READING FC suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to high-flying Sheffield United on Tuesday evening.
Despite a resolute first half showing, the Royals fell behind on the hour mark after Ollie McBurnie teed up Iliman Ndiaye for his 11th goal of the season.
The Senegalese’s strike proved the difference between the sides as the Blades secured an important three points in their quest for automatic promotion.
Joe Lumley 7: Made a couple of smart saves to deny Bogle and Sharp. Came off his line quickly when required.
Andy Yiadom 5: Improved as the game went on – much more adventurous in the second half and could have even got on the scoresheet. Ultimately gave the ball away too many times.
Tom Holmes 5: A quiet night for the vice-captain, who perhaps could have done better to stop Ndiaye bundling home from close range.
Scott Dann 5: One of his stronger performances since returning from injury. Used his experience to negotiate his duels with Ndiaye and McBurnie.
Naby Sarr 6: Handled the various threats offered by United’s front line competently, on the whole. Positioned himself well to avoid engaging in footraces.
Nesta Guinness-Walker 6: Got caught out on a number of occasions early on, but grew into the game, putting in some quality deliveries.
Tom McIntyre 5: Did his best to pick up the Blades’ forwards who popped up between the lines, but wasn’t able to advance the ball up the pitch.
Jeff Hendrick 5: Worked hard and put himself about, but struggled to make an imprint on the game.
Tom Ince 6: Had a few sighters at goal. Looked to make runs in behind, particularly in the first half. Seemed to tire as the game entered the latter stages.
Andy Carroll 6: Imposed himself on the aerial duels, also playing some neat balls around the corner for either Long or Ince to run onto.
Shane Long 6: Worked hard out of possession and was a nuisance to the visitors’ back line. Could not really have done much more with the service he was given.
Substitutes:
Lucas Joao 5: Was able to do much after coming on.
Femi Azeez 5: Never got the chance to drive with the ball.
Cesare Casadei: N/A
Liam Moore: N/A
