The mood inside the Select Car Leasing Stadium yesterday evening at the final whistle was almost as worrying as the performance of the latest 'patched up' team charged with the responsibility of stopping the rot which has seen Reading gradually slide into the relegation battle which is about to begin in earnest. The absence of Andy Carroll did nothing for morale before the game, and the sight of Puscas scurrying around up front was hardly likely to inspire confidence amongst the home fans or the players.

On the on the other hand, the return of Rinomhota and Morrison to the starting eleven, and Joao appearance on the bench offered a glimmer of hope that things could move in the right direction. The introduction of Joao and Clarke albeit too late (after Luton had taken a two goal lead) at least lifted the crowd and gave the team a better shape and greater sense of purpose. Joao looks like he will need time to regain his sharpness after such a lengthy absence. Clarke is inexperienced and his touch leaves a lot to be desired, but he will improve and is already a far better option in every respect than Puscas, which is not a difficult status to achieve!

So to the match. Reading enjoyed more possession Luton and had as many shots on target as Luton. The issue which reared its ugly head again for Reading was the number of unforced errors, and I do not include Tom Holmes’ spectacular headed own goal amongst them. If there is anything to learn from the goal conceded after an uninspiring thirty-three minutes is that an early ball into the box causes problems for centre backs. I lost count of the times of Reading players in wide positions declined the opportunity to play an early cross into the box. Perhaps the lack of a Reading striker in the box, or at least one who can finish. The Luton’s second goal came indirectly from yet another appalling error on the edge of the box, this time from Laurent who, under no pressure, rolled the ball to an unmarked Town forward just outside the box. The goal came early in the second half and followed a series of sloppy errors which looked remarkably like a lack of focus or concentration. In a nutshell, Luton’s victory was as much to do with Reading’s shortcomings as their own superiority. Once Luton had established a two goal lead they managed the game extremely well. It was not a pretty sight but I am sure they did not worry about that as they headed home with another three points.

Credit should be given to Ashcroft and Bristow for stepping in to cover the ill-timed absence of key players Yiadom and Rahman. Boys asked to do a man’s job! They both clearly have ability and in the second half hinted of more to come with some penetrating runs into Luton’s half. Rinomhota displayed his characteristic tenacity, willingness to take players on, and to chase back when Reading’s attacks break down. Hopefully some of his qualities, and those of the returning Morrison, will rub off on the rest of the squad. Reading benefitted from Carrol’s physicality up front and underlines how important Meite is to this team. Much as I admire some of Reading’s passing and individual skill, a bit more grit is requited in the Championship especially at the end which Reading currently occupy.

The next three months are going to be at least as much about strength of character and resolve as is about tactics and ability. All season the absence of those qualities has resulted in the capitulation late in games ending in defeat or dropped points from a winning position. Long standing Reading fans have been here before and will know that now, more than ever, the team needs their support.

John Wells