Adkins disappointed with defeat

Nigel Adkins was disappointed with his side’s display against Bourenmouth, despite admitting they had the better of the first half.

The Royals fell to their first home defeat of the season to the side who had the worst defensive away record in the division. Despite the loss and dropping down to sixth, Adkins felt his side’s first half performance was good enough, but no goals to show for it.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC website, Adkins said: ‘Everybody here was frustrated when we conceded at half time and I felt the same! We started the game well and played good football. We had a number of corners, they had to defend resolutely.’

‘Sharpy had one off the line and then another one was full in his face and just wide. We had Garath one-on-one down the right several times, for 35 or 40 minutes we were the dominant force. But we didn’t capitalise and goals change games.’

We did keep the ball well in the first half, but it’s pointless if there is no penetration or support for the strikers. I’m afraid Adkins does have to take some blame for the loss, especially considering his strange team selection and being tactically undone by Eddie Howe.