Reading manager, Leam Richards felt “disappointed” with the refereeing quality in their 0-0 draw at Plymouth.
The stalemate at Home Park left Plymouth and Reading sat fifth and sixth respectively in the League One table, with Richardson frustrated at the stop-start nature of Plymouth’s play but believed that his team were almost with their tactical execution.
“I thought we were nearly there today,” explained Richardson to RoyalsTV as he praised Paudie O’Connor and Josh Knight for their performances. “With the way Plymouth play, they want restarts and balls into the box- a game of duals.
“I thought we stood up to it today- Paudie and Knighty were excellent. Their players are a handful, with Pepple, Evans and Ameachi, but we dealt with their front players well all afternoon.”
Richardson though was critical of the refereeing who easily allowed Plymouth to use their stop-start tactics to halt the Royals’ spells of momentum, with Kyreece Lisbie unfortunate not to score.
“I’m disappointed with the officials, it was restart after restart and that is how they want to play. I felt every time we got a foothold in the game; they changed the momentum. We have to be better when we have those moments.
“That final ball and final action – Kyreece got himself in again, which he has a good habit of doing, but the last action. I’m pleased with the clean sheet and the work ethic because it is not easy coming here.”
Richardson though admitted that his team knew what to expect but further expanded his scrutiny as he expressed belief that referee – Stephen Martin helped Plymouth by permitting their constant stop-start antics, yet added that Reading were wasteful with their own chances.
“We knew what was coming with Plymouth, they want balls into the box and a large number of restarts. I thought the referee helped them in a lot of ways but keep the game going and let it be the spectacle that it was.
“We were looking for the final bit of quality with all our flair players on the pitch- you hope they link together. Wingy hit the post, Jack had a few snapshots and so did Daniel, but we just couldn’t find the last bit of quality.”
Forward, Jack Marriott made a return from injury but Richardson was pleased with how the team stuck to the basics and eventually grinded out a point.
“It is great to have Jack back. He will be up and running, eager and hungry for goals as all our flair players are.
“Their pressure is to make sure that these games fall in our favour but if you aren’t going to win, make sure you stick to your fundamentals, stay strong and don’t lose. Shake hands, move on and we will see them next time.”
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