Reading’s inability to halt the counter-attacking threat left boss Veljko Paunovic feeling his side had ‘created’ the two Rovers goals.

Sam Gallagher tapped home after Joe Rothwell’s shot at the end of a run threat through the heart of the Royals side came back off the post, while Tyrhys Dolan curled home a fine second three minutes later as Rovers exploited the space afforded to them.

The visitors had enjoyed the better of the first half, with Paunovic feeling the game was under their control until the final half an hour when Rovers took charge to score two quickfire goals.

"Everything was under our control, especially in the first half,” the Royals boss said.

"Even in the moments conceded the two goals, it happened with unnecessary giveaways.

"It happens in football, you have to be better in coping with counterattacks.

"It is difficult to accept that we didn't get a result and more than anything I'm disappointed we didn't score a goal because I think we played very good football."

Injuries, particularly in attack, have blighted Reading who were already without a host of players ahead of kick-off included Yakou Meite, Lucas Joao and Junior Hoilett.

Femi Azeez limped off in the first half to further add to Paunovic’s issues, with the manager calling for greater consistency from his side who have had long runs of defeats and wins this season.

He added: "It's a small squad and most of the guys are carrying the burden of the whole season so far, and yes is still early in the season but we all know how hard and demanding the league is so I think there is a component of fatigue in execution.

"This team is capable of winning games, having good runs and bouncing back which is what we need now to bounce back immediately.

"Consistency is the hallmark of the whole league. The Championship is wrapped in consistency and if you are capable of recognising those moments when you drop and you manage those moments and cope with you will get better results.

"We just gave away the two goals which we created for them.”