READING FC moved closer towards League One safety with an important win over Wigan Athletic to close out the calendar year.
A stunning strike from Femi Azeez and a second-half goal from Sam Smith helped the Royals to pick up three points in their final home game of the year.
DAVID BUTTON 6: Wasn’t tested too often, but did make a crucial save just before the hour mark to keep it at 2-0.
AMADOU MBENGUE 7: Picked out Smith with a pinpoint cross to score Reading’s second of the game. Stood in well for the injured Andy Yiadom.
NELSON ABBEY 6: Tough test up against the physical presence of Charlie Wyke. Stepped out of defence well to start attacks, which led to the opener. Gave it away cheaply but was reduced by Button.
TOM HOLMES 7: Fairly untroubled in what was a solid enough display at the back. Starting to find some rhythm in his game having come back into the fold.
JERIEL DORSETT 6: Let in too many crosses from his side in the first-half, but improved as the game went on and Reading had more control.
MICHAEL CRAIG 6: Gave Reading some bite in midfield. Took some time to grow into the game but had a more assured second-half.
LEWIS WING 6: Not at his highest standards with some stary passes in midfield but did manage to set up the opener.
HARVEY KNIBBS 6: Was a doubt throughout the week, but still managed to put in a strong shift where he ran all game, forward and backwards, to help his team.
PAUL MUKAIRU 5: Some bright moments followed by some very frustrating pieces of play where he gave the ball away casually on more than one occasion.
FEMI AZEEZ 7.5: Stunning strike to put Reading in front. The best he has hit in a Royals shirt and starting to find more and more confidence since breaking that scoring drought.
SAM SMITH 7: Well timed run to avert the Wigan defence and connect with Mbengue’s cross to make it 2-0. Now has six goals in all competitions despite missing a large chunk of the season.
SUBS
Ben Elliott 6, Tyler Bindon n/a, Charlie Savage n/a, Clinton Mola n/a, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan a
