READING FC upset top-of-the-table Blackburn Rovers at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Royals treated their fans to a high octane performance, a far cry from last weekend’s drubbing at Rotherham.
Paul Ince’s men provided the perfect response. Tom McIntyre turned in a corner in the first half before Junior Hoilett fired home after the break.
Lucas Joao, who came on for his first minutes of the season, added a third late on.
Lumley 7: Repaid his manager’s faith. Would have been pleased to take an early claim which got the fans on-side. Made a fantastic reflex save just after half-time to deny Ashley Phillips from close range.
Yiadom 7: Covered every blade of grass, doing his bit on both ends of the pitch. Kept the highly-touted Brereton Diaz quiet for the vast majority of the match.
Holmes 7: Will be pleased with his contribution. Was committed to the cause, particularly in the air. Could have got on the scoresheet twice on another day.
McIntyre 8: Reacted well to the criticism received on the weekend. Got on the scoresheet with a fantastic glancing header from a Tom Ince corner.
Guinness-Walker 6: Got forward well and gave his all. Seemed a little shaky on the few occasions he was tested defensively and was replaced by Abrefa with ten minutes remaining.
Hoilett 8: Fantastic. Was positive all game and deserved his goal, jinking in from the right and blasting past Kaminski. His understanding with Yiadom on the right is getting stronger by the week.
Loum 9: Arguably the best player on the pitch. Set the tone with countless interceptions and second balls won. Seemed to glide around the pitch effortlessly. Was also effective in possession.
Fornah 9: His best performance in a Reading shirt thus far. Barely put a foot wrong, executing the basics well and adding attacking intent. Did unbelievably well to set up Joao’s goal. Could have grabbed his first Reading goal had his first-half shot not been cleared off the line.
Hendrick 6: Made a handful of loose passes early on but never gave up the ghost. Wasn’t his best showing but persisted and worked hard in midfield.
Ince 7: Bright. His set piece deliveries created a hatful of chances on the night. Two consecutive set pieces resulted in a corner and then the first goal. Embraced his advanced role alongside Long, tracking back when required.
Long 7: Put himself about and fought for every loose ball. A lot of his work was done with his back to goal in what was a selfless performance.
Joao 7: His introduction gave the Select Car Leasing Stadium a lift. Made the most of his 20 minutes, firing home late on. Displayed his class with some neat touches.
Abrefa 6: Looked assured once again. Demonstrated his willingness to get forward.
Clarke: N/A
Subs: Bouzanis, Camara, Ehibhatiomhan, Craig
