Ipswich Town 0-1 Reading FC: Player Ratings

Adam Federici - 7

A good, solid performance from the Aussie-in-pink that was made the more impressive by a difficult second-half where the 30-year-old was berated by home fans while clearly suffering from a knock. The shots were often straight at him, but a deserved clean sheet nonetheless.

Stephen Kelly - 6

It was down the Irish international's flank that the hosts generated their best chances, particularly in the first-half as the 31-year-old's lack of acceleration and awareness meant he was gotten in behind a bit easily. He improved in the second-half, and was useful in attack, but ultimately nothing special. Oh, and he lost a header to Jay Tabb- how is that possible?

Alex Pearce - 7

Was vulnerable to the odd dodgy moment, but the captain was clearly vocal in organising the defence and did well to show the dangerous striker Daryl Murhpy away from the top-scorer's favoured left-foot.

Michael Hector - 8

Big Hec, returning from injury, was a machine at the back. Physically imposing, the Englishman got in the face of any attacker daring to face up to the 22-year-old. What's more was the fact that Hector didn't put a foot wrong in the tackle and consistently won the ball for his side. The lad has thrived under Clarke.

Jordan Obita - 6

A relatively quiet day for Obita. The Town winger Bishop was nothing special, forcing Obita into little other than the odd interception and his superior positioning allowed this. With that said, while rarely being called upon, he certainly did little wrong.

Danny Williams - 7

Less than exceptional in the first-half, it was the second period where Williams showed his true colours by driving the team forward and hassling the hosts. It's easy to forget his skill in dribbling round opponents that should have won more fouls than it did, and while this willingness can let him down, he's almost irreplaceable when on-form.

Nathaniel Chalobah - 8

Perhaps a little favourable, an eight-out-of-ten stat for the Chelsea-loanee is based on how well he played his role in the XI on the pitch. He was strong and willing when out of possession, and more than capable when in it. Furthermore, Chalobah almost netted a second as his penchant for set-pieces begins to show through, and showed his commitment by playing through a late injury to help seal the win.

Jamie Mackie - 7

Let's begin with the goal, which was very well taken and was certainly worthy of bagging three points on the road. Add to that a directness in attack, and Mackie was a real threat. However, Clarke's system demands a lot from his wide men and too often Mackie was caught standing still when tracking back, and his partnership with Kelly was decidedly weak.

Hal Robson-Kanu - 6

The Welsh winger used his strength well and could have scored to seal a cracking counter in the first-half, but was generally quiet. A satisfying if sedated outing for the winger should see him keep his place for Tuesday's trip to Huddersfield.

Simon Cox - 7

Clearly tiring towards the end, Cox's running was vital to keeping the pressure on while Ipswich had the ball. Furthermore, the Irishman was a threat in attack and almost got in on goal in the second-half, a pleasing performance that shows his value in Clarke's system.

Pavel Pogrebnyak - 7

A more disciplined performance from the big Russian, who resisted drifting out-wide and held up the ball really well, adding a quality assist for the goal. It's interesting how, for a natural finisher, Pog rarely got the ball in the area- but that's the nature of the beast for a target man in a counter-attacking side.

Subs:

Hope Akpan - 6

A rare outing for the Nigerian late on, who stuttered in possession but set-out to defend competently.

Garath McCleary - 6

Ran well down the left when introduced, but only got a couple of chances to do so as time ran out.

Jake Cooper - N/A

Injury-time sub.

---

Who was your man of the match? Vote in our poll at the bottom of the page, and leave your thoughts in the comments section.

---

Season Ratings (click for a larger version):