BY GLEN WILLIAMS How they rated

ALEX SMITHIES

His distribution was markedly better than Phillips, rolling and throwing out when the situation allowed. Could do nothing with the goal.

MARK MCGUINNESS

Was really effective at the top end of the pitch and had two very good headed opportunities. Did OK defensively, too.

ADEN FLINT

Was a tough ask for him to revert to just two at the back but did well enough, making one or two big tackles. Missed a glaring opportunity just before half-time, though. Solid enough.

CURTIS NELSON

Perhaps could have closed Hoilett down for his goal. Looked a little better with the ball at his feet, though.

CIARON BROWN

Didn’t do too much to excite but was solid enough, all things considered. Crossing could improve going forward.

MARLON PACK

Looked a better player in a midfield three compared to recent weeks. Was allowed to drop deep and dictate play more. Booked.

JOE RALLS

Cardiff have missed his tenacity and go-forward in there and he did well in driving attacks forward. Booked.

SAM BOWEN

Another fine display from the youngster. The most exciting and adventurous on the ball out of the midfield trio. Had a couple of big chances blocked in the box.

KIEFFER MOORE

Had a little more involvement than in recent weeks, but still looks a little off kilter.

LEANDRO BACUNA

Every shot he hit seemed to cannon into a defender and he lost the ball a couple of times. Contributed more defensively, though.

STAR MAN RYAN GILES

The one who really possessed the danger with the ball at his feet. Hit the byline and put in more fierce crosses. Hit the post with one late cross.

SUBSTITUTES

Rubin Colwill (on for Bacuna 61): Looked really bright when he came on, taking every ball on the half-turn and driving forward. 7

Will Vaulks (on for Ralls 79): Did little to impact the game after his inclusion. 5 James Collins (on for Bowen 79): Miscontrolled and lost the ball a couple of times, but tried his best to impact the match. 5

Not used: Phillips, Ng, Bagan, Harris.

READING

Southwood; Yiadom (Clarke 79), Moore, Laurent, Rahman; Dele-Bashiru, Drinkwater, Hoilett, Swift, Ejaria; Puscas (Dann 65).

Not used: Rafael, Stickland, Bristow, Osorio, Ehibhatiomhan.

REFEREE

Tom Bramall.

ATTENDANCE

18,400.