The Royals picked up a point on the road with a goalless draw against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park on Saturday.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between, although Lewis Wing came close to breaking the deadlock when he struck the post in the second half.
The result leaves Reading sixth in the table, inside the playoff places and one point behind Plymouth.
Leam Richardson spoke to Royals TV after the final whistle. Here’s what he had to say.
Richardson on the performance
“I thought we were nearly there today. With the way Plymouth
play, they want restarts and balls into the box – a game of duels.
“I thought we stood up to it today – Paudie and Knighty were excellent. Their players are a handful, with Pepple, Evans and Ameachi, but we dealt with their front players well all afternoon.
“I’m disappointed with the officials; it was restart after restart and that is how they want to play. I felt every time we got a foothold in the game; they changed the momentum.
“We have to be better when we have those moments. That final ball and final action – Kyreece got himself in again, which he has a good habit of doing, but the last action.
“I’m pleased with the clean sheet and the work ethic because it is not easy coming here.
“We knew what was coming with Plymouth: they want balls into the box and a large number of restarts. I thought the referee helped them in a lot of ways, but keep the game going and let it be the spectacle that it was.
“We were looking for the final bit of quality with all our flair players on the pitch – you hope they link together.
“Wingy hit the post, Jack had a few snapshots and so did Daniel [Kyerewaa], but we just couldn’t find the last bit of quality.”
Richardson on Jack Marriott’s return
“It is great to have Jack back. He will be up and running, eager and hungry for goals as all our flair players are.
“Their pressure is to make sure that these games fall in our favour, but if you aren’t going to win, make sure you stick to your fundamentals, stay strong and don’t lose.
“Shake hands, move on and we will see them next time.”
