Alex Smithies 7
Made a couple of crucial saves when the Bluebirds really needed him to. Strong in the air for a number of crosses, too.
Leandro Bacuna 6
Not the nightmare outing he experienced here back in August, but still looked uncomfortable there. Far better player in midfield.
Aden Flint 6
Won the header in the lead-up to Paterson's goal and largely defensively sound for most of the afternoon, clearing dangerous balls in.
Sol Bamba 5
Perhaps could have done a little better for the first goal, but made some crucial interventions throughout the afternoon. Missed an absolute sitter late on.
Joe Bennett 6
Was caught out early on by Meite down the flank, but grew into the game and began to contribute in attack.
Will Vaulks 8 (star man)
Comfortably his best game in a Cardiff City shirt. Looked a real goal threat and his shots from distance were a weapon. Broke up Reading's attack all afternoon, too.
Joe Ralls 6
Was replaced on the half-hour owing to injury, which was a shame because he had started the game tremendously and was a real loss when he left.
Gavin Whyte 6
Made a few really good contributions down the flank as the game opened up later on, with a succession of accurate crosses into the target men.
Callum Paterson 7
Another very good outing for the Scot, scoring the all-important first goal. It will be difficult to take the shirt off him now.
Josh Murphy 4
Had a few big opportunities to run at his opposite number and was blunted. Missed a golden chance to take the lead but fluffed his lines with a volley.
Robert Glatzel 7
Was so unlucky not to score late on when Sam Walker made an instinctive save to deny him. Got himself in excellent positions throughout and was a constant threat.
SUBS
Marlon Pack (on for Ralls 30) 5
Played a couple of iffy passes and was caught in possession a couple of times.
Junior Hoilett (on for Murphy 77) 6
Did his best to impart some of his trickery later on and caused some problems with his whipped crosses.
