Reading FC 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion: Player Ratings

Adam Federici - 6

Rarely called into action and couldn't do much about a well taken penalty. Did well to hang on to a few long range drives and commanded his box well.

Chris Gunter - 6

Steady return for Gunter, who tried his best to provide support for McCleary down the right. Sadly his crossing was just a little wayward and McCleary's sluggish game didn't help him much either.

Michael Hector - 7

Hector continues to develop into a classy and composed centre-back and someone you can legitimately see Reading building around. Before Clarke's arrival you feared he'd never have the temperament and discipline to excel at the back but under the former Chelsea defender's tutelage 'Big Hec' has come on leaps and bounds. Kept Brighton's forwards quiet all night and his only negative was wasted a terrific chance from eight yards.

Jake Cooper - 6

If I was awarding half marks then there's no doubt Cooper gets a 6.5 but here on The Tilehurst End we don't sit on the fence (unless you're Jonny...) so sadly I'm going to knock Jake down to a six, simply for the penalty. Clarke has called it a laughable decision and right now I haven't seen a replay but my initial instinct was it was a stupid moment from the young defender that gave the referee a chance. Aside from that he was composed and a terrific threat in the air as always, a player who also has a very bright future.

Nathaniel Chalobah - 7

For a man who apparently hadn't played at left-back before, Chalobah was excellent. He didn't give us the attacking outlet that Obita does but the Chelsea loanee is comfortable enough with both feet to get himself out of any tight squeeze defensively. He didn't have the best wingers going up against him but he did well with what he had to deal with.

Garath McCleary - 6

Subdued night from GMac who had a couple of decent bursts but otherwise very little to write home about. We've still yet to see McCleary really get into his stride this season but he still asked a few questions of the Brighton defence.

Danny Williams - 7

Full of energy despite slogging through 90 minutes at Valley Parade, Williams showed why he's probably the best midfielder at the football club right now.

Hope Akpan - 7

Not flashy but effective. Like Williams he put in a real shift and while his passing wasn't as accurate as you'd have liked, he put in a very Leigertwood-like display, which I very much mean as a compliment.

Hal Robson-Kanu - 6

......was Hal Robson-Kanu.

Nick Blackman - 6

Hard working display from Blackman but once again he did little to show why he deserves to start as a forward ahead of Simon Cox, or even Dominic Samuel. Had a couple of opportunities in the second-half that showed his good technical skills but again, a lack of execution. It's now just 9 goals in 79 appearances for Reading.

Jamie Mackie - 9

Fast becoming my favourite Reading player and it's great to see quality end product added to his always energetic performances. Considering he's only here on loan, he puts the work rate of some players that have been here for years to shame. He's scored four goals in his last five games and has single handedly kept us comfortably clear of the relegation places. Both finishes were straight out of the top drawer and I just hope we find a way to keep him this summer.

Subs

Pavel Pogrebnyak - 6

Curious why the Pog was brought into this one but he once again ran around and did his best to hold the ball up.

Oliver Norwood - 6

Nothing much to report from Norwood, came on to tighten up the midfield and helped do just that.

Niall Keown - N/A

No time to make a real impression but that's yet another Academy Graduate that's played first team football this season. A proud moment for Dad Martin who was sat in the crowd and hopefully he can make an impact over the next few years.

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