Here’s how the Reading players rated in their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kidderminster Harriers…

Rafael Cabral: 3

Made one fantastic save to keep the score 0-0 in the first half but gifted Kidderminster their equaliser and was at fault for conceding the corner from which Harriers grabbed their winning goal.

Ethan Bristow: 4

As with all the youngsters who played a part in Reading’s FA Cup exit, it was probably slightly unfair to place Bristow in the firing line as part of a youthful side that may not have been ready. A few nice touches and wasn’t singularly at fault for any of Harriers’ more dangerous moments. A learning experience.

Tom Holmes: 4

Typically dogged and determined but got beaten too easily a couple of times before being booked late on in the first half. Was replaced by Josh Laurent for the second 45, so Holmes can’t take much blame for Reading’s late capitulation.

Louie Holzman: 4

Another who perhaps wasn’t quite ready for the physical and emotional battle Kidderminster supplied, Holzman looked solid and confident in the first half but struggled alongside his fellow defenders as the Harriers turned the game around in the second.

Reading Chronicle: Atmosphere build pre-match. Image by: JasonPIXAtmosphere build pre-match. Image by: JasonPIX

Dejan Tetek: 5

Offered a decent outlet in possession on the right side of defence. A few nice bursts forward and largely looked confident with his defensive duties. Replaced on the hour-mark by Felipe Araruna shortly before the afternoon turned ugly for Reading. Minutes to build on ahead of what promises to be a crucial month for Tetek with Andy Yiadom off at the African Cup of Nations.

Danny Drinkwater: 5

Kept things ticking over nicely in the first half but a few loose passes gave Kidderminster opportunities to counter. Couldn’t quite find his killer ball as he mostly played safe passes before being replaced by Andy Rinomhota after 58 minutes. Most importantly it was minutes in the tank as the Chelsea loanee works his way back from injury and Covid recovery. 

Claudio Osorio: 5

Given a hugely difficult task marshalling the midfield alongside Drinkwater, Osorio had a number of neat touches. Worked tirelessly but struggled a bit with the swarm of Kidderminster pressure - in fairness he was far from the only one.

Tom Dele-Bashiru: 5

Grabbed the assist for Puscas’ goal and had a few nice runs with the ball at his feet. Probably didn’t do enough to truly test Kidderminster’s defence. Seemed the perfect game for Dele-Bashiru to really take hold of and while he was okay, he wasn’t better than okay.

Alen Halilovic: 4

Some cute passes but didn’t actually do much before being replaced by Femi Azeez after 40 minutes. Appears likely to miss Tuesday’s home game with Fulham, but sounds as if the injury isn’t serious.

Mamadi Camara: 6

One of the lone bright spots in a truly humiliating afternoon, Camara looked ready for the occasion, dribbling around the Kidderminster defence, offering himself as an outlet, and routinely looking one of the most dangerous players on the pitch. Probably should have scored early on and faded but a positive display nonetheless.

George Puscas: 5

Scored Reading’s only goal of the day on the stroke of half-time, snapping his 278-day goal drought in the process. But other than the goal, it was a pretty poor performance from the striker. Looked slow and clumsy as Kidderminster routinely won the ball off of him. The goal should boost his confidence, but Puscas will have to do a lot more to earn meaningful game-time.

Reading Chronicle: George Puscas gives Reading the lead. Image by: JasonPIXGeorge Puscas gives Reading the lead. Image by: JasonPIX

Substitutes:


Femi Azeez: 5

Replaced Halilovic and while Azeez ran hard and tried to make something happen, he ended up being about as effective as Halilovic was: not very.

Andy Rinomhota: 4

After four months out of action, it was no surprise to see Rinomhota struggle slightly with the pace of the game. Couldn’t get much going and was booked, but a major positive that he’s back in any capacity.

Felip Araruna: N/A

There’s not much to say. The Brazilian was on the pitch for less than three minutes before he had to be stretchered off again. It’s an absolutely gutting blow for a player who only just returned from more than a year out. 

Michael Stickland: 4

Reading’s third right back of the day, Stickland replaced Araruna and was really thrown into the deep end. Could have possibly done better with the cross for Kidderminster’s first goal, but hard to blame a player that likely wasn’t ready amidst far greater failings from his team.