Reading FC’s strong start to the season continued after the international break, as Paul Ince’s men saw off Huddersfield Town 3-1.
Tom McIntyre headed home a Tom Ince corner midway through the first half, before Jeff Hendrick forced Lee Nicholls to turn into his own net.
The home side added a third in the second half as Yakou Meite pounced on a defensive error to open his account for the season.
Huddersfield were able to grab a consolation as Tom Lees’ header found the back of the net in stoppage time.
The Royals’ schools and grassroots programme saw thousands of young people create an electric atmosphere at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Joe Lumley 6: The keeper’s only concern in the first half was whether or not to keep his cap on. Remained untroubled in the second half.
Nesta Guinness-Walker 8: A fantastic performance from the left wing-back. Was hardly challenged defensively and took that as his queue to bomb on. Adopted dangerous positions in advanced positions time and again.
Nesta Guiness-Walker has been excellent so far today. A constant threat down the left and putting in some nice deliveries. #readingfc
— Andy Preston (@AndyPreston96) October 1, 2022
Tom McIntyre 7: Powered home Reading’s first, rising well to convert an Ince corner. Worked well with Holmes to keep Jordan Rhodes quiet. Got forward on occasion.
Tom Holmes 6: A mature performance from the vice-captain at the heart of the back three. Was prepared to put a foot in and largely dominated the aerial battle with the Terriers’ forwards.
Andy Yiadom 6: Looks ever more comfortable in the right centre-back position. Protected the ball under the pressure well. Went off with a knock in the second half.
Sam Hutchinson 7: Shielded the defence effectively and started some attacks with through-balls into the channel. Dropped back into the back line when Yiadom went off.
Jeff Hendrick 7: The midfielder’s best performance since joining. Worked diligently in midfield. Got forward well, forcing an own-goal off Nicholls for Reading’s second. Went close with a long range effort late on.
Tom Ince 7: Another quality set-piece delivery set up Reading’s first. Could have got on the scoresheet but saw his first half free-kick just graze the side-netting. Brought the energy in both defence and attack.
Junior Hoilett 7: Another reputable performance at right wing-back, particularly given his efforts with Canada. Was allowed to get forward at will in the first half. Worked well with Ince to create openings down the right.
Lucas Joao 5: Not at his brilliant best. Will need some time to develop his understanding with Carroll. Wasn’t always able to get the ball to stick with his back to goal.
Andy Carroll 6: A constant threat in the air. Was always waiting at the back post on offensive set pieces to nod down for a teammate. The 70 minutes will help get the forward up to speed.
Tyrese Fornah 6: Replaced Yiadom in the second half, slotting onto the left of the midfield three. Continued in the same vein as he left off before the break.
YAKKKOOOUUUU!
3-0 to the Royals!#REAHUD | 3-0 pic.twitter.com/6arOD3AMl0
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) October 1, 2022
Yakou Meite 7: The Ivorian will be pleased to get back on the scoresheet, capitalising on a mix-up between the Terriers’ defenders.
Mamadou Loum: N/A
Subs: Bouzanis, Abbey, Mbengue, Ejaria
