READING City joint-manager Andy Findlay offered no excuses for the 4-1 defeat against Ardley United at the Rivermoor Stadium on Monday.

Findlay admitted: “The better team won on the night and we’ve got no complaints. Ardley were a very good side and deserved to win.”

However, Reading were missing their first choice back four with Tom Moran, Alfie Grant, Rob Gerrard, Matt Hancock and Chris Gerrard all unable to play.

Findlay added: “Our strength in depth wasn’t good enough on the night.”

The makeshift defence could not handle Greg Hackett, who netted a hat-trick, with Billy Gillett adding the other goal before Joe Grant grabbed a late consolation for the hosts.

Reading’s only two Hellenic Premier Division defeats so far this season have come at the hands of Ardley, who won the reverse fixture 3-0 last month and when Hackett was also on target.

With player availability continuing to be a problem, City now face the long trek down to Gloucestershire to face Lydney Town this Saturday afternoon (3pm).

Reading also host Flackwell Heath in round one of the Berks & bucks Senior Cup at Rivermoor next Monday (7.45pm) which means a return to Scours Lane for former player-manager Marcus Richardson and his assistant Fabian Coultress.