READING FC got what they deserved after a shambolic second-half display saw Royals lose 4-0 to managerless Ipswich Town, according to Chris Gunter.

Four goals in 20 minutes saw Reading leave Madejski Stadium with their heads in their hands - and to a chorus of boos from the supporters in the stands.

Martin Waghorn had given Tractor Boys a second-half lead after John Swift missed a gilt-edged chance to put Reading in front.

But Paul Clement’s side crumbled under pressure and soon found themselves on the wrong end of a thrashing.

And vice-captain Gunter, who stood in for the absent Paul McShane, admitted he and his teammates were well below par.

“There could be a lot of words we could use [to sum up the performance],” asserted Gunter.

“I think the talking was done on the pitch. We were nowhere near good enough in the second half.

“We were punished and we got what we deserved.

“It’s hugely disappointing but that’s stating the obvious. You wouldn’t want to insult anyone by saying anything different.

“Now it’s just a case of taking what’s thrown at you, the feeling we’ll experience over the next couple of days before we get back on the training pitch.

Reading could have secured Championship survival with a win this afternoon.

As things stand, they will need a point at Cardiff City next weekend.

However, if Royals lose and other results go their way, they will remain in the second tier come August.

And Gunter continued: “We need to make sure we have the best week of our lives leading into one of the biggest.

“We had a couple of chances and we were doing okay to be honest but that seems like a long time ago now.

“The last 20 or 25 minutes was poor. It would be a different game if we had taken our chances.

“It’s not a nice feeling, it’s important to use this feeling now.

“We need to turn up next week and get a result.”

The stands swiftly emptied after the final whistle with Reading poised to carry out their traditional lap of honour.

Less than 1,000 supporters stayed behind to clap the payers.

And Gunter stressed: “Any of the boys in the changing rooms, if we were fans today then we probably wouldn’t have waited around after the game.

“They had to wait a long time and after what they watched so to stay, I have to give them a huge thankyou.

“They have been the one constant throughout the season and they deserve better than what they got today and pretty much most of the season.

“That’s not to say we don’t appreciate the ones that went home because I completely understand why they wouldn’t want to stay after that.”