ALI Al Habsi believes Reading FC left fans short changed after a lacklustre defeat by Birmingham City, writes Anthony Smith.

Royals' unbeaten league run at Madejski Stadium during 2016 reached a frustrating end in a 2-0 loss to the Blues.

First-half goals from Clayton Donaldson and Ryan Shotton secured a comfortable victory for Gary Rowett's side as they completed a Championship double over the Royals.

And Al Habsi admitted their team's performance on Saturday was simply not up to the standards set in recently wins against Bolton and Nottingham Forest.

“We didn't show up,” confessed the Oman stopper. “We didn't start the game very well and when you do that against a team trying to get into the top six you will be punished.

“They created two chances in the first half and scored two goals. After that it was really difficult for us.

“Birmingham sat back and defended very well. It was a tough game.

“The way we played was not how we played against Bolton and Nottingham Forest.

“We usually play well and home and we don't often lose, but on Saturday everything went wrong.

“It didn't go the way we wanted it to go and we are sorry to everyone who came to watch us and support us. I don't think we did enough for them.”

Reading lacked a cutting edge up front against the Blues and rarely tested Adam Legzdins in the visitors' goal.

“Everyone could see from the start that we didn't show enough in that game,” added Al Habsi.

“We were not quick enough, our passing was slow and we didn't get forward enough.

“We didn't really have any clear chances over the 90 minutes. We had a lot of the ball but we no real big chances.

“It was one of those games we have to try and forget about and think about the last six games of the season.

“We want to finish the league higher than where we are now.

“We've shown we have some good and experienced players but sometimes it's hard.

“A lot of international players have been away then we had Bolton away followed by Nottingham Forest and Birmingham at home.

“It's not easy for those who have been flying around with your national team.

“But that's not an excuse because we should have put on a better performance.”

Reading now face a daunting trip to title-chasing Middlesbrough on Tuesday night (7.45pm ko) followed by an away game at Leeds United this Saturday (3pm ko).

Brian McDermott's squad will fly up to the north east in an effort to help their preparations for a stern test at the Riverside.

“We need to come back strongly against Middlesbrough, which is going to be another really tough game, and then we play Leeds away,” Al Habsi continued.

“We need to have confidence going there on Tuesday. It will be a brilliant game and Boro want to be top of the league which is something we have to think about.

“We'll need to be 100% in that game and better than we were on Saturday.

“Like I say, everyone was very disappointed with our performance and we promise to be much better in these next two games."