READING FC fell victim to a last-minute defeat, losing 2-1 away at Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
The Royals went ahead against the run of play through Tom Ince, who dinked the goalkeeper early in the second half. However, the lead was short lived as substitute Manuel Benson fired home from the edge of the box ten minutes later.
The home side secured all three points in the 94th minute, with the dangerous Anass Zaroury stealing in at the back post to claim all three points.
Joe Lumley 6: Could not be faulted for either Burnley goal and commanded his box well, claimed and punched the ball away at the right moments.
Amadou Mbengue 7: An impressive display from the defender who adopted two different roles across the back line. Positioned himself well and was committed in the challenge both on the ground and in the air.
Andy Yiadom 6: Some incredible last-ditch tackles kept the Royals in the game early on. Battled hard with Zaroury, although the winger arguably got the better of the duel.
Tom Holmes 6: Threw himself at every ball. Was assured when presented with the two different challenges offered by Tella and Rodriguez.
Tom McIntyre 5: Went off injured in the first half after taking a powerful shot to the face. Should be fit for Tuesday’s trip to Luton.
Baba Rahman 5: A little suspect defensively, with Tella getting too much joy in behind the left-back. Ventured forward on occasion with little end product. Was brought off due to tiredness.
Jeff Hendrick 5: Worked hard but could not get a foothold on the game. Needed to offer a bit more creativity on the few occasions Reading had the ball in advanced positions.
Mamadou Loum 6: His most disciplined performance so far. Focused on his defensive duties and kept things simple with the ball at his feet. Picked up a fifth booking, which rules him out for Luton on Tuesday.
Ovie Ejaria 6: Was guilty of taking too many touches when a more obvious pass was on. A great shift off the ball however, which was necessary on a day where Reading saw precious little of the ball.
Tom Ince 7: Took his goal well and was a driving force when Reading were in the transition. Defended with his usual intensity.
Yakou Meite 6: Did not enjoy the same aerial dominance he demonstrated last weekend, but showed his quality with a fantastic assist for Ince’s goal.
Junior Hoilett 4: Not the best showing from the usually reliable Canadian. Was perhaps beaten too easily by Zaroury for Burnley’s first goal and lost the Belgian for the second.
Tyrese Fornah 5: Competed well after replacing Ejaria.
Shane Long: N/A
Subs: Bouzanis, Carroll, Joao, Guinness-Walker
