READING manager Nigel Adkins was left frustrated with his side’s defending as they went down to a 3-1 defeat away at Brentford on Saturday.

Alan Judge hit the post for the hosts after just 90 seconds, while Nick Blackman’s shot was blocked by Brentford goalkeeper David Button in the early stages.

Jota gave Brentford the lead after 11 minutes, latching onto Alan McCormack’s cross after a mistake by Michael Hector.

Blackman went close on two occasions as Reading looked for a response, but Alex Pritchard doubled the advantage from close range just after the half-hour.

Simon Cox pulled a goal back for the Royals just after half-time and Reading enjoyed some pressure, with Glenn Murray heading over and Button saving Jamie Mackie’s shot.

However, it was Brentford who scored next to tie the game up, Jonathan Douglas heading home Pritchard’s corner on 81 minutes.

Adkins said: “The two goals we conceded in the first half were of our own doing. It’s basic defending. We cannot keep allowing easy balls into the box and easy first contacts.

“It’s too many all season. It needs to be better. It’s hugely annoying and frustrating because I thought we had a good momentum going into the game.”

The result saw Reading slip 13th in the Championship table going into the international break. Their next game is a home match against high-flying Derby on October 18.

Better news for the club is that winger Garath McCleary has signed a new deal at the club. The 27-year-old will remain at the Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2017, with the option of a further year.