Joel Pereira: 6
It was a surprise to see Pereira in the starting line-up, with us having become accustomed to Jack Stevens being our cup competition keeper, particularly in the early rounds.
It was a testament to the players in front of him that I don’t recall him making a real save of note until late on when Benn Ward nearly put it into his own net. Exactly the kind of game he would’ve wanted after a shaky start to the season by his standards.
Ashqar Ahmed: 7
Having Udoka Godwin-Malife around as first choice won’t do Ahmed any harm
at all. He was perhaps rushed into the first team a bit early last season, and this time out he’s looking all the better for the time out of the spotlight.
If he can keep developing the way he is we’ve got a hell of a player on our hands. He had no standout moments as such this evening, but ultimately kept a clean sheet and looked a real handful going forward.
Conor Masterson: 7
Perhaps a bit of an underwhelming signing, but you have to credit someone for coming in simply to make up the numbers and then earning themselves a contract. And judging by tonight’s performance, you can see how Masterson did just that.
Calm, confident and you could tell he’s been in and around the group for a little while. He defended his box very well (something Leam Richardson loves) and popped up with one or two vital interceptions in the second half. A very impressive debut from the new man.
Benn Ward: 6
Probably the kind of game Ward would’ve been rested for in an ideal world, but he had a solid game at centre-back.
Sometimes, a centre-back’s best game is when you hardly notice they’re playing, and it was that kind of night for Ward. Didn’t put a foot wrong and has now been part of a defence that’s kept back-to-back clean sheets.
Jeriel Dorsett: 6
I still stand by the fact that there’s a very good centre-back for this level in Dorsett, he just looks like a player who is low on confidence right now. I can’t be too harsh, because it was a strong defensive performance all in all, but perhaps Dorsett needs a little time out the firing line.
And I don’t make the rules (except I do because this a rule I’ve entirely made up in my own head), but a foul throw has to knock you down a couple of marks.
Randell Williams: 7
A really impressive 90 minutes from Williams, which he capped off nicely with the third goal late on. Please never play him in the number 10 again Leam, because he’s just shown what impact he can have out wide.
Linked up really nicely with Ahmed in the first half and did his defensive duties willingly as we shored things up after the break.
Liam Fraser: 7
I thought this was Liam Fraser’s best game in a Reading shirt. At his best, Fraser is a calming midfield presence – no frills, he just keeps it neat and tidy and ticks things over – and he did that very well tonight.
A brilliant piece of quick thinking and a wonderful pass set Paddy Lane away for the opener too, which can’t go unrecognised.
Charlie Savage: 6
To be honest I’m surprised that, four games in, we’re still mentioning Charlie Savage in Player Ratings. I think we all thought he was destined to be the first out the door come the start of the transfer window.
He and Fraser complemented each other very nicely this evening. He’s maturing from a hustle-and-bustle midfielder into someone who can do a little bit of everything in the centre of the park.
Paddy Lane: 8
Whereas I thought Fraser had his best game, I know for sure it was Lane’s. And, honestly, I couldn’t be more delighted for him.
This is exactly the kind of performance we all, Lane included, envisaged seeing more of when he signed last summer. Quality on the ball, spreading the pitch by staying wide and, crucially, delivering goals and assists.
While Daniel Kyerewaa has the starting spot for now, with performances like this, Lane is very much breathing down his neck.
George Earthy: 6
A strong first-half performance but he faded in the second as the Royals opted for a more resolute approach to the attacking mindset in the first.
Ideally, I think Richardson will want more from his number 10 than what Earthy produced, and what Stokes has produced thus far too, but it’s a good starting point for him.
Jacob Brown: 7
If Marriott had scored that exact goal, we’d be lauding it as a Proper Goalscorer’s Goal. Anticipating the cross, getting across his man and finishing tidily; you have to give him credit for that.
He also grabbed a pre-assist for the third, so was objectively heavily involved in most of the big moments. If I’m being really harsh, we still need more in general open play from him, but he’s still finding his feet and I’m sure will get there.
Subs
Kyreece Lisbie: N/A
He did grab an assist in his 10 or so minutes on the pitch, but entered the fray after the 80th minute. N/A I’m afraid, them’s the rules.
Daniel Kyerewaa: N/A
Came on even later, replacing MOTM Lane in the 90th minute.
Average: 6.63/10
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