Here is our player ratings from Reading’s impressive 2-0 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale.

Despite the hosts pressure, Rafael had a reasonably quiet afternoon – such was the quality of the defences’ performance in front of him. Produced two stunning second half stops to keep his clean sheet intact.

Chris Gunter – 8

Performed well again amid considerable pressure from Preston. For the majority of the game his positioning was spot on and he used his experience to help run down the clock as Reading looked to see out the game.

Michael Morrison - 9

Possibly his finest showing in a Reading shirt, Morrison was brilliant at Deepdale. He was a colossus at the back, battling for every single ball and looking solid throughout. Produced a brilliant goal-saving clearance off the line in the second half.

Liam Moore - 9

A captain’s performance from Liam Moore. The skipper didn’t put a foot wrong, being alert to everything Preston tried as they attempted to get back into the game. Made a couple of vital challenges to maintain the fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Tyler Blackett - 9

Two assists and a clean sheet – it doesn’t get much better than that for full-backs. Blackett looked composed and solid at the back and provided a real offensive outlet which saw Reading race into a two goal lead.

Charlie Adam - 7

Glided away from opposition midfielders in the build-up to Reading’s opening goal. Produced an efficient display in the first half, producing accurate passes which helped unlock the home defence. Another good shift.

Pele – 8

As has been the case with every game lately, Pele did the ugly parts of the game well – breaking up Preston breaks in the middle of the pitch and providing an outlet for the defence. A really strong showing from Pele who continues to improve week by week.

John Swift – 8

Opened the scoring with a calm and composed finish and continued that theme for the remainder of the game. Looked patient and relaxed on the ball and helped link the midfield and attack a number of times

Yakou Meite - 7

Another battling display from Meite who put in a real shift on the right wing. Hassled and harried the opponents high up the pitch, not allowing them time on the ball. Came close to making it three for Reading in the first half.

Ovie Ejaria – 6

Not one of his best performances in a Reading shirt but still a decent showing from Ejaria. He was unlucky to not find himself on the scoresheet in the first half after his goal was ruled out for offside.

Lucas Joao - 8

Continued his fine run of form with a neat finish to double Reading’s advantage early on. Worked tirelessly out of possession and helped start the press from the front as Preston pushed for a goal to get them back into the game.

SUBS

Andy Rinomhota – 6

Provided a real boost of energy when he came onto the field and worked hard to maintain the clean sheet.

Jordan Obita – 5

Was calm and helped secure the three points with a competent display.

McCleary – 5

Helped run down the clock towards the end of the game but was limited from having much of an impact due to the nature of the game