Reading FC 3-1 Millwall (AET): Player Ratings

Anssi Jaakkola: 6

A quiet night for the Finn who couldn't do much about Shane Ferguson's deflected goal. Made a smart save in the build up to the equaliser, and showed intelligent distribution throughout - knowing when to play out with his feet, and when to go long.

Andy Rinomhota: 7

A quiet but steady night for the academy graduate who was unlucky to be shoved out wide. Did an excellent job at right wing back and wasn't exposed defensively, but didn't have too many chances to get forward.

Tiago Ilori: 6

As the senior defender tonight, Ilori kept the Millwall front line quiet and played out very well. Not much to report otherwise, which for a centre half is typically a good thing.

George Evans: 7

Playing in the sweeper role (featuring sometimes in the back three, sometimes in midfield), Evans kept the ball moving throughout the match, but wasn't really in a position to influence the game in an attacking sense... until he curled in a beautiful strike from the edge of the area to win the game in extra time.

Axel Andresson: 6

A composed full debut from a player who slotted well into Reading's back three. Playing out from defence is key to Stam's possession game, and Andresson is clearly highly adept at it. He's certainly barged his way into the manager's first team plans.

Chris Gunter: 6

Like Rinomhota, Gunter did a solid job in an unfamiliar wing back role. Switched to the left side in the absence of Obita, Blackett and Richards, the Welshman guarded his flank well and was keen to get forward, even registering a few shots that didn't trouble the 'keeper. Mr Dependable.

Leandro Bacuna: 7

Like Danny Williams, Bacuna is a busy, energetic presence in the middle of the park. The Curacao international lacks the American's strength and driving runs from deep, but nonetheless keeps the ball moving well enough and links the play nicely. He found the net with one of the best Mad Stad goals you'll see this season: a powerful run from deep capped off by a rocket from range. That said, he otherwise didn't create much for the frontmen, so 7/10 it is.

Stephen Quinn: 6

Making his first start for Reading in what feels like 17 years, Quinn had a tidy game but wasn't at his sharpest. He didn't do much wrong, but he didn't contribute enough to the team's attack. That's perfectly understandable considering his lack of match practice, so expect better displays in future.

Garath McCleary: 5

Like Quinn, McCleary was making his return to the starting XI last night. He only featured in the first half before being withdrawn for Clement, and naturally didn't look anywhere near his best. There were some clever link-ups with Rinomhota down the right, but it was overall a tough match for the Jamaican, with little space to run into and not much energy to burn.

Sam Smith: 6

Isolated and uninvolved for most of the match, Smith didn't see much of the ball as he was marked out of the game by Cooper and co. That said, he worked hard and deserved his first goal in senior football - slamming the ball past the 'keeper with his left foot deep into extra time.

Adrian Popa: 6

For me, the Romanian was Reading's brightest attacking spark against Millwall. Despite not scoring himself, over the course of the 90 minutes he looked the most productive. Didn't often have space to run into, and his end product typically wasn't sharp enough to unlock the Millwall defence. However, the introduction of Mo Barrow in the second half gave Popa the chance to link up with his fellow winger in quick counter attacks.

Subs:

Pelle Clement: 5

Introduced for Garath McCleary at half time, Clement should have been a fresh injection of creativity, but didn't offer enough going forwards. Some nice party tricks in the midfield were impressive.

Modou Barrow: 6

Didn't have the biggest impact on the game, but his direct running did cause Millwall problems in the second half. However, he does need to be more decisive/selfish when he gets into the box.

Tyler Blackett: 6

Brought on for Andresson and had a solid but brief game at the back.

Danny Loader: N/A

Besides becoming a) the first ever fourth Reading sub in a competitive game and b) the first to play for Reading in a senior match having been born after the Madejski was opened, it was an uneventful half hour for Loader who was unluckily shoved into midfield.