Reading were unable to make the most of a positive first-half and fell to a 4-1 defeat to champions-elect Portsmouth.

Here are our player ratings.

David Button, 4: Below par from the experienced keeper, who could have done better with at least of the four goals. Has been on decent form in recent matches but was on off day for the former West Brom regular.

Andy Yiadom, 6: The skipper returned after a week out and looked energetic from the offset. His 200th Reading appearance, the full-back was full of running and up and down the line. Still recovering from injury so taken off after an hour, the captain will be key for the run-in.

Tyler Bindon, 6: Tough afternoon for defenders but Bindon handled himself well in the air and on the ground. The teenager will learn a lot from a difficult atmosphere against the champions-elect.

Amadou Mbengue, 6: His pace came in handy when Pompey were able to exploit their wingers, but overall, a quieter individual performance than recent weeks.

Clinton Mola, 5: The left-back lost possession on lots of occasions but his forward intent could not be questioned. Decision-making still not the best, knowing when the fly forward and when to stay. Did not always seem keen on tracking back which caused issues.

Michael Craig, 6: Did the dirty work well and his enthusiasm shone through. Sometimes played safe and other times picked the wrong time to play forward. A steep learning curve from the youngster.

Lewis Wing, 7: Reading’s best performer, the experienced midfielder was one of the best players on the park. When given the opportunity to showcase his passing range, his eye was in. Really put himself about in the tackle too.

Harvey Knibbs, 5: Quiet but effective, particularly in the first-half. Failed to really get into the game as time went on and the result got away from the Royals.

Femi Azeez, 6: Marshalled well by Pompey, the winger had few sights on goal. Final ball was often good enough but was not allowed to do his stuff enough to lead to a goal.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, 6: Tough afternoon but the endeavour was there. Lacking the nous and know-how to be in the right places for crosses but will improve with match time.

Paul Mukairu, 4: Needed to score from close range in the first-half and lost possession on too many occasions. Tracking back also requires improvement. A disappointing showing from the Copenhagen loanee.

 

Substitutions

Sam Smith, 5: Had some sights of goal and linked well with his teammates but was so desperate to score that he snatched at chances or became selfish and didn’t choose the right option. Needs to break his nine-game goalless spell soon.

Kelvin Abrefa, 6: Game was over by the time he entered the field so was called upon little. More minutes in the tank after a long spell out.

Ben Elliott, 6: Looked dangerous and loved to drift in and around the box. Learning every week.

Charlie Savage, 6: Game was stretched when the youngster came on, but it suited him, getting up and down the pitch. Took his goal well, just disappointing it was too-little too-late.