READING FC manager Jaap Stam was delighted with his side as they concluded their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Premier League side Bournemouth on Friday night.

Lewis Cook gave the top-tier side a 37th-minute lead when he collected a ball which bisected the hosts' defence before placing a composed shot past Ali Al Habsi.

However, Reading hit back five minutes into the second half, summer signing John Swift turning home a cross from substitute Craig Tanner from eight yards out.

And although the goalscorer had a couple more chances during a second period Royals dominated, he could not take them as the game ended in a stalemate.

Stam was pleased with the display, however, in particular the second 45 minutes.

He said: “The second half was a lot better than the first half. Not that we didn’t play well first half – but we didn’t press the opponent well enough early on.

“In the second half we got the goal and created a few more chances – it was good to see. The opponent had difficulty in pressing us continuously and we dictated the game in parts – that’s always good against a Premier League side like Bournemouth.”

The Dutchman continued: “Communication-wise we needed to improve in terms of who was going to pick up who in midfield. We didn’t do that well (in the first half) and that allowed them to pass it through our midfield too easily.

“At half time we spoke about it and how to set things right, and as I say it was a lot better second half. We were very compact in there, the spaces were very small and there wasn’t a lot of space for them to pass the ball through.

“And when we won it we kept possession well, unlike in the first half when we gave it away too early because we wanted to go forward too fast.

“We tell the players every day to keep patience and eventually the opponent will get impatient and spaces will open up for you to pass the ball through and create your chances."