Cardiff City player ratings as winger shines, debutant puts in stellar first display but defence crumbles vs Reading

Neil Etheridge 7

Made an excellent save to deny Yakou Meite in the first half and made a few crucial stops late on. Couldn't do anything about any of the goals.

Jazz Richards 5

Was a vital component of Cardiff's attack in the first half, linking up well with the midfield and Gavin Whyte, but was undone a later on when Reading attacked. All goals came from his flank, too.

Aden Flint 5

Started off strongly but the pace of the game soon caught up with him and Reading's attack proved tough to handle. Was not the aerial threat he usually is.

Sol Bamba 5

Along with Flint, needed to command that box better when the crosses came flooding in. Three goals from crosses is not good enough for this defence.

Joel Bagan 8

A tremendous debut from the 18-year-old. Looked like he and Murphy had been playing together for years. Nice overlapping runs and excellent crosses.

Gavin Whyte 7

Crucial to Cardiff City's attack for 70 minutes. Played with confidence for the most part and beat his man a number of times.

Will Vaulks 8

A brilliant performance from him. The real engine room of this team and he was everywhere. Didn't stop running. Played a ridiculously good ball for Glatzel's goal, too, off the outside of the boot. Missed a golden chance late on, though.

Marlon Pack 7

A very assured display from the skipper of the evening. Kept the tempo ticking nicely and once again showed a lovely variation of passing.

Josh Murphy 9

Had the real bit between his teeth. Always looked the threat we knew he could be. Took his first tremendously and showed great awareness for the winner.

Danny Ward 6

Just didn't go his way. Had a couple of really good opportunities but couldn't find the back of the net.

Robert Glatzel 7

Took his chance very well, a calm touch and excellent finish, but was on more than one occasion too sloppy in possession. Could have had the winner just seconds before the end of extra-time but squandered the chance.

Robert Glatzel of Cardiff City celebrates with Jazz Richards of Cardiff City after scoring Cardiff City's second goal (Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Subs :

Callum Paterson (on for Ward 77) 5

Showed glimpses of positivity but another who gave the ball away and allowed Reading to roam down his flank.

Joe Bennett (on for Bagan 82) 6

Whipped in a couple of nice crosses after coming on late in the piece for debutant Bagan.

Tom Sang (on for Whyte 90) 6

Had a stinging shot saved in extra-time and always made himself available in attack. A largely positive showing from another debutant.