Reading were second-best throughout the afternoon in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Stockport County.

Take a look below at our ratings.

Joel Pereria, 6: Kept busy and made some big saves to keep the score down. Perhaps could have done better for Jack Diamond's third, but was left exposed so it felt a matter of time before the Hatters killed the tie.

Tivonge Rushesha, 5: Struggled at the start, beaten consistently, but did grow into it and looked the stronger of the full-backs come his departure in the second half.

Tyler Bindon, 6: No real individual glaring errors but not his usual assured self. Passes went stray and his normal progression of possession was lacking.

Harlee Dean, 5: Put in some big blocks to prevent the score extending, particularly early on, but appeared to lose his man for Stockport's early opener.

Abraham Kanu, 4: A real difficult day at the office for the young defender, who did not settle early on and the performance did not get any better as the day went on. Consistency, to be expected with young players, where Kanu will progress.

Lewis Wing, 5: Was man-marked to perfection throughout, unable to get on the ball and dictate play as he usually does. Midfield is where Stockport won the game, allowing former Royal Ollie Norwood to take over.

Charlie Savage, 6: Ran hard and looked to keep the energy high. His free-kick was volleyed home by Sam Smith to give Reading a short-lived lifeline.

Harvey Knibbs, 5: Rather anonymous for most of the afternoon, with Stockport most definitely winning the midfield battle.

Chem Campbell, 6: Probably the best Reading player on the day. Smart touches out wide and always looking to get the team moving up the pitch. After missing a fortnight with injury, the return of the Wolves loanee is looking pivotal.

Sam Smith, 6: A real rough-and-tumble afternoon, with Smith thriving against physical defenders. Saw little of the ball, but was alert and took his goal well.

Andre Garcia, 6: Started slow and looked rather lightweight but he grew into the tie and had a few occasions where he beat his man. Certainly stronger as a winger than a full-back.

Substitutes

Jeriel Dorsett, 5: Looked like a man who has missed weeks out with injury, but it was great to have the defender back out there. He will only get better as he regains match fitness.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, 6: Bright in spells, although decision making was not always correct. Will be a huge player for the Royals in the second half of the season.

Michael Craig, 6: Similar to Dorsett and Ehibhatiomhan, his cameo was not the best he can offer but in the long-term it is only positive to see the midfielder-turned-full-back on the field.

Kelvin Abrefa, n/a