READING FC boss Brian McDermott admitted his side lacked a creative spark against Birmingham City after falling to a first home league defeat of 2016, writes Anthony Smith.

Royals struggled to carve open a well-drilled Blues outfit who led after just 73 seconds through Clayton Donaldson before Ryan Shotton added a second in the 27th minute.

McDermott's men rarely threatened in front of goal and took an hour to register their first shot on target when Danny Williams tested Adam Legzdins.

Lucas Piazon, Simon Cox and Stephen Quinn all wasted chances in the first half while Jake Cooper headed over after the break.

Paul McShane also saw a penalty appeal turned down late on after tangling with Donaldson, Yann Kermorgant's 90th minute header was easily saved by Legzdins and Ola John dragged an effort wide with seconds to go.

But Gary Rowett's visitors, who had scored only once in their previous six away matches, were comfortable for most of the afternoon at Madejski Stadium.

McDermott confessed: “Saturday was a tough one. We were disappointed to lose the game and our unbeaten league record at home in 2016, which had been a real positive for us.

"But we came up against a well organised Birmingham side and we conceded early.

"We certainly had a lot of possession in the second half and if we can score that goal early in the second half then maybe we can get back into it, but it wasn't to be.

"They got behind the ball and made it difficult. They've had two shots and scored them both - one in the second minute and one from a set play - so it's a really disappointing day for the lads and the fans. It certainly wasn't our day.

“We played some terrific football in the previous two fixtures, in wins against Bolton and Forest. But although we saw a lot of the ball on Saturday, we didn't create.

"Bad days happen in football, we have to take this one on the chin. But all you can do, bad day or good day, is get on with the next one.”

Royals were searching for a third straight Championship win following a 1-0 win at Bolton Wanderers and 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest.

The midweek win against Forest had extended Royals' unbeaten home run in the league to eight matches during 2016.

But McDermott's men were off the pace from the very first whistle on Saturday as Birmingham recorded a comfortable success to add to their 2-1 win at St Andrew's on the opening day of the season.

Reading now face two long away trips in the next week. They will fly to the north east to take on title-chasing Middlesbrough on Tuesday night (7.45pm ko) and then go to Leeds United on Saturday (3pm ko).

"We'll train hard and get ourselves ready,” stated McDermott. “I'm staying to watch our Under 21s then get a train up there on the Tuesday, but the rest of the squad will go up on the Monday and prepare for the next game.

"Middlesbrough are a team looking to get themselves in the Premier League in the next few weeks, and then we have a real tough one at Leeds next weekend."

He also stressed: "We put Saturday afternoon down to a difficult day and put it to bed early.

“With six games to go, we have to let our fans see plenty of motivation in the side and players who are ready to play for their shirt in each and every game.”