Millwall ran out as 1-0 victors in their Boxing Day relegation encounter with Reading after a Jed Wallace freekick was the fine margin that set the two clubs apart.
Reading had two men sent off - Tyler Blackett went in hard on Jed Wallace in the first half and then Leandro Bacuna was also shown a red in the second half for dissent following an altercation with Shane Ferguson.
Here is how the News Shopper rated Millwall’s players…
Jordan Archer – 6 – Other than a long range effort from John Swift in the first half, the Lions keeper had time to digest his Christmas dinner and make a cuppa in-between the sticks.
James Meredith – 5 – Reading’s Leandro Bacuna made lunchmeat of him. The fullback made numerous needless fouls and cut a frustrated figure.
Shaun Hutchinson – 6 – An average game by his own standards but still made some important tackles to stop Reading’s counter attacks in their tracks.
Jake Cooper – 7 – Unsurprisingly the defender was not involved in many chances in the final third but was solid down in and around Millwall’s penalty area.
Mahlon Romeo – 6 – A consistent performance for the usually temperamental full back.
Jed Wallace – 8 - In the opening ten minutes he whipped in a superb freekick and then was on the receiving end of the tackle which led to the red card. Received a standing ovation when he was substituted.
Ryan Tunnicliffe – 7 – Sat deep and allowed Leonard to charge down everyone for him, in the meantime the central midfielder was busy shifting the ball at every opportunity.
Ryan Leonard – 7 – A much better performance from the central midfielder after a shaky few games. His performance was epitomised in the opening minutes when he run fifty yards to charge down Reading keeper, Anssi Jaakkola.
Shane Ferguson – 6 – His deliveries caused the Reading back four problems throughout, was lucky not to assist Hutchinson from one of his deep free-kicks in the first half.
Tom Elliot – 6 – Won the majority of his aerial duels and linked up well with Lee Gregory at times. Was booked for a silly challenge on Liam Moore, which saw him substituted for Morison on 57 minutes.
Lee Gregory – 6 – Held up the ball well at times but failed to get in the right areas in the final third to put the game to bed.
Subs:
Steve Morison – 6 – Came on and did his job which was to win headers and see the game out.
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