IT WAS not the kind of night for high-scoring marks as Reading FC were easily outgunned by Leeds United.

Royals were 3-0 down at the break after Mateusz Klich netted first before Pablo Hernandez grabbed a brace as the visitors returned to the top of the Championship table.

All three goals were impressive from a Leeds point of view – but utterly infuriating from a Royals standpoint given the woeful defending that proceeded them.

Jose Gomes’ men did rally in the second half during which Leeds were fortunate not to see full-back Luke Ayling sent off for a second yellow card.

But Marcelo Bielsa’s visitors rarely had to get out of second gear as they claimed a fifth victory in six matches – and their first league double over Reading since 1928.

Bracknell News:

Leeds keeper Kiko Casilla beats Danny Loader to the ball.

Here are our Reading FC player ratings:

6. Emi Martinez – The on-loan Arsenal keeper has been in excellent form and could do very little about all three Leeds goals. Spared Reading an even bigger hiding with decent saves to deny Patrick Bamford, Tyler Roberts and Jack Harrison.

7. Andy Yiadom – Reading’s man-of-the-match. Very little went past the full-back who worked tirelessly all game. Always available to teammates and put in a great shift. Denied the game’s opening goal by a solid Kiko Casilla save and shame he failed to head in a late consolation from a Tyler Blackett cross.

5. Matt Miazga – Struggled to cope with Leeds United’s attacking flare. Not particularly at fault for any goals, but rarely dominant in defence.

5. Liam Moore – Not the captain’s best performance but deserves credit for playing through the pain barrier after dislocating a shoulder on Saturday.

4. Tyler Blackett – Poor night for the left-back with all three goals coming from that side of the pitch. Should have closed down Pablo Hernandez before his stunning second goal of the night. Put in a decent cross.

5. Lewis Baker – Tough job to do alongside young debutant Ryan East. Looked tidy on the ball on occasions and created a decent chance late on.

Bracknell News:

Jose Gomes voices his displeasure after Leeds' Luke Ayling escapes a second yellow card.

5. Ryan East – Massive pressure on the young midfielder on his first-team debut in such a big game. Showed some nice touches and bags of energy, but gave the ball away before Leeds’ second goal. Will benefit from the experience.

4. John Swift - The midfield playmaker was starved of possession most of the night and gave the ball away too often when he did have control. Passing not up to its usual standard either.

4. Mo Barrow – Allowed Luke Ayling to get past him too easily before the Leeds player crossed for Mateusz Klich opener. Some promising runs forward came to nothing, mainly as his final ball was often lacking. Had much better games.

4. Danny Loader – The teenager lived off scraps all night. Struggled to keep hold of the ball and couldn’t find a relatively simple final pass to fellow debutant Michael Olise during one of Reading’s more promising attacks.

5. Yakou Meite – Put in a good shift but lacked any real service. Looked isolated up front and often struggled in the physical battle with the Leeds centre halves. Bit of a comedown from his heroics against Wigan on Saturday.

Subs: Callum Harriott 5, Garath McCleary 5, Michael Olise 6.