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Federici – 5 – poorly positioned for the opening goal, left exposed for the remainder. One good one-on-one save, but bizarrely not a lot else to do throughout.
Gunter – 2 – a captain’s performance this was not. Typically weak, his leadership qualities are desperately lacking at the best of times. When you need someone to roll their socks up and drive a team on in adversity, the last person on that pitch you’d turn to is Chris bloody Gunter.
Kelly – 2 – caught out of position too many times. Gray was his man, Gray scored a hat-trick.
Cooper – 2 – don’t want to mark this chap down so low given this was just his 6th ever start but he was part of a unit that conceded six woeful goals. Criminally at fault for what I consider the decisive third.
Hector – 2 – at fault for the 4th, booked early on, subbed for Alex Pearce having been given a torrid lesson by Clayton Donaldson.
Obita – 4 – toiled but struggled on the left flank. Inadvertent assist for Murray’s notch and a wonderful ball across for Cox’s chance at 1-0, but I see nothing to suggest he should play anywhere other than left full back. Won player of the season there, bloody play him there.
McCleary – 4 – toiled but ultimately ineffective. Very bright opening 20, one chance created second half after good honest perseverance, but lacks backup.
Williams – 3 – his worst game in a Reading shirt. Off the pace, failed to provide any protection for our young central back line.
Norwood – 4 – some decent passing in the first 20, saw lots of the ball throughout, very much our water carrier but ultimately with a poor set up he struggled.
Cox – 3 – totally ineffective bar one chance at 1-0 that he should have buried.
Murray – 5 – starved of service, should have notched twice. Good leap for the only goal, hit the bar when it looked easier to score at 6-1.
Subs:-
Pearce – 5 – steadied a crippled ship.
Blackman – 5 – some nice touches, got into decent positions with little success.
Taylor – 5 – neat, tidy, unspectacular. Typical Taylor.