After the drama at Cardiff, Reading returned to league action against a Hull side which got took apart in a bad way the previous weekend versus Brentford. Now in true Reading style, they decided to give the Tigers a helping hand. After Jordan Obita got the goal to set Reading up for the win, we really should have known better and Reading’s customary helpful nature by giving teams who are struggling a leg up, appeared again with a shot which was wickedly deflected off Morrison to beat Rafael.

Truth be told this game was dire; Reading lacked the urgency to take the game to the Tigers. Teams that travel away in bad form should get beat, but no. It would be too much to expect what should have been and predicted to be by many pundits, a home win, wasn’t forthcoming and Reading once again threw away precious points.

Now in the grand scheme of things we should now, barring an almighty collapse, be safe from relegation and probably now too far away and way too inconsistent to even think about a play-oof charge.

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Social

The locals aren’t happy with the owners

Really not happy

You’re surprised...

Wow just wow

I know the feeling!

Pele is getting better and better

You have to be kidding me

Cheek of the man!

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Media

Look, what are you expecting from this section? A battle of two teams in poor form in mid-table isn’t going to grab too many headlines, but this is the best of it!

So, starting with Four Four Two and they carry an interview with Mark Bowen, sort of making an excuse with the midweek drama down at Cardiff that had an effect on the team. Now while this could be the reason, (six of the players started against Hull) in reality the Championship has always been and will always be dominated by midweek fixtures, and in reality they did have an extra day off prior to Tuesday’s exploits.

The Reading Chronicle also carry that angle but expand on the interview with Bowen hitting back at the tactics - more on that later. It does smack of someone defending themselves.

For the insomniacs out there, or people who generally like watching highlights, Sky have their wrap-up here, and also a match report in which they say that Hull started better, we got into it, missed numerous opportunities to extend the lead and cocked it up – in a nutshell.

Back to the locals and Berkshire Live have their player ratings which are a little generous for me, but I do miss the fact that they hardly do a match report these days.

Finally, the BBC have their usual wrap-up, saying that the two teams - both horrifically out of form - cancelled each other out and to be fair that’s pretty much it.

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Final thoughts

It was dire, not the best game by any stretch and Reading toiled in that game. It should have been three points; we played a team with the most makeshift of defences and squandered numerous good chances.

There are problems at the moment with this team. Where do you start? Formation, players out of form and tactics. You could probably write a 15-page essay on the issues at the moment, but there is one overriding fact that it’s looking like this season will end on a whimper.

I know back in August I prayed for mid-table obscurity, but can’t help feeling that little let down. We started off poorly under Jose Gomes but Bowen came in much to the fans’ surprise and did get us gelled and moving forward. However, John Swift and Ovie Ejaria both going off the boil at the same time has shown that our strength in depth is non-existent. Let’s face it - if fit they both play and there’s precious little competition.

On the other hand Pele has been getting better and better. OK he wasn’t at his imperious best at the weekend, but still looks a player we can build a side around.

So where now? What happens in the remaining games of this season? Bowen needs to find a way that this side can win without the reliance on Swift/Ejaria, starting with someone who can put the ball in the net. Puscas looks so far off the pace it ain’t funny, Baldock is getting and odd goal and Meite scores a few but offers precious little else.

One thing is for sure: if we want the fans back Bowen needs to sort it and quick.