AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson felt his side were 'a match' for Reading in their 0-2 defeat at Plough Lane.

The Royals, virtually full-strength for the first 65 minutes, took the lead just before half-time and doubled it in the final 20 minutes with goals from Yakou Meite and Jeff Hendrick.

Goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis, making his first start, saved a second half penalty to keep Paul Ince's side's noses in front.

691 travelling fans made the trip to South London during record-breaking temperatures and were rewarded for their loyalty.

Despite being two divisions below, the hosts were competitive throughout and could have taken a first half lead through Will Nightingale's header which was blazed over.

Speaking to the media after the match, the former Charlton Athletic stalwart was pleased with his team's performance and that he felt they were 'unfortunate' to fall behind.

“There was a lot of positives to take from the evening," he started. "It was a much improved performance from Saturday. We moved the ball a lot better for big spells, especially the first half – we were pretty much a match for them. We were unfortunate to go in a goal behind.

"We probably didn’t quite get what we deserved, we definitely deserved a goal. We obviously had the penalty that we missed and that can happen.

“A couple of other moments, ball off the line from a corner. I was desperate for the lads to get a goal because their efforts on the evening deserved it."