TOM McIntyre bemoaned Reading FC’s finishing in the wake of a disappointing 2-0 defeat against high-flying Charlton Athletic, writes Courtney Friday.

Royals had chances to take the lead against Lee Bowyer’s side before the visitors struck twice in the second half through Jonathan Leko and a Lyle Taylor penalty.

George Puscas crashed one effort against the bar early on in proceedings for Reading, before firing a one-on-one chance straight at Charlton’s stopper Dillon Phillips on the stroke of half time.

“It was a tough game against a good side,” groaned McIntyre.

“We did well in the first half, but we lost our shape in the second half.

“Goals change games. If Puscas had put the chance away in the first half then it could have been different, but that’s football.

“Once they scored we were on the back foot. We pressed higher up the pitch and we were more open at the back.

“We didn’t deserve to lose 2-0.”

Royals had been in fine form ahead of Saturday’s clash at Madejski Stadium, taking seven points from their last three games.

And despite slipping several places down the Championship table, McIntyre insisted the best is yet to come from Jose Gomes’ side.

He concluded: “It’s gutting for everyone because you want to win every game, but we have to remember that we’re still a new team.

“There’s so much potential in this team and we have so much more to give.”