READING FC boss Paul Ince admitted that his team could have been out of the game early on had it not been for the performance of Joe Lumley.
The goalkeeper made a few spectacular saves to keep the Royals in the contest after a blistering start from Albion.
“We looked like a tired team with three games in seven days,” said Ince.
“They’ve had an extra day off so we knew what was coming.
“We took a while to get to grips with it. We could have been two or three down before you know it, but Joe (Lumley) was fantastic.
“We could have been 3-0 down after three minutes with the game gone.
“Lucky for Joe we managed to stay in the game. He’s a top keeper, that’s why I’ve got him here.
“Again today he kept us in the game and that’s the type of players we want at this club.
“Unfortunately for us we let ourselves down, but in the second half I thought we played very well but you can’t keep letting balls into the box. I keep saying it.
“Then we were 1-0 down and chasing the game.”
Ince was disappointed with the chance that Baba Rahman squandered with just minutes left as Reading tried to snatch a point with a late push.
He continued: “He’s got to score. He’s four yards out. You’ve got to score. If that falls to Lucas (Joao), it’s 1-1.
“Swansea took a lot out of us at home. Then to go to Norwich and West Brom in the space of three days is madness.”
The Royals boss admitted that he expects to make plenty of changes for Reading’s FA Cup tie with Watford on Saturday.
“We have to (make changes). We’ve got a big squad but most of those players are out on their feet. Players like Tom and Jeff won’t be taking part come Saturday, whether they will be on the bench I’m not sure but it’s been a tough Christmas period for them.
“There will be a few kids involved. It’s always important to compete in the FA Cup, I don’t want to just throw it away in front of the home fans.
“I want to try and get in the next round but I have to think about staying in this league. We’ve put ourselves in a very good position
“It’s tough because the fans always want you to put the strongest side out but we can’t where we are at.
“ We will be competitive and Watford have a lot of injuries at the moment. A lot of teams in the Championship will play lesser teams.”
