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McCarthy had little to do in terms of shot stopping but his kicking and distribution seemed better this evening, while there was little he could do about Davies strike.
Jordan Obita: 7
Going forward Obita looks fantastic and the fact he's got a left-foot is very welcome in the left-back position after putting up with months of the right-footed staleness from Stephen Kelly and Shaun Cummings. There were a few nervous moments from a young player still learning the position but all things considered Obita put in a good shift.
A decent display from the big Latvian who kept Chopra and Davies quiet for most of the night while doing all the necessary dirty work.
Alex Pearce: 7
A much more assured performance from the Academy graduate who seemed much more composed on the ball and did well to set up Alfie for his second goal. It was also nice to see the defender take the armband late on and fingers crossed he can build on this performance.
Chris Gunter: 7
Was bombing up and down the right all night long but didn't quite have the required end product to really cause too many problems. Misplaced a few passes but defended pretty well and overall had a decent night at the office.
Jobi McAnuff: 8
Great heart and endeavour from the skipper who was in fine form both going forward and tracking back. His flick at the start of the second half was awesome and if he'd finished the run off with a goal it might have been a goal of the season contender.
Cool and composed in the middle of the park, the USA international continues to impress with his only negatives being maybe one too many niggly fouls.
Hope Akpan: 8
Where has this Hope Akpan been all season?! I swear I'm not watching the same player who had one of the worst substitute appearances from a Reading player I've ever seen against Charlton. Now Akpan looks to be well and truly filling the shoes of Mikele Leigertwood and there's no way Danny Guthrie can expect to stroll back into the midfield when he returns from injury.
Awesome performance from McCleary, with a lack of 90 minutes or a goal the only things stopping me from giving him a perfect 10. He was a constant menace throughout the evening and I'm glad the transfer window shuts this week because if he plays like this much longer he'll be attracting the attention of some of the big fish in the pond.
A typical gutsty performance from the man who's won our last three player of the month votes. Was well deserving of his goal and while he did look a little tired at times, he continued to battle on and give it everything he had.
Adam Le Fondre: 9
Throughout the season on The Tilehurst End Podcast we've been skeptical of Adam Le Fondre's performances and effectiveness as a starter but if the humble pie isn't being eaten just yet, it's certainly in the oven after Alfie made it 6 goals in 2 home starts. While Reading play like this there's few people better to finish chances off but I'll still maintain that away from home or in closer games he might not quite have enough in his locker to be worth a start. Still, I cannot fault him one bit for his performance this evening and I'll more than happily eat my words if he continues to bang home the goals!
Substitutes
Another man who's come in for some stick this season is HRK but an enforced rest due to injury seems to have rejuvenated the winger, who looked to be getting back to the level we saw late last season in his brief time on the pitch.
Didn't notice he'd come on for a long while, still the game had all but wound down by the time he replaced McAnuff.
Michael Hector: NA
Had a couple of touches but little time to make an impact.
So that's how we see it but let us know what you think in the comments below and please cast your POTM vote using the poll.