Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic believes his side are on the right path as they suffered a "cruel" last-gasp defeat at Middlesbrough.

"Football was today cruel to us. A severe punishment in the end," the disappointed Puanovic said. "I think our team, after the Fulham game, reestablished the spirit and identity very well. I think that’s what we showed today during the first 85 minutes.

"At the end, we conceded two late goals and showed the only aspect of the game we still can’t control very well. And I’ll explain the reasons for that: which is the mentality and management of the game in the last minutes.

"When you look at how we have to manage our formations and our personnel on the field due to injuries that keep coming - today we lost Junior, we’ll see for how long. When you do that obviously you’re going to concede opportunities and it may happen. But it shouldn’t. It’s time to learn.

"I always say, youngsters, it’s a great experience for them, great early experience for them but we have to step up to the occasion and in this moment we need actions. And actions will come whatever that’s going to mean for everyone in our environment, actions will come."

It was certainly a much-improved performance from the Royals, despite the final scoreline, and Paunovic feels it was the right response following the difficult last week that saw his side beaten by Kidderminster harriers and then drubbed by Fulham.

"We brushed it off our shoulders and I think that's the statement we gave today. Last five minutes wasn’t good but everything else…team play, spirit, experienced guys propelled and dictated the way we played, the way we were composed, and I think the youngsters followed.

"It’s unlucky, it was really cruel today. But I’m proud of the effort, I believe in these guys, and we are on the right path to come back. And Wednesday we’re going to come back and fight back and fight strong."

Paunovic's team are back in action on Wednesday evening when Luton Town visit the Select Car Leasing Stadium.