Here’s how the Reading players rated from a thoroughly damaging 2-2 draw with Derby County at the Select Car Leasing Stadium…

Luke Southwood: 6

With five minutes to go in the contest, this rating was an eight after the academy graduate put in another assured performance including a crucial save to deny Tom Lawrence moments before Reading doubled their lead.

Then, out of nowhere, Southwood spilled a cross and Colin Kazim-Richards prodded home to give Derby a lifeline. The goalkeeper couldn’t do much about the second goal, but the damage was already done.

Baba Rahman: 4

Had a good first half and gave Reading a decent attacking outlet on the left side but was absolutely eaten alive by Nathan Byrne in the second half. Constantly Derby attacked down Rahman’s side with Byrne putting in a number of excellent crossed before finally hitting paydirt with his service to Curtis Davies for the equaliser.

Scott Dann: 6

As usual the experienced defender looked composed and confident as he repelled the building second half pressure from Derby. Wasn’t at fault for either of the two goals but another who sees his overall score docked due to the late capitulation.

Reading Chronicle: Scott Dann applauds the Reading fans after Monday's 2-2 draw. Image by: JasonPIXScott Dann applauds the Reading fans after Monday's 2-2 draw. Image by: JasonPIX

Tom Holmes: 5

Won the header for Hoilett’s second and largely looked at ease alongside Dann in the centre of Reading’s defence. Should have gotten closer to Davies for the crucial equaliser – Holmes and Reading will have to hope it’s a valuable learning experience because slack marking from the centre-back and his teammates cost the Royals two big points on Monday afternoon.

Tyrell Ashcroft: 6

Struggled at first as he was beaten a couple of times but grew into the game and ultimately was a very promising performance from the 17-year old. Had to be withdrawn at half-time due to a head injury.

Josh Laurent: 5

Sloppier than usual on the ball from the stand-in captain but still charged around the pitch showcasing his normal workrate and had one excellent run forward late on. Struggled to really assert control of the game, certainly not helped by the amount of work he had to do without another natural defensive-minded midfielder alongside him.

Tom Dele-Bashiru: 6

Given an extremely tough task playing a holding role against Derby’s strong midfield, Dele-Bashiru performed admirably if not spectacularly. Kept his side ticking along in the first half with some nice passing but the entire midfield was overrun too easily in the second half.

Alen Halilovic: 5

I feel like I write this after every game but here we go again: showed a few nice flashes but ultimately failed to adequately impact the game.

John Swift: 5

A confusing performance from Swift on his return to the side from a hamstring injury. Had some great moments incouding a terrific first half cross for Andy Carroll to head at goal but his decision-making was too slow at times and could have been more ambitious with the ball at his feet.

Junior Hoilett: 8

What should have been…this should have been the time and place to celebrate Hoilett’s emergence in a Reading shirt but instead we’re talking about more points dropped. The Canadian was Reading’s clear bright spark, scoring their two goals and casusing Derby lots of pronlems with his direct running and link-up with Carroll.

Reading Chronicle: Junior Hoilett's two goals weren't enough for victory in the end. Image by: JasonPIXJunior Hoilett's two goals weren't enough for victory in the end. Image by: JasonPIX

Andy Carroll: 7

An excellent first half from Reading’s number nine who harassed and harried the Derby defence while nearly scoring with a well-taken header. Faded a bit in the second half as his side dropped deeper and deeper but continued to work his socks both going forward and at the back.

Felipe Arararuna: 5

Replaced Tyrell Ashcroft for the second half but couldn’t get heavily involved as his team dropped deep in an attempt to hold their lead. To his credit, the majority of Derby’s danger came down Baba’s side.

Femi Azeez: 5

A few bright moments but probably should have done better with a later chance to finish the game off at 2-1.

Mamadi Camara: N/A

Replaced Swift in the 90th minute. Played one nice pass to Azeez but wasn’t on the pitch long enough to properly judge.