WANDERERS (3-5-2)

LUKE SOUTHWOOD…5.5.

Not the finest return to his former club. One misjudged pass put his side in trouble and another poor punch dropped to Savage but went unpunished.

EOIN TOAL…7.

Great to see him back in action and, hopefully, able to carry on with his promising Wanderers career. Good in the air, and quick as ever.

WILL FORRESTER…7.5.

Continued in a good vein of form and looking happy when asked to defend in a compact space. Statement to the new boss.

GEORGE JOHNSTON…7.

Strong in the air, used the ball well, and kept busy by Reading’s right-sided trio of Craig, Knibbs and Campbell. Back in form.

JOSH DACRES-COGLEY…7.

Looked in good touch. Should have an assist to his name after putting Collins through on goal but looked a good outlet all day.

JOSH SHEEHAN…6.5.

Really unlucky with the free kick that hit the bar. Chipped in with the defensive work but didn’t get on the ball quite as much as we’ve come to expect.

GEORGE THOMASON…6.

Cleared one off the line but never quite got on top in midfield and ended up letting his frustration show with another yellow card which rules his out for two games.

JOEL RANDALL…6.

Made a good start to the game and got involved but he faded as the match went on and was eventually substituted.

ALEX MURPHY…6.

Technically sound and considering he didn’t come billed as a wing-back, did a reasonable job. A defensive concession, perhaps, but a solid start.

AARON COLLINS…5.5.

We have come to expect a lot from Collins, who continues to get himself into the goalscoring areas more than anyone else. Finishing was off.

VICTOR ADEBOYEJO…6.5.

Held the ball up well and got himself into some decent areas with precious little support. Feels a little underappreciated at the moment.

Subs: Schon 6, 66 (for Murphy) – Added a bit of attacking intent.

Etete 4, 67 (for Adeboyejo) – Silly penalty to give away.

Morley 78 (for Thomason), McAtee 78 (for Randall), Osei-Tutu 84 (for Dacres-Cogley).

Not used: Baxter, Jones.

Reading (4-3-3): Pereira; Craig, Dean, Bindon, Garcia; Knibbs, Wing, Savage; Campbell, Wareham, Camara.

Subs: Abrefa 70 (for Garcia), Ehibhatiomhan 70 (for Camara), Holzman 90 (for Campbell).

Not used: Button, Kanu, Rushesha, Sackey.

Attendance: Not announced.

Referee: Anthony Backhouse – 7/10: No complaints. Saw the handball and awarded a perfectly legitimate penalty and make the right calls throughout.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Will Forrester.

Continues to look a defender’s defender, and with Bolton looking a more compact side at present, he is coming into his own.

MOAN OF THE MATCH – Has to be the finishing, as Wanderers could easily have been a goal to the good way before the penalty. Simply have to be more clinical if they are going to get where they need to be.

MAGIC MOMENT: There wasn’t much in a scrappy game to light up the mood but Osei-Tutu’s late tricks and skills made people sit up and take notice.

ATMOSPHERE: Wanderers fans were outstanding from start to finish. One of the most vocal away followings of the season.