Reading 3-3 Derby County: 10-man Rams Hold On To Secure A Draw
Derby were once again not able to secure a win in a crazy 3-3 game against Reading. Derby went into this game without the league’s top scorer Matej Vydra who has been sick this week. In his place came January loan signing Kasey Palmer, and he responded by slamming an early goal home after Tom Lawrence’s cross was blocked.
However, they were not able to keep the lead for very long when Liam Kelly scored an absolutely cracking 30-yard half volley to equalise for Reading, who then took the lead when Modou Barrow finished well after a great run. The Rams then made it 2-2 before half-time when captain Richard Keogh scored from a set-piece.
Almost straight from the kick-off in the second half, Derby took the lead through summer signing Tom Lawrence, before Derby conceded in the 80th minute to let it become 3-3.
Here’s how the Rams fared on the day.
Derby County Player Ratings
Scott Carson – 6
He’s been having a great season but he conceded three goals in this game, lost his head a little towards the end of the game.
Marcus Olsson – 4
Defensively not good enough. Got an early yellow card and never really got going.
Richard Keogh – 7
Scored to put Derby on level terms for the second time, but far from a perfect game.
Curtis Davis – 6
Got an assist but was part of a back-4 that conceded three against a poor Reading side. Not good enough.
Chris Baird – 3
Wasn’t having a great game when he was sent off in the 85th minute for a two-footed lunge on Modou Barrow.
Tom Huddlestone – 7
Not able to play at his creative best but can still play some truly wonderful balls.
Joe Ledley – 6.5
Always ball hunting. Joe Ledley had a lot on his plate but dealt with most of it.
Andreas Weimann – 7
A solid game but not as electric as his fellow forwards. Nevertheless, he put a good shift in for his team.
Kasey Palmer – 8.5
An excellent 78 minutes on his first start for the Rams. Got a goal and was a constant threat to the Reading defence.
Tom Lawrence – 8
Scored an excellent goal within 40 seconds of the start of the second half. Was taken off when they went down to 10 men.
Cameron Jerome – 7
Did everything except scoring a goal. He was really unlucky but he will need to take more chances if he wants to keep his place in this side.
Substitutes
Bradley Johnson – 6
Had to dig in at the end of the game and was not able to get going offensively.
David Nugent – 5
Hardly got a touch and was just used as an extra midfielder when they went down to 10 men.
Andre Wisdom – N/A
Came on only because of the red card. Not enough time to make an impact.