Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan's second-half strike was enough for Reading- not at the top of their game- to squeeze past top-half Northampton Town.

Here are our ratings.

Joel Pereira, 8: Single-handedly kept Reading in the game in the first half, making three crucial saves- including one when left one-versus-one at the back. Successive clean sheets now for El Gato.

Clinton Mola, 6: For a defender out of position, Mola did what he would expect to do. Loved to get forward and come inside when given the chance, and linked up well with Femi Azeez.

Amadou Mbengue, 8: Made some crucial last-ditch tackles and interceptions as the youngster continues to impress in an unusual central position. Full of character and personality, he's a real fan favourite.

Tyler Bindon, 8: Imperious at the back, winning everything in the air and always in the right position. The teenager looks like a defender who has 500 games under his belt, not the sub-45 that he actually has.

Jeriel Dorsett, 6: Less attacking than Mola but very defensively solid. The Academy graduate has made the left-back berth his own.

Lewis Wing, 6: A quieter performance than usual, but the captain kept the ball ticking over nicely and still had some occasions to showcase his passing range. 

Charlie Savage, 7: One of his best games in a Reading shirt. The Wales international was everywhere, throwing his body into tackles defensively and looking to charge forward offensively. 

Harvey Knibbs, 6: Had one flash of brilliance in the first-half to turn the defence and nearly set up Sam Smith. Had a quieter game than usual but was a good link-up player between the midfield and forwards.

Femi Azeez, 6: Had his full-back beaten for the first 30 minutes but became less effective as the game wore on. Hit the crossbar in stoppage time which would have made it a calmer end.

Sam Smith, 6: Tried to hold the ball up the best he could but cut a frustrated figure for the most part. Ended his five-game scoring streak.

Ben Elliott, 5: Bad game at the office for the youngster, who was pushed off the ball to easy and gifted Northampton possession too many times. Can thank Pereira for his save after losing the ball one-versus-one in the first-half.

 

Substitutes

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, 7: The match-winner. Direct and terrifying for defenders, the youngster made it two stunning goals in two games to seal the victory.

Kelvin Abrefa, 6: Did what he needed to do to see the game out. Flew into a huge sliding tackle in stoppage time which earned a louder roar from the fans that Ehibhatiomhan's winner.

Paul Mukairu, n/a