Reading stunned the huge contingent of travelling Pompey fans into silence racing into a two goal lead midway through the first half with excellent strikes from Wing and Savage. A two goal lead usually provides a platform to control the game, but at no stage did Reading look in control.

Startled by their unexpected success the Royals sat back and defended poorly. Portsmouth, unbeaten this season, were always going to take advantage of that situation. Gaping holes at the back and an absence of pressure on the ball resulted in an inevitable Pompey goal. Anjorin reduced the lead after thirty three minutes drifting unchallenged into the box to beat Button from ten yards.

Smith and Azeez posed a threat with their pace and aggression on the break and Smith could easily have restored Reading's two goal advantage but missed the target after going past the Pompey keeper

If Reading could have reached half time with a one goal lead they might have been able take a point from this tough fixture. Unfortunately Pompey equalised through Bishop in the ninth minute of stoppage time after a minimum of eight minutes of stoppage time added to enable stewards to clear a cascade of tennis balls hurled onto the pitch in yet another futile protest against an owner who clearly not at all concerned about popularity.

There was a lack of intensity and energy about Reading's play with the notable exception of Smith who won just about every ball in the air and tormented the vistors defence with a second excellent performance of the week.

Thirteen minutes into the second half Portsmouth added a third and winning goal which was largely attributed to poor defending. Pompey were given ample time and space to deliver crosses into the Reading box all afternoon, and that sloppiness lead to the winner. A long and high ball to the far post from could have been caught by Button or headed clear by Guinness- Walker but instead Bishop was left unchallenged to nod the ball down for Devlin, also unmarked, to volley past Button.

The arrival of Mbengue, Elliot and Mukairu galvanised Reading into action and Reading began to look like getting back into the game. It has to be said the body language and commitment of Knibbs and Azeez looked questionable before they were given the hook.

Ehibhatiomhan had a chance but a heavy touch hampered his finish. It took a brilliant save from Norris to out a great strike from Elliott, and Button of all people in a desperate foray forward late in the game also had a chance to equalise.

It was a case of too little too late but basically as a team Reading came up short when under pressure. Yiadom returning from suspension was at his best but I am not sure the omission of Abbey was wise.

To round off another disappointing performance Mbengue was given a red card after the final whistle after a clash that had been brewing almost as soon as Mbengue arrived on the pitch and started to show some much needed aggression. Pity he will now be unavailable for the next match. Reading need a bit more of what he offers!

Doubts about team selection and tactics are beginning to cast a shadow over Selles and he needs a win very soon or he may find himself being replaced.

Problems off the field and on the field are currently not looking likely to resolved quickly or easily. Worrying times indeed for Reading fans.

John Wells