Coppell left 'dumbstruck' by Burnley defeat

It is at times like this that football managers earn their money.

Reading’s superb start to the season, which saw them become the top scorers in English football, has ground to a halt following Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Burnley and Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home with QPR.

Royals boss Steve Coppell was left dumbstruck after watching his team completely dominate Burnley for 80 minutes - only to lose in the 81st to substitute Robbie Blake’s strike.

“The longer the game went on, the more I thought we were going to win,” said the bemused boss.

“If the goal had been a couple of inches wider or taller it would have been a comfortable game for us I think.

“In many ways I’d like to compliment my players. But coming away with nothing after a performance like that and with the chances we had...we’re all bitterly disappointed.”

Reading were definitely the better side at Turf Moor, but remarkably an attack which has been on fire this season seemed to be extinguished by the cold weather as the Royals hit the woodwork three times and found Danish keeper Brian Jensen in sensational form.

Coppell added: “The dressing room is numb.

“We hit the post and crossbar a number of times and their goalkeeper made some tremendous saves, before they scored out of nothing.
“In the second half we played ever so well. We were powerful and had that drive.”

The Royals drop to fourth after the loss.

After the QPR draw, Coppell reflected: “We can’t be brilliant at home all the time.

“It’s only the first one we’ve not won here and it’s still a decent result."

Reading travel to Bristol City on Saturday.