Reading FC boss Brian McDermott has called for a fresh start in the wake of his side’s 2-1 defeat at Charlton Athletic in the League Cup on Tuesday night.

The Royals are in a patch of fraying form and goals from Paul Benson and Jason Euell crystallised the League One side’s advantage, before debutant Sean Morrison struck late to ensure a dramatic finale. 

Reflecting on a third straight loss, McDermott said: “We need to get back to basics and what we are about - the shape of the team. I’ve been in football long enough to know what is required.

“For me, this is like starting again, I will not make excuses, I’ll get my head down, we all will, and we'll get it right.

McDermott’s side began brightly as Ivorian Mathieu Manset went close, seeing his header bundled off the line by Addicks defender Cedric Evina.

Manset was left ruing his missed opportunity when Benson’s untidy poke from a loose ball in the six-yard box put his side 1-0 up.

The Royals were now defending with backs against the wall. Only a stunning bicycle kick from Shaun Cummings prevented Bradley Pritchard’s lob from dipping in.

Inevitably enough, Charlton were 2-0 up soon after the hour. Euell rose in space to head home Simon Francis’ cross.

But the last 20 minutes saw Reading’s best spell. Jobi McAnuff’s cross triggered havoc in the home penalty area, with Morrison driving home after a frantic scramble.

Manset was soon after denied again when his bullish header was cleared off the line by the attentive Scott Wagstaff.

Charlton managed to weather the storm though, despite substitutes Hal Robson-Kanu and debutant Joseph Mills adding much needed spark to the Royals.

McDermott said: “You can’t criticise individuals for their endeavour, but as a team, we were very disappointing. We have to alleviate this result very, very quickly.