The Berskhire outfit needed to win their third-placed play-off match to secure a European spot after losing 4-2 to Beeston the night before.

But after it went to the wire in a tense affair, Reading lost 3-2 in the shoot-out, which means that unless they win this year’s EuroHockey League finals next month, they won’t play in Europe next season.

The game had started brightly for Reading, with Jonty Clarke putting away a loose ball to make it 1-0, before a couple of further chances through penalty corners.

But Surbiton levelled in the 23rd minute when they were rewarded with a penalty stroke following two penalty corners and Alan Forsyth stepped up to make it 1-1.

Both teams had further opportunities to score, including Tom Carson for Reading and Matt Daly for Surbiton, but David Kettle and Reading’s James Bailey both made fine saves to take the match to a shoot-out.

Michael Watt, Alan Forsyth and Chris Grassick all netted for Surbiton while England duo Nick Catlin and Carson found the target for Reading.

Clarke stepped up to take Reading’s fifth and final penalty knowing he needed to score, but Kettle made a great stick save to secure his team third place and deny Reading.

On Saturday evening, a slow start had cost Reading a place in the play-off final as they lost 4-2 against Beeston.

Reading’s opponents dominated the early stages and scored the first goal of the game through Samuel Ward before a quick-fire double from Adam Dixon late in the half gave Beeston a comfortable 3-0 lead at half-time.

It was a much improved performance in the second half by the Berkshire outfit but they fell further behind when Ward scored his second of the game.

Two late goals from Dan Shingles and Clarke reduced the deficit but it was too little too late for Reading.

It is the turn of the ladies this weekend as Reading’s women take on Surbiton in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Championship semi-finals.

The match promises to be a thrilling one as Reading finished second in their division, just ahead of third-placed Surbiton.

Each team walked away from this season’s two matches with a win apiece but Blues have the division’s top scorer, Alex Danson, to call upon.