Reading FC: Jaap Stam insists Royals were denied a cast-iron penalty in a 'very harsh' defeat at Millwall

A first Royals goal for Dave Edwards in the 73rd minute put Stam’s men in command at New Den last night.

But ex-Reading youth player George Saville struck in the 80th and 85th minutes to complete a Lions comeback.

However, Stam claimed Edwards was also denied a nailed-on penalty in injury time when he was clattered by James Meredith, but referee Andy Madley turned it down.

"It's very harsh and everybody's very frustrated," groaned Stam, with Reading 18th in the table and without a win in four Championship matches.

“At the end it was a penalty. Dave was first to the ball, he tapped it away from the defender and the defender went into Dave. Even in extra time, you can still give a penalty for that.

“Millwall didn't have many chances, but the two they got they scored. At certain times we're giving opportunities to the opposition. Not many, and yet still the opposition still seem to score one or two at the moment.”

Dave Edwards is sent tumbling in the box by Millwall's James Meredith. Pictures: Jason Dawson/jasonpix.

Royals have now won just two of their opening nine league fixtures which is their worst start to the season since 2009 under Brendan Rodgers.

Stam, though, called for patience, saying: "We need to stay calm, believe in ourselves and the results will come. The confidence is there.

"Millwall got three points and we've got nothing. As you say, it can be a cruel game.”

Royals fans have become increasingly critical of Stam’s failure to sign a second striker in the summer to add to Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.

Bodvarsson started on the bench again last night despite coming on to score the equaliser against Hull City on Saturday.

It means no Reading player in the starting XI had scored this season – so there was little surprise when Stam’s men failed to find the net during the first half for the ninth league game in a row.

Dave Edwards heads Royals ahead at the New Den.

"It's very frustrating,” added Stam after seeing his side dominate possession again.

“You know it's not going to be an easy game, Millwall put the ball forward quickly and get a lot of balls into the box. There were a lot of battles, you know you need to dig in deep.

"We were prepared for that. We did quite well in the first half although we could have had more control of the ball.

"Then in the second half we had more time on the ball as they got tired and we scored from a set piece.

Reading manager Jaap Stam and assistant Andries Ulderink shout instructions from the touchline.

"We were looking at scoring a second goal, but when Millwall have set pieces, you know it can be difficult and it worked for them in the end.

"Then, another ball in the box, it falls to their player on the edge of the box, it takes a deflection, the ball is in the back of the net and you've lost the game.

"It's very harsh, and everybody's very frustrated."

Reading return to Madejski Stadium this Saturday to face Norwich City in a televised clash (5.30pm ko, live Sky Sports), and Stam added: "Now we go back home and look for that win against Norwich."