- Jamie Paterson has the talent to flourish in the right Championship environment
The 24-year-old loan man from Nottingham Forest seems to like playing against Reading, but he also underlined his Championship quality.
Paterson found valuable pockets of space throughout the match and his goal continued his run of having scored in all four matches against Reading this season.
He was also readily available in many of Town’s best build-ups and provided the pass for Dean Whitehead to set up Flo Bojaj for his first senior Town goal.
Paterson has expressed his desire to stay at Town and prosper under David Wagner, and his latest performance did that ambition no harm.
- Kyle Dempsey has the ability to put his stamp on Town performances
If the signing from Carlisle United was mindful of trying to keep his place with Philip Billing available again when Burnley visit the John Smith’s on Saturday, he did a very good job of nudging the head coach.
Dempsey was outstanding in the first half, winning possession and distributing with accuracy and positivity.
As the game wore on, too, he tackled ferociously, never shirking a challenge, and showed his midfield colleagues he is worthy of a regular shirt.
At 20, he looks a very promising player. Maybe it helps that Dean Whitehead is getting back to his pre-injury form and Billing is poised to challenge after suspension, but Dempsey is letting no-one down.
- Nahki Wells offers more than just goals
The 25-year-old had missed two golden first-half chances before pouncing on a mistake to give Town the lead against Reading.
His 15th goal of the season showed his willingness to keep going, but Wells showed good touch in Town’s build-up play and his linking was excellent.
He could easily have had more goals, but he worked hard for the team and helped establish a winning position before being taken off, having earned the sponsors man-of-the-match award.
- Sean Scannell is a Championship force to be reckoned with
The 25-year-old was introduced from the bench for the first time in two months because of injury and made a massive impact.
Scannell ran directly at the Reading defence, causing them all sorts of problems and, from his first involvement, set up Jamie Paterson’s goal.
His cameo illustrated what a potent force he can be, and Scannell now needs to focus on producing such performances over 90 minutes, regaining his starting slot.
- David Wagner is willing to show faith in Town’s Development squad players
While keeping the same starting line-up as for the defeat at Derby, Wagner had four club products on the bench in keeper Lloyd Allinson, Duane Holmes, Flo Bojaj and 17-year-old Regan Booty.
Their presence on the senior teamsheet has to be a big motivation for other young players looking to make a breakthrough and, while Town were missing a number of senior players through illness and injury, Wagner is clearly keeping an eye on the Under 21s and Under 18s.
Bojaj rewarded his faith with a first senior goal in his eighth appearance, showing his ability to be in the right place at the right time to convert Dean Whitehead’s cross.
