Reading FC 2-0 Nottingham Forest: Player Ratings

Ali Al Habsi - 8

The Omani kept Reading in the game for most of the first half, making save after save from the likes of Henri Lansbury, Pajtim Kasami and Eric Lichaj. Another clean sheet for Al Habsi, who looks on top of his game at the moment, with the errors disappearing from his game, replaced by top-class shot stopping.

Chris Gunter - 7

He might go backwards more often than forwards... but generally when he does break up the pitch, he makes it count. An excellent run and finish following some great interplay with McCleary, and generally solid at the back as well.

Paul McShane - 6

In the wars for most of the match, having to get treatment on a cut twice and changing his shirt just before the break. But this was a typical McShane performance - a leader, commitment, and few mistakes to speak of.

Liam Moore - 6

Like his counterpart in the centre of the defence, it's hard to say he did anything wrong, though the fact that Forest had over 20 shots was a tad worrying. Still, a clean sheet it goes down as in the scorebook!

Tyler Blackett - 6

Didn't offer too much going forward, but generally dependable when attacks were coming his way.

Joey van den Berg - 5

A poor game from the Dutchman, hauled off by Jaap Stam just after receiving a needless yellow card following an altercation with Henri Lansbury. Stam admitted he took off VDB because he wasn't playing well, a number of misplaced passes not helping his cause - but when he's on a yellow, you always worry he's one moment of madness away from being dismissed.

Danny Williams - 6

Tested the Forest goalkeeper a couple of times from range and was his usual busy self in the middle of the park.

John Swift - 6

Created the first goal with a wicked long-range shot deflected into the path of McCleary, and showed nice touches, but for me he failed to exert himself on the game the way we know he can after the first half hour or so.

Garath McCleary - 7

Looks to be getting back to his brilliant best, a well taken goal and some great interplay with Gunter to set up the second.

Yann Kermorgant - 6

Came close with a neat volley from a corner but failed to fashion too many more chances for himself or teammates. Nevertheless, he worked as hard as ever - can never fault the Frenchman's commitment to the cause.

Roy Beerens - 5

With most of Reading's attacks coming down the right, Beerens didn't have much influence on the game at all.

Subs:

George Evans - 6

Came on for van den Berg after his yellow card, and helped Reading keep control of the midfield.

Callum Harriott - n/a

Showed flashes of skill and pace.

Jordan Obita - n/a

On the pitch for less than five minutes.

So that's how we rated the players - what did you think? And who was your man of the match? Vote below, and let us know your thoughts on the game.