An appalling basic error mid-way through the first half by goalkeeper Boyce-Clarke, covering for the injured Pereira, ultimately cost Reading all three points in an unexpected defeat at home at the hands of an Orient side, until yesterday, without a win in the league this season. Bindon gave Kelman too much room on the edge of the box and his pacy, but not unstoppable strike straight at Boyce-Clarke, squirmed under his body and into the net. It was a basic goalkeeping error. Nobody however, should place the blame on Reading's inexperienced stand-in 'keeper for this disappointing result who, moments earlier, had pulled off an outstanding reflex save from the scorer Kelman.

In his post-match interview Ruben Selles referred to Leyton Orients 'game plan' as a significant factor in this first Reading home defeat for some time. It is hard to argue with that point of view. Orient's 'game plan' was the main factor in producing three valuable points for the visitors and an afternoon almost devoid of entertainment. Punctuated by cynical fouls and time-wasting by Orient from start to finish, it was a truly dreadful game of football to watch, but Reading only have themselves to blame for not matching the intensity of their opponents or making the tactical adjustments to negate their plan. Too many long balls up to Smith, who was marked by two giants at the heart of the Orient defence, was only part of the problem.

The first of six yellow cards for the O's came after nine minutes when full back Jones hauled down Ehibhatiomhan as he was about to go past him wide on the left. What might have been the seventh yellow card should have come in the eighth minute of stoppage time following a rugby tackle on Sam Smith by Simpson on the halfway line, but by then I think everyone was past caring, including the referee, and just wanted to go home.

After a bright start from Reading which saw Ehibhatiomhan get his header on target at the far post and a well struck free-kick from Wing saved by Hemming, Orient took control of the game for long periods. Eliot did well on several occasions to retain possession when under pressure but generally Orient pressed well and denied Reading time and space to mount pressure on the Orient defence.

After half time Reading began to string a few passes together and new signing Campbell spurned Reading's best chance after fifty-five minutes when Ehibhatiomhan slid him a good ball in behind the Orient defence. Having checked back inside onto his left foot to lose the defender found himself with inside the box with only 'keeper Hemming to beat. His tame shot was blocked as was the second attempt from the rebound. Not long after, Campbell was replaced by Akande who had a much greater impact on the right wing. Savage was replaced Knibbs at the same time after contributing very little throughout.

Reading came closest to finding an equaliser when Craig, probably Reading's best player, thumped a shot against the post from outside the box. Reading rarely threatened to score after that and some of the passing was poor as Orient saw the game out comfortably, taking it in turns to sit down and feign injury incurring lengthy stoppages in play. The eight minutes of added time was of little value but the constant disruption in play prevented any possibility of Reading building any momentum. Reading's frustration was clearly illustrated by Bindon who smashed the ball into the stand behind the Orient goal from the halfway line as time to find the equaliser ran out.

In my view, a key area hampering Reading at present is at full back on both sides of the pitch. We are missing Yiadom. Craig is doing a sterling job at right back, but he really should be in the holding midfield role where he would have even more impact. This would release

Wing to play further up the pitch and do what he does best, opening up defences with his sharp short passing, and scoring goals from the edge of the box. On the other side of the pitch at full back, Dorsett was often slow the close wide players down and allowed far too many crosses to come in from the left (a real issue especially when there is a young 'keeper to protect). Again, today he looked exhausted late in the second half and incapable of lasting a full game and had to be replaced. Good player, but perhaps lacks fitness.

I was unable to attend the previous home game against Charlton, but from what I have heard, we have seen the best and worst of Reading in our two most recent games. Other teams will surely adopt Orient's 'game plan' this season. Let us hope we have learned our lesson. Have complete confidence in this squad and Ruben Selles to put things right. The energy and goals of Knibbs has been missed so it was good to see him back.

John Wells