clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Reading FC 1-2 Huddersfield Town: Player Ratings

A first defeat of the season for Nigel Adkins' young side against managerless Huddersfield Town - here's how we rated the players on the night.

Ben Hoskins

Adam Federici - 6

A few question marks over the second goal for the Aussie keeper, as he was beaten by Bunn from a tight angle. His distribution wasn't of the high standard it can be, but in part, he didn't have too many options as Blackman looked the only forward capable of winning a header.

Chris Gunter - 6

Aside from his error for the second, another quietly efficient performance from Gunter. Bombed forward far more in the second half, though it did leave Hector and Pearce somewhat exposed at the back.

Alex Pearce - 6

Had his lob in the dying minutes gone in, there would have been pandemonium around the ground. Can't really lay too much blame at his feet for either goal, but his lack of pace and passing range got us into trouble a couple of times.

Michael Hector - 4

He had a great game on Saturday against Ipswich Town, but sadly last night Hector was poor. His poor pass to Akpan led to the first goal, he was extremely fired up with one incident with Wells on the floor luckily going unseen by the ref (though Attwell did take him aside in the second half), and he was turned by the striker for a potential third late in the game. We've seen the best and the worst of Big Hec in the last four days.

Shaun Cummings - 5

Not a left-back, because he doesn't have a left foot, which instantly takes momentum and width out of the side. A bit surprising to see him subbed at half time, but it was the correct move as Obita provided far more width and danger.

Jordan Obita - 6

He's looked a bit wayward in the middle of the park, as usually he's got the touchline to work with, a big change for a young player. But when moved to left-back for the second half he looked a lot better, creating far more.

Hope Akpan - 4

Still looks lost at this level - too many touches, not strong enough on the ball (which led in part to the Terriers' opener), and can't play anything more than just the basic pass. In a three man midfield he would have a role shepherding in front of the back four. But when he's required in a two-man front, he's not enough.

Nick Blackman - 6

Once again, the only relevant player attacker for the first 60 or so minutes until he was somewhat surprisingly taken off by Adkins for Mackie. He blasted one over from the top of the box, and showed a few nice touches around the penalty area.

Jake Taylor - 4

Pretty anonymous performance from Taylor, who didn't really affect the game at all.

Simon Cox - 6

Far more involved in the game later on, and scored our consolation with a fine strike from the top of the box. But hiis presence didn't create too many problems for Huddersfield early on.

Pavel Pogrebnyak - 5

A willing worker as usual, but we know he's not the best in the air, so the long balls towards the big Russian were essentially gimmes for the Terriers back line. A few nice touches, and had a decent effort blocked, but otherwise had nothing of note.

---

Aaron Kuhl - 7

An 18 year old on debut changed the game for Reading, as he showed the value of a comfortable passing central midfielder in the Adkins system. Was outmuscled a couple of times in the middle of the park, but his passing was exceptional and he kept the ball ticking over, even creating a few chances.

Jamie Mackie - 5

We knew we would get hustle and bustle from Mackie and he gave exactly that, with a few charges and dribbles that came to nothing. He'll be important once fully fit.

Craig Tanner - 5

Not quite as dream a performance as his debut against Newport County, but he still looked to have that youthful exuberance to take a man on, though largely his efforts were wasted.

That's how we rated the team - did you see it differently? Let us know below, and make sure to vote for your Man Of The Match too in the poll.