LIAM Moore stood out in what was ultimately a bitterly disappointing afternoon for Reading FC, after they were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow strugglers Rotherham.

The relegation six-pointer got off to a flat start with both sides seemingly cautious to break forwards.

Ovie Ejaria gave Royals the lead in the first half, but they were pegged back by the Millers’ Semi Ajayi.

But the scoreline could have been different had skipper Moore not put in such an imperious performance in the heart of Reading’s defence.

This is how we thought the Royals got on today.

Emi Martinez: 7/10 - Showed unbelievable composure to start the move for Royals’ goal. He was under pressure at the back but calmly played the ball out before Royals charged at Rotherham’s defence and scored.

Andy Yiadom: 6/10 - Didn’t get forward as much as he often does today, but put on a solid display overall.

Matt Miazga: 7/10 - Royals knew they would be in for a physical battle with plenty of aerial duals today and Miazga won so many of them. Unlucky not to score in the second-half with a header at the far-post too.

Liam Moore: 8/10 - A true captain’s performance from the skipper. He made block after block, including an incredible diving effort, as he continued to deny Rotherham’s attacks. Deserved to be part of a winning team today but it wasn’t to be.

Tyler Blackett: 7/10 Possibly the most improved player under Jose Gomes. Made some lovely tackles and brilliant runs from left-back.

Ovie Ejaria: 8/10 - Lovely right-footed finish into the top corner to open his account at Madejski Stadium. Looked composed on the ball throughout and was unlucky not to score a second after a darting run from midfield.

Lewis Baker: 7/10 Played a deeper role today to protect the defence and did well throughout the 90 minutes. Unlucky not to score in the second half when Oliveira picked him out with a pin-point cross.

John Swift: 6/10 - Snatched at a few of his chances, but he kept going and tried to make things happen whenever he got forward.

Yakou Meite: 6/10 - Made a really lively start to the game and was a constant thorn in Joe Mattock’s side. Squandered a couple of chances after cutting inside, but a strong performance overall from the Ivorian forward.

Garath McCleary: 7/10 - A couple of wonderful runs and crosses from McCleary, including setting up Ejaria for Reading’s goal. He looked dangerous when running at the defence and full of confidence whenever he picked up the ball.

Nelson Oliveira: 4/10 - Just didn’t happen for the big man up front today. There was a lack of service to him in the first half, but he looked off the pace throughout the game and was guilty of giving the ball away on several occasions, including in the build-up to Rotherham’s leveller. Also made a contender for miss of the season with a woeful effort from just a yard out.

Callum Harriott: 6/10 - Showed good energy when he came on, but didn’t really have time to stamp any sort of authority on the game.

Modou Barrow: 6/10 - Not much time on the pitch, but was involved in a key moment when he rounded the goalkeeper and centred the ball. Oliveira raced forward to try and tap it in, but Marek Rodek just got there first.

John O’Shea: 5/10 - Came on to help protect the lead, but Rotherham scored shortly afterwards. Not at fault for the goal, but didn’t really contribute to the game.