A horribly frustrated Steve Coppell was very disappointed to take nothing from a game his side bossed at Preston.
"I thought we played well in the first half," he began in his post-match press conference. "We'd put ourselves in a really good position and I thought if anything we might have gone on to increase our lead.
"We were in control at the start of the second half and the goal we conceded was just a farce.
World TV: Coppell on PNE loss
Report: Preston 2-1 Reading
"But it gave them massive incentive and drive, which they responded to. Their energy levels really raised. We lost our thread a little bit - we got a little bit anxious.
"Then the second goal...we've scored enough goals from corners this season. We know the lessons that need to be learned, and it was another bad goal as far as we were concerned.
"After that we restored our rhythm again and had some great opportunities, but it just wasn't to be."
"At the end of ninety odd minutes we're frustrated with the world and the reality is that we had a great opportunity to pick up a point or points today."
Coppell and his players now face a long trip home, and the manager was disappointed that his side have been subject to another long away trip after an international interval.
"Thankfully there isn't another one until the end of March," he said with a rueful look.
"I think the last eight international breaks we've been away for seven in the following game. Does it make a difference - I don't think Man Utd will be away for seven out of eight.
"But that's not an excuse, and please don't think we're using that as one.
"We were ready for the game, we had two weeks to prepare, we only had two players who actually played Wednesday.
"I thought we were capable of winning the game. We've got no excuse other than our own frailties.
"I'm just frustrated. The longer you spend in the game you realise your opportunities. This was an opportunity for us - we didn't take it."
Asked if he could take any positives from the game, he openly admitted, "Yeah - we played well!"
"We've played a lot worse this year and won games. We created a lot of opportunities, hit the woodwork two or three times, the goalkeeper made a couple of great saves.
"We played well but at the end of it we come away with nothing. We can only blameourselves."
A full video interview with Steve is live on Reading World now, and match highlights will be launched at 5pm Sunday evening. Sign up for a four day trial for 99p.
