AFTER ending a run of six matches without a win the previous weekend, Reading lost yet again with a 2-1 defeat away to Sheffield United.

This makes it just two wins in 10 league games – and it’s not looking good for Jaap Stam’s side who now lie just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Royals, once again without a recognised striker, failed to take any sort of control in the game and not once looked like they were capable of winning.

Roy Beerens’ late consolation goal meant very little to the travelling faithful, who will be wondering how long left Stam has before the powers that be decide enough is enough.

Goals from Paul Coutts and former Reading loanee Billy Sharp – both in the first half – were rightly deserved by United who could have had plenty more over the course of the afternoon.

Not a single Reading player deserved a rating of more than five out of 10 at the weekend with only substitute John Swift showing glimpses of quality and desire.

With Middlesbrough making the long journey down to the Madejski Stadium this weekend, Reading need a solution and fast.

Yann Kermorgant is rumoured to be in contention for a place in the squad, but we mustn’t expect too much from the veteran striker.

The Frenchman has his qualities and they are missed, but he’s been sidelined since the beginning of the season and is not getting any younger. He will need time to get back into the swing of things.

Middlesbrough come to Berkshire without a win in six league games, enough to hold 13th place in the Championship, five points above Reading.

Garry Monk’s side spent a fair amount of money on new players in the summer, with a big chunk on former Reading target Britt Assombalonga.

They will, therefore, be tough opposition and Reading desperately need a new hero, someone to put a spanner in the works and get us firing on all cylinders again – I’ve almost forgotten what it was like to enjoy watching Reading like I did last season.

We’ve lost our spark, our drive, and our resilience. We need it back and fast.