Ruben Selles first competitive game in charge of Reading FC ended in defeat as Peterborough left the Select Car Leasing Stadium with all three points on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a strong start, the Royals fell behind deep in the first half thanks to a looping Ephron Mason-Clark header, which proved to be enough to secure the win.
Here’s how the players fared…
Dean Bouzanis 6: Pulled off an acrobatic fingertip save to deny Ephron Mason-Clark what looked to be a sure opener in the first half. His goal was otherwise left relatively untroubled.
Andy Yiadom 5: Created the first opening of the game with a brilliant through-ball into the path of Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan. Could have done better to prevent the opener.
Tom Holmes 5: A subdued showing from the defender. Would like to have supported Yiadom a little better on the back post for Peterborough’s goal.
Tom McIntyre 6: For me, the stronger of the two centre-back performances on the day. Made several crucial challenges, won the vast majority of his aerial duels and made a goal-line clearance late on.
Nesta Guinness-Walker 6: Defensively, the left-sided partnership with Knibbs needs a little more bedding in, but generally looked decent – teed Andy Carroll up for a great chance.
Charlie Savage 7: A breath of fresh air in midfield. Displayed his passing range by spreading the ball out wide with composure. Worked tirelessly to support both defence and attack.
Sam Hutchinson 6: Solid. Screened the back line well picking up Joel Randall whenever he found space between the lines. Pressed high and received his customary yellow card.
Femi Azeez 5: A mixed bag from the winger. Looked lively at times, but also went missing for significant portions of the match. Had an opening in the second half but couldn’t get his shot away quickly enough.
Harvey Knibbs 7: Going to be a really important player in Selles’ system. Won possession in advanced positions on a number of occasions but his impact waned as the match progressed.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 5: Started brightly with runs into the channel and had two shots on target saved. Worked hard but seemed to tire from just before half-time onwards.
Andy Carroll 6: Get the sense he could trouble a lot of League One defences this season. Dominated in the air, with Savage looking to find him at the back post with most set-pieces.
Substitutes:
Amadou Mbengue 5: Seemed enthusiastic to get forward, almost getting caught in behind a couple of times.
Lewis Wing 6: Created a really good opening for Azeez.
Tivonge Rushesha N/A: Some tidy touches but didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
Caylan Vickers N/A
Mamadi Camara N/A
