Reading impressed many in their opening day 1-1 draw at title favourites Birmingham City.

Taking the lead, deservedly, through Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan in the first half, it took big-spending Blues until an 86th-minute penalty to draw level.

Take a look below at our player ratings.

Joel Pereira, 7: Not tested a great deal but was usually on hand to save the ball when he was called upon. Had one crazy moment where he picked up an Amadou Mbengue back pass, but the referee failed to pick him up on it, much to the frustration of those connected to the hosts.

Michael Craig, 6: Tough day at the office for the makeshift full-back, with both Birmingham wingers tricky and giving the defenders a torrid time. However, looked composed and loved to get the ball forward when he could. A more than adequate display out of position.

Amadou Mbengue, 7: Was everywhere all afternoon, covering for his teammates and winning speed battles constantly. Never looked too rash and was composed on the ball.

Tyler Bindon, 6: Next to the hustle and bustle of Mbengue, Bindon is always calmness personified. Saw a few heavy passes fail to his their target so could have done better with ball progression, but a comfortable return to club football after a busy international summer.

Jeriel Dorsett, 6: Similar to Craig, it was certainly a busy evening for Dorsett. Playing his first minutes of the summer after missing almost all of pre-season with an injury, the defender handled his return well.

Lewis Wing, 6: Not the skipper's best game, looking quite angry from the off and picking up a very un-Lewis Wing-like booking for a late challenge in the first half. Meant he was walking the tightrope for a long time. Still had his eye in though, claiming a first assist of the season for Ehibhatiomhan's goal. Penalty against him looked harsh, but there were few complaints from the Royals.

Harvey Knibbs, 7: As we've come to expect from Knibbs, he was everywhere. Took him a bit of time to get involved but once he got going he was a on song. Perhaps should have shot when the ball fell to him in the box, rather than attempting to set up Sam Smith or Ehibhatiomhan.

Ben Elliott, 8: Far and away the youngster's best performance in a Reading shirt. Looking like a boy in a man's game last season, he has evidently worked hard and is now very much a young man. Glided away from Birmingham players at times.

Mamadi Camara, 6: Full of endeavour and heart, the winger enjoyed a real battle against his full-back and won on plenty of occasions. Keen to see how the youngster does with regular minutes.

Sam Smith, 6: Almost had his own game inside the game, taking plenty and giving as much out to the Blues' centre-back pairing. Never truly had a clear chance at goal, with one nearly falling for him, but kept the defenders well-occupied. Ran all evening too.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, 7: Took his goal really well and was a handful all afternoon. Needs to work on staying onside however, as he could have had another one or two goals if he had.

 

Substitutes

Kelvin Abrefa, 6: Similar to Dorsett, some important minutes in the tank after injury over the summer. Won some duals and lost some but little came off for the Blues on his side.

Charlie Savage, 6: Put himself about and loved a challenge. Had little time to make a real impact on the game.

Andre Garcia, 6: A debut for the 16-year-old, he had one standout mazy run that caught the eye. A proud moment for himself, his family and the Academy.

Jayden Wareham, n/a