Reading FC 1-0 Fulham FC: Player Ratings

Hopefully you've chance to check out our report from the win over Fulham, now we take a look at who shone brightest for the Royals.

Ali Al-Habsi: 7

The passion he showed after saving that penalty is why he's just so easy to love. Had a solid night overall, though punched a few crosses he probably should have caught. Distribution was fine and thankfully Ali seemed more happy to put his foot through the ball when under real pressure.

Chris Gunter: 6

Typically athletic and no nonsense performance from the Welshman. Put in a nice cross or two and did his defensive duties well. Gunter's at his best when you don't seem to notice him and this was one of those nights.

Joey van den Berg: 6

I've been openly critical of Joey's performances in the defence this season but I take my woolly hat off to him for a composed and solid performance last night. His comfort on the ball is why Stam picks him and in a three-man unit alongside Moore & McShane he's fine, just please don't ever pick him in a traditional back four again Jaap.

Liam Moore: 6

Was having a pretty nice game up until a clumsy challenge on Lucas Piazon to give away the Fulham penalty, something that's cost him a 7 here. This is Moore's first slight wobbly patch since he arrived at the club but he still put in a good performance overall and won the penalty that led to the Reading goal. Won four duels in the air, the most for Reading on the night.

Paul McShane: 7

Maybe this is a tad generous but I'm feeling nice this morning so why not. The skipper commanded the backline well against a tough attacking lineup including Chris Martin & Sone Aluko. One tackle in particular stands out as he made a key sliding interception after Tyler Blackett had been soundly beaten down the left. Outshone Moore & JVB in the passing stakes as well with his 79% completion the best of the trio.

Tyler Blackett: 5

He's not a left back. You know this, I know this, Stam knows this and probably Tyler himself knows this. Blackett has got some fine attributes and when he's in that defensive central three he's a decent enough option but the lad is lost on the left. In fairness most would have struggled against Ryan Fredericks, who won't be in the Championship much longer, but even so you'd have hoped for more from the former Manchester United man.

Danny Williams: 6

Did really well during an intriguing first half tactical battle but faded a bit after the break. Worked hard as usual but he must have left his shooting boots at home because Williams failed to make the most out of a couple of good openings.

Liam Kelly: 7

What's not to love about this bloke? Creative, tenacious, spirited, Kelly showed just why he's forced his way into the starting lineup in recent months and he's hopefully only going to get better. There might be bumps along the way and we shouldn't expect too much too soon but he's given Jaap another great option. Showed he's happy to put a foot in as well with five tackles, a total better than either Williams or Swift.

John Swift: 7

Missed the penalty but otherwise he had a good night. Seemed to enjoy the freedom to move further forward but didn't have too many chances to pull the trigger. Still perhaps lacking full fitness but is forming a great partnership with Kelly. Had the best passing success rate on the night from Reading with 83%.

Roy Beerens: 7

A night that summed up the Dutchman. A few moments of excellent technical ability and trickery, a good finish for the goal but he wasted another couple of chances and put in some poor crosses. Yet overall Roy had a good night and he did his job of pushing the Fulham defence back well.

Garath McCleary: 6

Not GMac's best night but he did come close to adding another goal to his tally with a splendid curling effort that twanged the bar in the second half. Also managed to pick himself up a silly booking.

Substitutes

Tiago Ilori: 6

'He's magic you knoooooooow, but Tiago he can't throooooow.' Sorry Tiago but based on last night, it's true. The Portuguese defender did fine replacing Blackett but saw one throw go straight out for a goal kick and another be given as a foul throw.

Yann Kermorgant & George Evans: N/A

Neither man spent long enough on the pitch to earn a grade.

Who was YOUR man of the match? Vote in our poll at the bottom of the page, and leave your thoughts in the comments section.