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Glen Williams

Cardiff City v Reading player ratings as Callum O'Dowda fantastic again and Aston Villa man flourishes in unfamiliar role

A 91st-minute goal from Romaine Sawyers saw Cardiff City claim a 1-0 win against Reading on Friday night.

Here's how the Bluebirds rated:

Ryan Allsop 7

You'd be hard-pressed to find something he actually did, which is testament to his defence! Distribution solid until his clean-air shot in the second half almost gifted Yakou Meite an easy tap-in. He did recover, though.

READ MORE: Romaine Sawyers stunner earns Bluebirds dramatic late victory

Perry Ng 8

Thought he had scored another free-kick when he smashed his dead-ball effort into the side-netting, inches away from the top corner. Another top outing.

Cedric Kipre 8

His distribution was on fire all evening, mounting a number of attacks and even slotting through a fine ball for Etete, who spurned a chance.

Mark McGuinness 7

A little lucky, perhaps, not to see red for a late challenge on Amadou Mbengue. Otherwise, as solid as you'd like.

Jaden Philogene 8

Unfamiliar role of wing-back but he flourished. So composed with the ball and gives his opposite number hell when he runs at them. Another positive display.

Romaine Sawyers 9

Kept play ticking over well and was good foil for Wintle in the middle of the pitch. Then, of course, came up with the goods when it mattered, banging in that late volley.

Ryan Wintle 7

His defensive contribution was top drawer. Ran 60 yards to dispossess Femi Azeez on a dangerous breakaway. Set-piece delivery markedly improved, too.

Callum O'Dowda 9 (star man)

Cardiff's most dangerous player. Tore Junior Hoilett apart down City's left and stuck countless crosses into dangerous areas. Kaba could have done better with one or two.

Callum Robinson 8

Just a classy operator and looked really dangerous in that No. 10 role. Created and linked up with the strikers well. Smashed one effort into the crossbar in the second half.

Sory Kaba 7

Another mixed bag. He is awkward to watch sometimes, but wins a number of duels and is always in the right place. Missed a few big chances with his head.

Kion Etete 7

A similar story to the above, really, but did hold play up well and had got one excellent low shot away which had to be saved smartly.

Subs:

Connor Wickham (Kaba '58) 7 - Had one sweet volley denied but was encouraging to see his link-up play.

Sheyi Ojo (O'Dowda '66) 7 - Had one shot deflected on to the bar. So close to a goal of his own.

Joe Ralls (Etete '70) 7 - Came on and disrupted Reading late on. Another positive cameo.

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