READING FC picked up three vital points in their fight to stay in League One by beating high flying Derby County.
Paul Mukairu netted the decisive goal early in the second-half, slotting in after Femi Azeez saw his strike hit the post.
The win means Reading are four points adrift of safety with five sides above the Royals on 30 points.
DAVID BUTTON 6: Didn’t have much to do as Derby failed to have a single shot on target.
ANDY YIADOM 8: Came so close to opening the scoring when he swivelled in the box and show his shot bounce off the base of the post. Replaced by Mbengue with half an hour left.
TOM HOLMES 8: Strong aerially and looked assured next to Bindon as the two look to build a solid partnership and collected a vital clean sheet.
TYLER BINDON 8: Stayed switched on at the back to cut out any dangerous Derby attacks throughout the game to earn his team a clean sheet.
JERIEL DORSETT 7: Solid defensive display at left-back. Stayed disciplined without ever bursting forward to help out in attack. Replaced by Mola with 20 to go.
CHARLIE SAVAGE 6: Performed well considering it was his first league start since November at the base of midfield in place of Craig. Tidy in possession.
LEWIS WING 6: A quieter game from the midfielder who is usually so important to Reading’s play. Taken off late on as Reading switched to a back three to see out the game.
HARVEY KNIBBS 7: Provided his usual infectious energy. Lacked sometimes in the final third, but worked so hard for his teammates.
FEMI AZEEZ 8: Plenty of energy and vigour, forced a save from Vickers with a stinging shot from distance in the first-half. Hit the post before Mukairu slotted in the rebound
PAUL MUKAIRU 8: His excellent work on the wing should have resulted in a goal, but there was no one to tap in at the back post. Right place, right time to finish on the rebound.
SAM SMITH 6: Made some promising runs and linked well in attack, but couldn’t take any of his chances.
SUBS
Michael Craig 7, Clinton Mola 7, Tom McIntyre n/a, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan n/a, Amadou Mbengue 6
