracted a lot of attention from Vale’s defenders and fans – fully nullified.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 5: Did his utmost to get involved but just couldn’t make an imprint on the game. Not convinced the partnership with Carroll is one which necessarily works.
Substitutes:
Caylan Vickers 4: Quiet.
Matty Carson 6: Picked the baton up from Guinness-Walker and got forward well.
Lewis Wing 5: Struck the crossbar with a cross from deep late on.
Mamadi Camara 5: Would like to have more of an impact.
Harlee Dean: N/A
