READING FC secured an important three points thanks to a 2-1 win over Swansea in what their final home game of 2022.
The home side went ahead in the 27th minute thanks to Andy Carroll, who pounced on a poor Steven Benda punch.
They had the chance to double their lead moments later when the referee adjudged Jay Fulton to have brought Carroll down in the box illegally. Yakou Meite stepped up to take the spot-kick but fired well over the bar.
Tom Ince eventually made it 2-0 with a deflected strike from the edge of the box.
Liam Cullen pulled one back for Swansea in the 71st minute, tapping in from close range after Joel Piroe’s effort rebounded off the post.
Joe Lumley 7: Made a vital double save to deny Cooper moments before Carroll’s goal. Came out promptly when required.
Junior Hoilett 5: A quiet night on the offensive side of things, but the Canadian did well to blunt the threat from Swansea’s left.
Andy Yiadom 6: Started brightly making interceptions in Swansea’s half. Was caught out in behind on a number of occasions.
Tom Holmes 6: Made a few rash challenges receiving a yellow in the first half. A disciplined performance on the whole but was sometimes positioned a little too high up the pitch.
Naby Sarr 6: Was solid in the air and dominated his aerial duels. Hardly let Joel Piroe out of his sight.
Tom McIntyre 8: Adjusted to left-wing back well and was largely able to contain Matty Sorinola. Was even able to add the odd foray forward. Slotted into midfield in the latter stages.
Tom Ince 7: A typically committed performance. Was willing to run beyond Carroll while also adding metal in the centre of the park. Took his goal well.
Mamadou Loum 6: Dazzled with some neat turns and flicks to get out of some tight spaces. Almost scored from the halfway line after spotting the keeper off his line but his effort flew just wide.
Jeff Hendrick 6: Worked hard with Loum to cut out the spaces in midfield. Was always going to be a difficult night against a possession-based side but should be credited for his industry in the middle.
Yakou Meite 6: Will be disappointed not to have converted his penalty. Started on the left side of midfield. Was willing to do the hard yards on both ends of the pitch.
Andy Carroll 7: Worked hard and deserved to get on the scoresheet. Was a threat in the air and also protected it well.
Baba Rahman 5: Made some handy clearances after coming on.
Shane Long: N/A
Amadou Mbengue: N/A
Subs: Bouzanis, Guinness-Walker, Azeez, Joao
