Royals boss Mark Bowen gave an honest assessment after Reading's 2-1 defeat to league leaders West Brom at the Madejski Stadium.

An early penalty from George Puscas gave Reading the lead, but goals from Matheus Pereira and Kyle Bartley gave the table-topping Baggies all three points.

Bowen spoke after the game, admitting he was frustrated by the nature of the goals his side conceded.

"I thought the team gave me everything they could, I have no complaints. 

"The two goals we conceded were possibly avoidable, especially the second one. It went through two or three stages before it was in the back of the net, so we need to be better from set plays. That's my only disappointment.

"When the second goal went in, we took the game too them and Slaven [Bilic, West Brom's manager] was the one crying for the full time whistle.

"Throughout the game I thought we deserved something out of thew game. Sometimes you don't get everything you deserve."

Bowen also singled out George Puscas for praise, after the striker ended his goal drought from the penalty spot.

"I'm pleased for George, he took the penalty - he was always going too. 

"There were things he could've been a little bit tighter on in the game, but the shift of work he put in was pleasing. He did a lot of good things in the game."

The Reading manager also responded to claims that midfield duo Ovie Ejaria and John Swift have been struggling in recent weeks. 

"Fans see things going on in the pitch but the fact of the matter is that they are players who we rely on to create. They are talismen for the team.

"It is hard for any player to maintain that level right the way through, you're going to get slight dips in form. If they are doing that, they'll play their way out of it.

"In our team, I'm always a happier coach when either of them have the ball at their feet."