Reading FC 5-2 Huddersfield Town (FA Cup): Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi - 6

An important save or two kept the score low in the first-half and the Omani keeper was commanding from corners. There are concerns about being beaten at the near-post for the first goal, however, but it is good to see Brian McDermott justified in dropping the otherwise capable Jonathan Bond for AAH after this good run of form.

Chris Gunter - 6

Soon to be out of contract Gunter was on good form bombing forward down the right wing against Huddersfield, with much freedom to do so against ten men. In defence he was decent enough and in attack, while willing, his final ball tended to reach a visiting defender first.

Jake Cooper - 5

Having returned to the first-team triumphantly against Bristol City the English centre-back has struggled against quality opponents such as Town's Nahki Wells. His disparate header to deal with the threat from the first goal was as much about poor anticipation as poor technique, but this is what you get from a youngster and perserverance is required.

Anton Ferdinand - 6

There is little mobility to this central defensive pairing but Ferdinand is the player Cooper must idolise, so often in the right place to put a strong foot in, even if it did lead to a few fouls being committed in this game.

Andrew Taylor - 6

Unable to clear the ball before Huddersfield netted their second but was sturdy as-ever and a useful asset in attack, putting in one particularly wonderful cross that Robson-Kanu headed against the bar.

Oliver Norwood - 6

Spraying balls about the park with reckless abandon, Norwood revelled in the space given by the sending off - it's just a shame so many were sideways. His best moment, unsurprisingly, came when looking forward to assist Vydra's third.

Danny Williams - 5

Another who grew as the game went on with drive and running into space, the American's off-the-ball play is strong, it's just in possession he continues to be found wanting. Too often his control and passing was misguided and it is frustrating how the midfielder resorts to last-resort long-range shooting several times a match.

Garath McCleary - 6

Looked bright before being forced off with an injury on the verge of half-time; Reading need the Jamaican fit while he's putting in consistently threatening performances.

Hal Robson-Kanu - 7

A bit anonymous in the first-half, the winger actually performed much better when played down the right flank after the break. Cutting inside and firing good shots off was his key asset and perhaps should have claimed the second goal for himself before Vydra knocked home the rebound.

Lucas Piazon - 7

Operating in the hole, Piazon is forming a good partnership with Vydra through his vision and technique. The latter was on full display when the Chelsea man struck a sweet free-kick to bring Reading back into the game.

Matej Vydra - 9

Responding to loud criticism from the vocal minority, Vydra put in the second-half display the home crowd knew he was capable of with clinicality and Premier League quality movement. He constantly got into the right positions, and after a frustrating first-half that summed up his Reading career, his teammates began to pick him out and the striker netted a hat-trick for their troubles.

Substitutes

Ola John - 7

An asset not just in his direct and pacey running ability, Dutch winger John proved how he can work hard off the ball and pressure opponents in another promising outing.

Alex Fernandez - 7

Replacing Piazon to reinforce the midfield, Fernandez looked confident despite a dearth of appearances for the Royals and moved the ball nicely, getting in on the act to make it 5-2 with a well-hit effort from 25 yards.

Orlando Sa - N/A