READING FC manager Nigel Adkins insists the signs are 'very promising' after his side fought back to draw 1-1 at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

The hosts took the lead in the 14th minute when Darren Pratley headed in Marc Tierney's cross.

But Royals equalised early in the second half when Nick Blackman scored his first goal for the club from the penalty spot after a handball by David Wheater.

Both sides had chances to win an entertaining encounter, with Adam Bogdan pulling off late saves to deny Adam Le Fondre, Alex Pearce and Sean Morrison.

"I thought we could have won the game," said Royals manager Nigel Adkins. "We've come away from home to what will be a difficult place for any team to come to this season, and we were strong, fit and created a lot of opportunities.

"We had a goal threat throughout the team, which is a big positive for us. Their keeper had to make some really good saves and we were the team on the front foot for long periods of the match. The signs are very promising for the rest of the season."

As he did in the opening game of the season against Ipswich Town, Adkins sprung a couple of surprises with his team selection.

Jobi McAnuff returned to captain the side in place of Hal Robson-Kanu while Blackman, who was suspended the previous week, was preferred up front to Adam Le Fondre.

Both were involved in the goal as it was McAnuff's corner that was handled by Wheater, presenting Blackman with the chance to score from the spot.

"It was his first Reading goal so hasn't he dealt with [that pressure] really well?" said Adkins.

"We've got confidence in him and that can only help his confidence grow. Hopefully he can make a good contribution in the season.

"I knew he wouldn't be able to last the game because he's only had 60 minutes in pre-season and we had Alfie to come on and present their defenders a different problem. That was the game plan and Alfie had that one chance but the goalkeeper made a good save. I was thinking 'goal' because he scores all the time."

Le Fondre's chance was one of a number of opportunities spurned by the visitors in the closing stages.

They also had a penalty appeal turned down when McAnuff was bundled over in the box.

"The referee had a lot of decisions to make today and it was a challenging match for him, but we'll sit down and take a look back at the game in the cold light of day and we'll probably see some he's got right and some he's got wrong, for both sides," reflected Adkins.

One decision which Royals' boss did not contest was the booking for Drenthe when he went down easily in the area late on.

"I had a word with Royston about that and there was contact but he should have carried on," he said.

"We had a chat about it, he's well aware we don't want to do that at Reading and he apologised to the referee. He's kicking himself because although there was contact he could have carried on.

"But Royston was a massive threat today, a great talent to see on the pitch. He has a long way to go but he's trained every day and will get fitter and stronger."

Next up for Royals is a home match on Saturday (3pm ko) against Watford, who thrashed Bournemouth 6-1 last weekend.