Reading battled to a 1-0 win over promotion-chasing Derby County at the SCL Stadium.
Here are the player ratings.

David Button, 6: Hard to judge a keeper who didn’t have to make a save. Easy evening for the shot stopper, who could have taken a deck chair with him.

Andy Yiadom, 7: One of the skipper’s best performances for a long time. Energetic going forward and solid at the back, he even hit the woodwork in the first half.

Tom Holmes, 6: Did his job well, winning his headers and tackles when the opportunity presented itself.

Tyler Bindon, 6: Partnered Holmes well and had a good eye for a pass. Solid centre-back pairing against an in-form side such as the Rams.

Jeriel Dorsett, 6: Looked to get forward more than usual, and had some good opportunities to cross into the box. Had plenty of defending to do, but carried it out assuredly. 

Charlie Savage, 6: Full of energy, the midfielder made his first start since November. Occasionally looking a tad rushed, the Wales international was eager to impress. Needs to take more time on the ball, but this should come with more regular minutes.

Harvey Knibbs, 7: A man-possessed, particularly in the first half. Lost count of the number of times he won possession in the Derby half and looked to spring an attack. Quieter as the game wore on, but was still a good showing.

Lewis Wing, 6: Quieter than his usual self, but more effective than he was in Saturday’s defeat at Wigan. As the game went on and the Royals put their foot on the ball more, Wing’s passing became vital.

Femi Azeez, 6: Direct and full of confidence, the winger beat me at will. End product that he has shown in recent weeks was missing, but could have had two goals on another day.

Paul Mukairu, 6: A much stronger showing than usual, with the Copenhagen loanee much better at picking his final pass than he has been. Took his goal well, jogging on the spot to slam home the rebound.

Sam Smith, 6: A true striker’s performance, the centre-forward ran the channels tirelessly and held it up impeccably, but no real chances fell his way.

Substitutes

Amadou Mbengue, 6: Defensively solid but flew into a few tackles with too much force. Was booked and on another day could have walked.

Michael Craig, 6: Kept things ticking over from the bench.

Clinton Mola, 6: Defended well when asked to but relatively quiet

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, n/a

Tom McIntyre, n/a