Reading boss Mark Bowen slammed his teams display in the 3-0 defeat to Brentford at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Reading were second best all evening and were soundly beaten after goals from Bryan Mbuemo, Josh Dasilva and substitute Joel Valencia.

Speaking after the game, Bowen admitted that tonight's visitors were 'better in every department' than his side today.

"I thought in every department, Brentford were stronger than us.

"They were quicker, brighter and had more of a footballing intelligence on the ball. This culminated in us not really laying a glove on them all night. 

"The first goal was always going to be important, and Brentford took that confidence into the game.

"Any team or individuals who play with a desire look a yard quicker and are a yard quicker. It was like that all night. Right from the off they looked brighter in everything they did.

"In three games we've got one point and that's the bottom line. But we've had two good performances - it was only tonight where Brentford were and are a better side than us.

"When Jose Gomes was here I was looking from a distance the one thing that stuck in my mind was the players tneer mind the manager, didn't put many demands on themselves and each other.

"The players didn't do that again tonight.

"I understand the fans' frustrations. We have to address it and make sure we're prepared for Luton who are fighting for their lives on Saturday."

Bowen challenged his creative players to produce more from the midfield in the upcoming games.

"We didn't control the midfield as much as we wanted to.

"When you have Swift, Olise and Ejaria I expect us to control possession more there - I wouldn't mention Rinomhota because I thought he was fabulous on the night.

"He covered every blade of grass and showed great character in the game. If anybody out of our side can come out of it and think they can hold their head up, it's him."