Reading FC 0-1 QPR: 60 Second Report

There were two changes from the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United as John Swift and Jordan Obita came into the starting line-up at the expense of George Evans and Tyler Blackett. The latter didn't even make tonight's matchday squad, whilst Sandro Wieser, sent off in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday, was given a place on the bench.

It was a first half that Reading will want to forget as they gave one of their worst showings of the season. QPR were in control of the game and deservedly took the lead just before the half hour mark as former Royal loannee Jamie Mackie smashed home at the back post following Ryan Manning's clever touch. Joey van den Berg was the man at fault as he gave the ball away in the build-up to the goal, being punished for not the first mistake he had made.

The visitors could well have doubled their lead before the break as Mackie came close again, before Ali Al-Habsi committed himself only to be rounded by Pawel Wszolek. However The Pole was tackled by van den Berg before he could create an easy chance for one of his team-mates.

The second half didn't start much better and the game became stretched incredibly quickly. Despite sitting a lot deeper, QPR still looked the most dangerous side and Idrissa Sylla came close following another Reading error. With 20 minutes to go, Stam's side had their best chance of the game as Yann Kermorgant got on the end of Garath McCleary's cross, but his header crashed against the crossbar.

That was as close as the Royals came though in an evening to forget in Berkshire. The result halts a five game winning streak at the Madejski Stadium and is only our second home defeat of the season.

Reading: Al-Habsi; Gunter, Moore, van den Berg, Obita; Williams, Kelly, Swift (Meite 73') ; McCleary, Kermorgant, Beerens

Stay tuned to The Tilehurst End for a full match report, analysis and player ratings in the next couple of days.