Reading Ratings: Battling Burton beat below-par Royals to leap toward survival

Reading were below par and beaten 3-2 at the Pirelli Stadium by a Burton Albion side battling for their League One status.

Take a look at our player ratings below.

Joel Pereira, 6: Generally good, making some big saves to keep the score-line down, but was at fault for the second goal with his poor distribution.

Kelvin Abrefa, 6: Perhaps could have done better for the Burton third, caught ball-watching as it bounces around in the box, but might be harsh. In general, an okay performance from a youngster still learning his trade.

Tyler Bindon, 6: In possession, incredibly calm and composed. Won his aerial duals and looked in control. Only slight mishap was not closing down well enough for the third goal, allowing the cross to be recycled and slammed home.

Amadou Mbengue, 6: Again, perhaps the centre-back could have done better for the third as he was caught in no man's land and did not pick anyone up to mark. Distribution very impressive throughout the afternoon.

Jeriel Dorsett, 6: Fails to react to get back and close down the cross for the third goal, watching as Pereira pushes it away. A relatively quiet and composed afternoon apart from that.

Lewis Wing, 7: Needs to get out and close down Mustapha Carayol for his curling effort. Takes yet another free-kick expertly to put the side back in the game. Tried to get things moving but was not to be.

Harvey Knibbs, 5: Did nothing wrong but just quiet from the midfielder. Did not see him on the ball enough and never really grabbed it by the scruff to change the course of the match. Substituted after 70 minutes, just the second time he failed to complete the 90 in six months.

Ben Elliott, 6: Looked bright and buzzed around in the first half but only in short bursts. Still feeling his way into League One football and finding his form.

Femi Azeez, 5: An off day for the winger, who was constantly fed the ball but failed to create much with it.

Sam Smith, 6: Took his penalty well but the only chance the striker had all game. Was closely marked throughout and held his own with two defenders.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, 6: Will learn a lot from the physical tussle in the East Midlands. Needs to do better defensively for the first goal. Not everything worked but did well to earn the penalty in the second half.

Substitutes

Clinton Mola, 6: Had a decent 20-minute cameo, looking to get forward when possible.

Michael Craig, 6: Kept things ticking over but failed to impact the game. An odd choice, seeing as he is more defensive and came on with Reading trailing.

Jayden Wareham, 6: Put himself about and pressed but had little sight of the ball.