How they rated

DILLON PHILLIPS

Did excellently to snuff out a John Swift effort in the first half. Couldn’t do much about Lucas Joao’s point-blank header. Had a good command of his area.

CODY DRAMEH

A little more inaccurate than we have come to see from him. The ball just never fell kindly for him and he hit the first man too many times with the cross. But at least he was a willing runner and always made sure Reading had something to worry about.

CURTIS NELSON

Largely composed and assured, made a positive impact on his return to the side. Saw a lot more of the ball than he is used to but did OK with it. Pick of Cardiff’s defenders.

JOEL BAGAN

Another pretty flustered performance from the young left-back. Gave the ball away far too many times and slowed the attack down when it came to him. Looked better in the second half with Cardiff on the front foot.

PERRY NG

Outjumped by Joao for his goal, which is always the risk you are going to run when you play him in a back two. Booked for an awful tackle on Joao, too. Was a little bit exposed in this system.

RYAN WINTLE

Mopped up well at the base of midfield and made an excellent early block on a Josh Laurent shot. Stuck to his task really well and was always on hand to get back and help the defence when Reading tried to break away.

JOE RALLS

Provided a lovely ball for Doughty’s goal. Started quietly but grew into it before his injury forced him off.

TOMMY DOYLE

Tried to drive the attack forward and show for the ball but he couldn’t really put his stamp on the early proceedings. Same as Bagan, though, shone more when Cardiff were in the ascendancy and produced a lovely assist for Vaulks’ winner.

RUBIN COLWILL

Looked bright and fleet-footed at times and was probably Cardiff’s most threatening outlet. Had a great effort saved well at the near post after the break. Had one major blunder when he gave possession to John Swift, who messed up a chance to score.

JORDAN HUGILL

Was the sole striker, really, and it looked lonely up there at times. But he put himself about all afternoon. Sent one thundering effort over the bar from 25 yards and narrowly missed a header.