Reading slipped out of the top six with a disappointing home defeat in front of a good Easter Bank Holiday crowd. Lincoln City had a game plan which worked perfectly, preventing the Royals from establishing control of the game, or mounting any significant pressure on their well-organised and determined defence. From start to finish Reading could not cope with the physicality or intensity of City’s play all over the pitch.

Chances were few and far between, and although Reading enjoyed over 60% of the possession City were more direct, winning nine corners to Reading’s three and produced five goal attempts on target to Reading's two. The one that mattered being a glancing header from Collins mid-way through the second half which crept inside the post.

Not for the first time this season Reading were bullied by a physical side constantly snapping at their heels to stifle the passing game which has produced such a string of results making them credible play-off contenders. The foul count tells the story with City conceding nineteen in total and several more which went unpunished by a lenient referee. There were several late challenges intended to intimidate, and a stronger referee might have nipped that problem in the bud early in the game. Three of Lincoln’s four yellow cards came after they had taken the lead.

In contrast to recent games, it would be difficult to identify any individual who played particularly well. It was overall, simply a below par team effort, and when they fell behind, Reading looked flat and short of ideas. The substitutions made little impact on the game in terms of producing an attacking threat. Ehibhatiomhan had a good first half but faded, and Wareham unusually struggled to make an impact on a resolute City back line.

Make no mistake about it, Reading are capable of bouncing back from this result and finishing in the top six. With three game to go there is everything still play for.

John Wells