Alex Smithies
Cardiff got into a tangle defensively when Reading scored, including the ‘keeper, but overall Smithies was safe and solid. City must stop conceding sloppy goals 7
Jazz Richards – Man of the Match
Welshman Jazz did a good job. Defensively solid and showed again he is a high quality player at Championship level 7
Sean Morrison (capt)
Captain Fantastic. A leader at the heart of defence and now re-established in his role as City’s senior centre-back. Might have done better when Reading scored, but overall his contribution was massive 7
Curtis Nelson
Good to see Nelson’s development as a composed, effective defender. The partnership with Morrison is looking good 7
Joe Bennett
Needs to find consistency. Can be highly effective when driving forward and delivering crossed into the opposing penalty area, but could not find the right final balls this time 6
Gavin Whyte
Taken off at half-time when Cardiff had to change their team shape. Struggled to make an impact over the first half and manager Neil Harris sent on Bacuna and Ward for the second half. That meant playing 3-5-2 with Bacuna adding an extra body in central midfield, while Ward joined Paterson in attack 6
Will Vaulks
City are pretty well off in central midfield right now with Joe Ralls and Leandro Bacuna providing competition for Vaulks and Pack. There is a lot of Championship quality in Vaulks and he has a big role to play over the rest of this season. Below his best against Reading, but played his part in the draw 6
Marlon Pack
His presence in central midfield is crucial right now. Offered extra support after half-time when Bacuna went on to join Pack and Vaulks through the middle 6
Junior Hoilett
On his day the Canadian playmaker is able to tease and torment defenders. He worked to do that against Reading, but fell short. Made way for substitute Danny Ward after half-time when Cardiff adjusted their team shape 5
Lee Tomlin
The only change to the starting line-up from City’s win against West Brom. The master playmaker could not come up with a game-breaker this time, but he is crucial to Cardiff hopes of making progress this season. Worked hard to make a difference, but could not open up the Royals 6
Callum Paterson
Scored his fifth goal of the season when he equalised after 70 minutes. Worked and battled as usual, but Reading defenders mat he’s his physical presence 6
Subs not used:
Neil Etheridge (gk)
Not used
Aden Flint
Not used
Robert Glatzel
Not used
Josh Murphy
Not used
Sol Bamba
Not used
Leandro Bacuna
For Whyte 46
Danny Ward
For Hoilett 46
Reading: Rafael, Gunter, Morrison, Moore, Baldock (Pușcaș 82), Swift (Adam 78’), Obita (Richards 85), Ejaria, McIntyre, Méïté, Pelé. Subs not used: Walker, Rinomhota, McCleary, Blackett.
Referee: Simon Hooper
Attendance: 22,518
