Reading FC 3-0 Rotherham United: Player Ratings

Adam Federici: 7

A couple of shaky moments from crosses but otherwise a strong performance from our October Player of the Month who made a good save at 1-0 to keep Reading in front.

Chris Gunter: 6

Never looked fully comfortable on the left, which is what you'd expect from a right-footed, right-back. Still, Gunter helped keep a rare clean sheet and his evening was only really spoiled by a stupid late booking for time wasting with only a couple of minutes to go and the game dead.

Alex Pearce: 7

Strong as ever in the air and seemed to appreciate having a senior player in Ferdinand alongside him once again.

Anton Ferdinand: 7

Showed why he's been in the Premier League for most of his career with a calming and tidy performance before having to go off due to injury. Fingers crossed it's nothing serious because Ferdinand looked like he could be a good addition going forward.

Stephen Kelly: 7

Tilehurst End Podcast co-host Westie won't thank me for this (and his pre-match text on hearing the news of Kelly's inclusion isn't fit for a family friendly site) but Kelly showed us exactly why, like Ferdinand, he's been a Premier League player for most of his career. He did the simple things well and also helped create our opening goal. I don't think he's a massive upgrade on Gunter, especially long-term but in the short-term it was good to see another calming and experienced head in the back-four.

Oliver Norwood: 7

Not quite at his September peak but Norwood had a fine game that saw him put in some good tackles and retain possession effectively. Unlucky not to score with a free-kick in the first-half and helped create Cox's second goal.

Danny Williams: 6

This mark might get me a bit of stick but while I thought Williams had a very solid game, this wasn't the Danny Williams who was so influential last spring. The obvious and valid excuse for that is that tonight was his first professional start in six months and in those circumstances he put in a good shift but he still wasn't quite as influential as you'd maybe have hoped. Still, the main thing for the American International was getting some game time under his belt and he got that.

Jordan Obita: 6

Obita was given the chance to play further forward and while last year's Player of the Season put in a few delightful crosses, he still looked a bit isolated and off the pace at times. Having a right-footed player behind him in Gunter didn't help but this wasn't a performance that convinced me he's the definitive answer for the left-wing slot.

Jamie Mackie: 9

The aforementioned Westie describes Mackie as 'the fan on the pitch' and never was this more evident than tonight as the Forest loanee put in a brilliant shift down the right-hand side. Mackie finally added an end product to his hard work tonight and more than deserved his superb opening goal. His linkup play with both Cox and Murray was also excellent and fingers crossed he's rounding in to top form.

Simon Cox: 8

Like most, Cox had a quiet half-hour or so before exploding into life and helping himself to two very well taken goals. You know what you're going to get hard work from Cox but the fact he's already bagged seven goals is very encouraging from a man who usually struggles to get near double figures.

Glenn Murray: 8

Reminds me a lot of Jason Roberts during his six months here in the title winning season. He's clever enough to win little free-kicks and distract defenders, while also being strong and skilful enough to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Deserved a goal and I just hope Palace don't beg him to come back in January....

Substitutes

Michael Hector: 6

A couple of nervy moments from the half-time substitute but otherwise did what he needed to do.

Hope Akpan: 5

Looked hungry when he came on but picked up a silly booking that neutered his game.

Jake Taylor: NA

Not enough time to make an impact as the Welsh International came on in the dying moments to allow Cox a standing ovation.

So that's how we've rated them but what do you think? Share your thoughts below and vote for your own player of the match.