McDermott honest in Bluebirds defeat

Reading manager Brian McDermott has gave an honest judgement of his teams performance against Cardiff yesterday afternoon, that saw the Royals concede three goals in 25 minutes and eventually go on to lose 3-1.

Goals from Joe Mason, Aron Gunnarsson and Kenny Miller almost put the game beyond doubt after 36 minutes, however Jobi McAnuff replied in first half injury time to give Reading half a chance but they couldn’t capitalise on that goal.

McDermott told the RFC official site: ”We have to hold our hands up, it was disappointing. It wasn’t really us, I didn’t recognise us today, we didn’t pass it well, Cardiff won too many second balls, they did well and scored at the right time.’

Many have also criticised the referee’s performance for allowing Cardiff’s first two goals, with the first a handball from Mason and the second a clear foul on Adam Federici for Gunnarsson’s goal.

McDermott added: ‘The first goal was certainly a handball, but the referee didn’t see it. The second goal was a foul on the keeper, but he didn’t see it. You can’t hide behind decisions, and managers who constantly talk about referees and decisions sound like whingers.’

The former Slough boss will now look towards this Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Stevenage, debating whether to stick with his usual FA Cup team selection policy or make some changes.