Reading got back to winning ways against a lacklustre Blackpool side on Saturday as Tom Ince bagged a brace in a comfortable 3-1 victory.  

The Royals did not have to get into top gear to beat their opponents, but a solid team performance meant Mick McCarthy’s Tangerines left Berkshire empty-handed.  

Here’s how Paul Ince’s men rated: 

Joe Lumley – 6: Had very little to do in the first half and only faced his first real test in the 62nd minute, when he got down well to save a shot from just inside the penalty box. Failed by his defenders for Blackpool’s goal.  

Amadou Mbengue – 6: Put in some good tackles early on and made some vital blocks, including a goal-line clearance. His tackle led to Reading regaining possession and Ince opening the scoring. He should have done better with a few crosses from good positions on the right, however, and was booked for a dangerous challenge in the second half. 

Scott Dann – 6: Calm and collected, but was not really challenged. Provided good leadership from the back.  

Naby Sarr – 6: Had a good chance with a header inside the first 15 minutes which he arguably should have done better with. Like Dann, he did not face much of a threat from Blackpool. 

Tom McIntyre – 5: Caught out of position a few times and played a few bad passes to his teammates, but otherwise was solid.  

Junior Hoilett – 5: His end product was largely non-existent but he improved in the second half with some strong tackles and smart passes. He was withdrawn with injury in the 62nd minute.  

Cesare Casadei – 6: Knew when to keep it simple but also when to try some more intricate through balls. He made some smart runs through the heart of Blackpool’s defence that were picked out well by Ince. Had a chance from a corner he should have converted. Faded in the second half.  

Jeff Hendrick- 5: Provided a calm presence in the middle of the park, but was largely anonymous. He could have provided more support for Casadei when Reading were in possession. 

Tom Ince – 8 : Lovely turn and skill for his first goal, which he converted well with a powerful shot with his weaker foot. Played some lovely floating balls to Carroll’s head and worked hard all game. Quiet at the start of the second half, but was in the right place at the right time to slot home Reading’s third.  

Yakou Meite – 7: Hugged the right touchline and offered a constant threat from wide, which Reading have missed in recent games. Helped his team out by winning fouls when Reading were under pressure at times. Won a penalty with his composure, pace and strength and then set up the third by getting in behind Blackpool's back line.

Andy Carroll – 6: Beautifully controlled a floated ball after half an hour, but failed to keep his composure and ballooned his shot over the bar. He was much more composed when he converted his penalty in the second half. 

Substitutes  

Femi Azeez – 5:  Came on for Hoilett. Played a part in the third goal with a nice cross-field pass to Meite.  

Shane Long, Nelson Abbey, Mamadou Loum, Nelson Abbey and Tyrese Fornah – all came on after the 81st minute and helped Reading to see out the game in an uneventful last 15 minutes. Loum should have prevented Blackpool from scoring at the death.