READING FC rounded off their pre-season with a 1-2 defeat against Brighton.
A second-half Yakou Meite penalty was not enough to overcome goals from Pascal Gross and Solly March either side of half-time.
The Royals grew into the game after initially struggling to interrupt the visitors’ possession-based style.
Paul Ince will hope the club can bring in some extra bodies ahead of their curtain-raiser against Blackpool next Saturday.
Lumley 5: Made a decent save at his near post in the opening exchanges. Could not have done a lot with the first Brighton goal and, with a lot of bodies between himself and Solly March, would probably have seen the shot late for their second.
Yiadom 6: Worked hard for the team, bringing energy in the periods where Reading were chasing shadows.
McIntyre 6: Often found himself getting drawn out wide to support Hoilett at left wing-back. Felt more comfortable as the game progressed and, by the end, was putting his foot in at crucial moments.
Hutchinson 6: Was pulled from pillar to post putting out fires at the heart of Reading’s defence. Was assured on the ball in a typically committed performance.
Holmes 6: The newly-appointed vice-captain initially struggled to contain Welbeck, with the forward successfully pinned Holmes on a number of occasions. Similarly to McIntyre, adjusted well and looked comfortable by the end.
Hoilett 5: Struggled to contain Tariq Lamptey who frequently got the better of the Canadian, grabbing the assist for Brighton’s first. Provided an outlet on the left side in possession, forcing an important save out of Jason Steele in the second half.
Fornah 4: The game seemed to pass the 22 year old by. Got caught out by the fluidity of Brighton’s central players, with Fornah often finding himself on the wrong side of his opponent.
Hendrick 5: Grew into the game. With Fornah, was unable to combat Brighton’s stranglehold on the midfield. Found his way out of several tight situations with good footwork.
Ejaria 4: A misunderstanding with Holmes put Welbeck through on goal in the early stages of the match. A couple of further loose passes gave Brighton possession in dangerous positions. To his credit, did not let his head drop and worked hard to win back possession on a number of occasions.
Ince 5: Won the penalty for Reading’s goal. Started on the right side of midfield four before it went to a three. Did well to win the ball high up the pitch, playing in Meite, who couldn’t fashion a chance.
Meite 7: Added another goal to his pre-season tally, converting from the spot. The Ivorian was also involved in earning the penalty. Did not get any joy in the lone striker role, losing the aerial battle with Lewis Dunk. Came into his own when Joao entered the fray.
Joao 6: His introduction changed the complexion of the game, with Reading playing more balls into the channel and Brighton making wholesale changes. Gave the visitors’ centre-backs something to worry about.
Guinness-Walker 5: Once again showed a desire to get forward, whipping some decent crosses in from the left side.
Azeez 4: Demonstrated his versatility, joining Joao up front. Worked hard but did not have the time to show his full potential. Will be an important player for Reading when the games start accumulating.
El-Mhanni: N/A
Abrefa: N/A
Subs: Bouzanis (GK), Leavy, Clarke
