Ruben Selles Analyses Reading’s ‘Difficult Night’ At Stockport County

The Royals collapsed to a 4-1 defeat, having brought the scores level in the first half.

The Royals suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Stockport County at Edgeley Park.

Stockport took the lead in the 18th minute through Will Collar. Chem Campbell equalised shortly after but Kyle Wootton put the home side ahead again three minutes later. Lewis Bate scored a brace to seal the win.

The defeat moves us to ninth in the table, one point off the play-offs.

Here is what manager Ruben Selles had to say. He spoke to the Reading Chronicle and Wokingham Today.

Selles on the defeat

“We knew it was a difficult game. I think we had some periods in the first half where we pressed well but we never were really good enough and the opponent were better than us. It has been a good period for us, but it didn’t end in the best way possible.

“We started the game with some good pressure high up the pitch and came back after their goal.

“Their second goal hurt us a bit and we never really came back into the game. It’s a difficult night for us, but in the last 10 days we won three and lost one.

“The boys have given me everything, it’s happened and we move forward.”

Selles on Sam Smith

“He got a kick in his feet on the weekend, and he woke up on Sunday with a big foot and not able to work. We expect him to be two to three weeks so let’s see if he can play at Stevenage or we have to wait for the next one.

“Sam is a key player for us, but we will not make excuses. There are others - Jayden did an excellent job at Exeter last week. Things happen and we have to cope with them.”

Selles on Fleetwood FA Cup Clash on Saturday

“We need to protect some of the players with the physicality of playing lots of games consecutively. We cannot risk players, and we tried to take care of Kelvin [Ehibhatiomhan] a little bit. The fatigue came in the last minute with the cross and we need to see - he feels his hip a little bit, so we need to scan it.”

Selles on the fans

“The support away from home has been amazing and we wanted to thank them. Everyone knows the situation we are in as a club and they really value the effort. It’s important to say thank you.”