Reading manger Ruben Selles was left disappointed after his Royals side fell to a 3-1 defeat at the Pirelli Stadium against a passionate Burton Albion team.
Two quick fire first half goals meant it was a tough start to the game for the Royals, but they did bounce back through a superb Lewis Wing freekick, only for Bobby Kamwa to give the hosts the lead just before half time.
A first penalty converted this season for the Royals by striker Sam Smith was not enough to get the visitors any points as the Brewers defended astutely towards the end of the game.
Selles thought that a poor first half display was to blame for his side not coming away with anything, although he was pleased with his sides second half showing.
He said: “I think in the first half we lost a little bit of our identity and found ourselves 2-0 down pretty quickly. In the second half we were much better, we were on top of the game, we missed some opportunities in front of goal.
“We are not happy with the defeat and need to take the learning from the first half into the next game.”
With two of the hosts goals coming from set pieces, Selles was frustrated that his side struggled in these key moments which so often prove to be decisive in professional football.
He discussed: “I think we were not ready to defend the first one. The second one is a second ball that we need to defend better and as I say the concentration in those moments should be better.”
It looked as if the Royals were on their way to a comeback when Wing smashed another free kick over the wall and into the net but soon the momentum shifted to the hosts once again.
This time it was Kamwa who converted, managing to find a way to put the ball in the back of the net in an acrobatic manner.
“I think we got the momentum back with the 2-1 after Lewis Wing scored the goal. We then lost the momentum, but I thought the team in the second half kept trying, playing forward,” he continued.
“I think the second half was fine, it’s a part of the game when they have something to protect, and they have something to try to win. I think the boys did a good job trying to score the third goal, it didn’t happen. It’s not about the second half, it’s about the first half where we need to be better.”
In a lacklustre afternoon for the Royals, one positive note is the goalscoring prowess of Wing in midfield. With ten league goals to his name and seven from outside the box (a record in the top four ties of English football) the Royals faithful will be hoping he sticks around for another season.
Wing is pleased with his goalscoring touch but wanted to take a positive result home today. He said: “It’s nice to score again but I would have wanted the three points away from home. We want to finish the season on a high at home in front of our fans.”
The Royals will have that chance next Saturday when they face Blackpool, but it will be no easy task with the Tangerines vying for a spot in the playoffs.
Derby Uni Footy Journos 
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