Reading FC boss Mark Bowen said that he was pleased with his sides showing in the pre-season triumph over Gillingham at the Madejski Stadium.

Quickfire goals from Lucas Joao and Andy Rinomhota gave Reading the lead their performance deserved before the deficit was halved from the penalty spot.

But, Reading held on and got their pre-season off to a winning start ahead of games against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

Speaking after the game, Bowen said: “There were a lot of good things to see. We went a different way of playing - with three at the back which I did when I first came in.

“We've been working on it, so the early messages we've been giving them they took into the game well.

“It was 2-1 but we could possibly have won 5-0 - we had a lot of good chances but I'm pleased. I saw a lot of good things.”

Bowen recognised the need for further reinforcements to his squad after the game, stating that the club hoped to bring in ‘five or six’ new additions ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

“I want to see some new bodies come into the building.

“From the end of last year the club lost 12 players and so far only Josh has come in.

“I'll keep saying we've got to try and get the right players in because everyone gets a lift when new players come in.

“Last year I had 26 outfield players and that was too many but when 12 go out you want to bring five or six in.

“They have to be the right ones and not just squad players.

“I want players who that are going to be pushing for starting places.

“Everyone knows last year I was juggling a lot of things.

“I had a lot of strikers, but no one grabbed the shirt and said it's mine, so if we can strengthen those key areas, we'll make it a leaner, hungrier squad.”

Mark Bowen also confirmed that talks remain ongoing with Ovie Ejaria and he hopes for clarity on the situation in the next week.