Joel Pereira: 6
A real mixed bag of a performance from Pereira, which largely sums up what he’s like as a goalkeeper in general.
He wasn’t faced with a barrage of shots on target from the hosts (Reading’s defence did well in that regard) but he did make one howler in the first half, failing to decisively deal with a ball in behind as Michael Cheek slotted home a chance that shouldn’t have been on.
Pereira tipped another effort that went his way round the post really well in the second half, and came up with the critical
moment in the shootout, saving the 10th and final penalty of the afternoon (11th if you include the one in normal time). He also looked a bit shaky before the equaliser, dropping one ball into the box and giving the ball away with a sloppy pass out.
This really is the El Gato conundrum. He can impress you, worry you and make a match-winning contribution or two, all in the same game.
Udoka Godwin-Malife: 7
A solid enough competitive debut for Dokes, and he did come up with a vital block on a Bromley chance at the end of the first half, but I feel he started well offensively in support of Lisbie and faded as the match went on.
That’s with the exception of one confident drive upfield from right-back which earned Richard Taylor a second yellow card, but I’ve have liked to see more of that side of Dokes’ game.
Paudie O’Connor: 5
This was one of those afternoons when you see clearly what O’Connor is good at and what he isn’t. He was strong in the air (10 aerial duels won meant he was twice as good as the next player on the pitch in that regard – his centre-back partner), also going close with a first-half header from a corner that he couldn’t keep down.
However, his lack of pace was exposed for the equaliser. A long, curving pass put the ball in behind Reading’s defence and Michael Cheek got the wrong side of O’Connor – not good enough from the Irishman, although there was greater fault from Pereira.
Benn Ward: 6
More assured than O’Connor, pretty good defensively and went close to scoring himself (a first-half header was blocked by a Bromley head) but I’d have liked to see more from him in the way of positive distribution from the back.
Jeriel Dorsett: 4
A day to forget unfortunately for Dorsett, who offered little going forwards from left-back and got progressively worse in his overall display. One poor touch in the second half allowed Bromley to put in a dangerous cross and a pair of hoofed balls out of play led to him being subbed off for Paddy Lane.
Lewis Wing: 4
Perhaps this is harsh or inconsistent, but I apply a greater amount of negative significance on Wing missing his second-half penalty than credit for him putting away his spot-kick in the shootout. Granted, the latter deserves some praise, but all penalties should be scored, and Wing fluffing his lines at a crucial moment in open play led to Reading needing penalties in the first half.
Overall the game largely passed him by. That said, he did put in some dangerous set-pieces which created good chances: in particular some first-half corners to yield headed opportunities for Reading’s two centre-halves. He also set up a close-range header for Lisbie shortly after the break.
Andy Rinomhota: 4
Rino looked well off it today, unfortunately. He was sloppy in possession and generally off the pace, offering Reading little authority in the middle of the park, and I’d have taken him off a lot earlier in the second half – he was in the end withdrawn for Liam Fraser in the 90th minute.
Hopefully some regular competitive football will get him back to a higher level of performance, but the lack of authority from Rino in the middle of the park was a big problem for the side’s overall display today.
Kyreece Lisbie: 8
Reading’s best player by several country miles, he looked sharp all afternoon – even when the rest of the team very much weren’t – and had some crucial involvements in the final third.
Lisbie essentially set up the opener after a strong run down the right and dangerous low cross, and won the second-half penalty with another confident dribble into the Bromley area.
He was an absolute joy to watch. Based on today’s performance, Reading finally have a confident wide player who can actually make a critical impact in the final third. Unfortunately he only lasted 76 minutes before being withdrawn for Savage (hopefully not due to injury).
Josh Stokes: 6
The Bristol City loanee had one good moment today, slamming home confidently after the ball dropped to him in the area, but didn’t really do too much else. Not a bad afternoon overall, just fairly quiet, and Reading will do well to get their number 10 in the game more in the future. Taken off for Randell Williams in the second half.
Daniel Kyerewaa: 5
A frustrating afternoon for Kyerewaa, who couldn’t replicate the performance of Reading’s winger on the opposite flank. He had more opportunities to run at a Bromley defender in the first half, but failed to really open the home side up when given the opportunity to do so. Came close to scoring late in the game with a back-post header.
Jacob Brown: 5
Worked hard up top, didn’t have anything in the way of supply to make use of, and was withdrawn for Jack Marriott in the second half.
Subs
Paddy Lane: 7
He replaced Dorsett in the second half at left-back and, after a fairly quiet start, he really started to add quality down that flank. Lane pushed forward down the wing more and more, linking up well with Savage and putting in a couple of crosses.
This was an encouraging afternoon from someone who had a desperately disappointing 2025/26, and I’d be happy to see him start at left-back next Saturday.
Randell Williams: 5
Williams had two roles today – the 10 role after Stokes went off and then right-winger following Lisbie’s departure – but didn’t really add much in either. He did however convert his penalty confidently in the shootout.
Charlie Savage: 7
A bright showing off the bench from Savage, who – despite only coming on in the 75th minute – ended the game with more chances created (four) than anyone else on the pitch. I don’t have him down as a number 10 in general, but to be fair he did well in this role today regardless, also linking up well with Lane and Kyerewaa down the left flank. Scored his spot-kick.
Jack Marriott: 5
A quiet afternoon for Marriott on his return from injury, with Reading unable to create much for him to work with. Converted his penalty in the shootout.
Liam Fraser: N/A
He only came on in the 90th minute so has to get an N/A, as per TTE rules, but I’d have gone 6/10 otherwise. Fraser looked bright in possession, playing one excellent pass to (an unfortunately offside) Kyerewaa and setting up the same player with a neat cross towards the back post. Fraser also converted in the shootout.
Average: 5.6/10
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