READING FC supporters were scratching their heads once again after another narrow defeat.
Royals lost 1-0 at Nottingham Forest on Saturday after substitute Hillal Soudani’s sweeping finish curled past goalkeeper Vito Mannone.
It was another frustrating afternoon that saw Paul Clement’s men squander a whole host of chances that could have easily seen the Royals take all three points.
Yakou Meite was sent through on goal by Mo Barrow’s excellent pass, but Costel Pantilimon saved with his legs.
Then Icelandic international Jon Dadi Bodvarsson could only shoot wide after Liam Kelly played him through.
Tiago Ilori put in another commanding display at the back and won most of his aerial battles. He also kept things calm while in possession.
However, just like the defeat to Derby in the opening game, a moment of magic made all the difference.
You have to credit Atior Karanka as his substitutes arguably change the game.
But if Reading don’t start taking their chances, fans will be discussing the same topic every week.
Speaking after the game Clement, reflected: “The overall summary is that we created match-winning chances and didn’t take them.”
Summer signing Marc McNulty also declared Royals must be more ruthless in front of goal, saying: “I think we had a lot of chances that we maybe should have taken.
"On another day, you score a couple but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be.
“It was a level game, I think a point would probably have been fair but it’s been one of the days where we’ve come away with nothing.”
It was another harsh lesson for Reading who now lie at the bottom of the Championship table after losing their first two games.
And the only way they will start to climb up the table is by hitting the back of the net – and quickly!
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