We’re all done with match action from the first month of the new season, a tad earlier than originally planned. Reading’s trip to Oxford United, initially set for August 29, was postponed due to a clash with Reading Festival (at time of writing there’s no confirmation on when this game will move to).
We have however had five games across all competitions: two in League One, two in the League Cup and one in the Pizza Vase. Reading have recorded one normal-time win (3-0 at Stevenage) as well as two 1-1
draws that preceded shootout triumphs (Bromley, Wycombe Wanderers), a goalless stalemate at AFC Wimbledon and a 3-4 league defeat to Luton Town.
Performances have been somewhat mixed, with the display at Stevenage (6.64/10, going by our Player Ratings) the clear standout. Otherwise, three displays were remarkably similar (Bromley 5.6, Wycombe 5.64, Wimbledon 5.62), while the one against Luton (5.27) was a lot lower.
That all works out to an average of 5.75. For a bit of context, that’s higher than the 2025/26 season-wide average of 5.59 and above every month that campaign but one (August 2025, 5.85).
So now it’s time to pick a standout. We’ve narrowed the choice down to a shortlist of three players, and you can vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article.
There are no specific criteria, but we’ve reduced it down to players who’ve played a significant part in at least three of the five August matches. Similarly, Jack Marriott had one outstanding half against Luton, but otherwise wasn’t consistent enough to make the list.
Udoka Godwin-Malife
Average rating: 6.7
Man of the match awards: Bromley A (3rd), AFC Wimbledon A (1st)
It’s been a strong start to life in Berkshire for Reading’s second summer signing. Dokes has formed a strong partnership down the right with another player on this list, looking like a really well rounded right-back in this more attacking system. He could well have had a couple of assists against the Dons, in his best showing so far.
Kyreece Lisbie
Average rating: 7
Man of the match awards: Bromley A (1st), Luton Town H (2nd)
Though he’s yet to get on the scoresheet this season, Lisbie’s been a consisten threat down the right flank. He was involved in the build-up to Josh Stokes’ opener at Bromley, set up Jack Marriott against Luton and then did likewise for Randell Williams at Stevenage.
Benn Ward
Average rating: 5.8
Man of the match awards: AFC Wimbledon A (2nd)
Though he’s gone about his work more quietly than the previous two players on this shortlist, Ward’s been solid at the back. He played a big part in Reading grinding out back-to-back clean sheets in the last two games of the month, including a vital goal-line clearance at Plough Lane.
Vote
Who’s your player of the month for August? Vote through this link right here.
