READING FC fell to a disappointing 3-2 defeat away at Birmingham City on Friday night.
The Royals found themselves a goal down within the first minute when Juninho Bacuna’s cross deflected off Mamadou Loum straight into the path of Troy Deeney who finished with aplomb.
The City skipper doubled the lead soon after, winning and converting a penalty, before Chong profited from an Amadou Mbengue error to make it 3-0 before the break.
Jeff Hendrick and Ince added a late goals, which proved to be too little too late.
Joe Lumley 6: Can’t really be blamed for any of the goals. Forced into a great save to deny Chong early in the second half.
Andy Yiadom 5: The space between himself and Mbengue was always going to be a vulnerable channel. Was unable to add much impetus to Reading’s attacks in the first half. Was a little more adventurous in the second 45.
Amadou Mbengue 5: Failed to clear his lines for the third goal. Was not the worst player on the pitch, but often relied on his pace to get himself out of trouble.
Naby Sarr 5: Went to ground very early for City’s penalty, allowing Deeney to receive the contact. Probably wasn’t the best game for him to make his first start since August in.
Tom McIntyre 4: Beaten too easily, too many times. Hard to tell if the defender is fully fit because he was just not at the races tonight. Made a goal-saving block to deny Deeney in the second half.
Baba Rahman 5: Allowed Bacuna far too much space down Reading’s left and his offensive deliveries weren’t of any real quality.
Mamadou Loum 4: Dangled his leg out in a lazy attempt to clear the cross which led to the first goal. Came out second best in far too many duels. To his credit, grew into the game somewhat as Birmingham sat off more.
Jeff Hendrick 5: A late consolation goal will not mask the fact that the game seemed to bypass the Irishman, who was unable to establish a foothold in midfield.
Tom Ince 6: Deserved his goal – was the driving force in Reading’s side. Harried the opposition and got a number of shots off in anger.
Yakou Meite 5: Tried his best to create openings with the minimal service he received albeit with little success. Heading over from 18-yards out was the closest the Ivorian came to
Shane Long 5: Worked off scraps and did his best to retain possession. Played the majority of the game with his back to goal
Junior Hoilett 6: Added a little more going forward after coming on.
Lucas Joao 6: Failed to carve out any opportunities.
Nesta Guinness-Walker: N/A
Andy Carroll: N/A
Subs: Bouzanis, Azeez
