READING FC boss Veljko Paunović stressed his side should have taken “at least a point” after Royals slipped to a 3-2 defeat to Stoke City today (Saturday).

Royals came from behind twice as goals from John Swift and skipper Liam Moore cancelled out strikes from Nick Powell and Jacob Brown.

But the hosts had the final say when second-half substitute Sam Surridge picked up the ball inside the box before firing beyond the helpless Rafael.

Reading know the importance of starting a season well after going eight games undefeated last season but were unable to replicate that scintillating form this time around.

“Sometimes you can accept a defeat but today is not one of those days,” bemoaned Paunovic.

“We were good in parts of the game. Of course, coming back (from behind) twice is positive.

“But when the score was 2-2 we lost our momentum through a lot of interruptions, injuries and delays from both sides.

“That affected us and we dragged our heels a little bit before conceding the third goal.

“Describing this makes me feel disappointed. I believe we dropped at least a point today and I’m not happy about it.”

Royals are embroiled in an ongoing transfer saga with the EFL and are yet to add a single player to their already depleted squad.

They lost some key players in the summer transfer window with Omar Richards switching to German giants Bayern Munich and Michael Olise switching to top-flight Crystal Palace.

The squad lacks so much depth that Paunovic was forced to name just five substitutions at Bet 365 stadium.

And the Reading manager conceded there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

“It’s the consequence of injuries and the fact that this is the squad that we have,” stated the 43-year-old, who is yet to make a single permanent signing since taking the reins at Select Car Leasing Stadium.

“There is no update from the EFL.”

One of few positives for Royals saw John Swift return to his best.

The midfield maestro, now entering his fifth season with Reading, endured an injury-plagued campaign last season but looks to have put his woes behind him.

And he proved his importance against Stoke with a goal and an assist before being taken off in the second half due to cramp.

Paunovic added: “Swift was fantastic.

“That was the best game I have seen him play since coming back from several injuries last season.

“It was unfortunate that he started to cramp. We spoke to him and he was doubtful if he could continue and we cannot risk him.

“When he needed to be subbed off we lost control of the game.”

Royals were without star man Ovie Ejaria who is currently nursing a groin injury.

That meant academy product Femi Azeez was handed his full league debut while young Ethan Bristow was also given his first Championship start.

Paunovic continued: “Femi Azeez and Ethan Bristow were two of the positives for sure. They did well in front of a crowd for the very first time.

“Femi affected the attack. The first goal came from his movement along with the rest of the team who joined the attack.

“He was tired at the end of the game and started to feel some cramps so we were forced to make another substitution – we didn’t want to take him off.

“Ethan also did well. In the first half, he played against a very good player and managed to figure out how to play against him.

“He had help from the bench because he was on our side of the pitch and in the second half, he still did well. It was a great experience for the young players and a great test of their personality and character.”

Royals face Swansea City in the Carabao Cup at Select Car Leasing Stadium on Tuesday before welcoming Preston North End to Berkshire next Saturday.