JAAP STAM feels Reading “were the better team” despite losing 4-1 to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Royals fell behind to Isaac Hayden’s first half strike but levelled up on the stroke of half-time through a Garath McCleary penalty.
The Magpies retook the lead shortly after the break, also from the spot with Matt Ritchie converting before Dwight Gayle bagged a late brace.
And the Royals boss believes his side did enough to earn at least a point.
“We should have got something out of the game,” said Stam.
“We deserved a lot more than a 4-1 loss.
“If you look at the game overall, I think we were the better team.
“In terms of style of play, the intent we showed, what we did on the pitch, I think we can be very proud of the guys.”
Reading came in for a lot of criticism following their poor defensive display in defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend but they were much more in the contest this time around, despite naming the same starting 11.
The Magpies led through Hayden’s finish but the visitors nearly responded when Roy Beerens was denied by the crossbar.
And after John Swift won a penalty, Reading went into the break level as McCleary finished.
But the tie again swung when a controversial spot kick saw Chris Gunter penalised in a crowded penalty area allowing Ritchie to step up and just beat Ali Al-Habsi.
Yann Kermorgant’s header threatened to level matters shortly after Danny Williams saw a goal ruled out for offside.
McCleary also saw a penalty appeal waved away before the hosts opened up a two-goal cushion through summer signing Gayle, who curled a fine free kick past Al-Habsi.
Yakou Meite and Joseph Mendes were thrown on to try and find a way back into the match but it was Newcastle who scored again as Gayle tapped in.
“We performed much, much better than we did at Wolves,” said Stam.
“And the players know that.
“I’ve spoken to the team and they agree, they know it was a much better performance.
“Everybody in Newcastle will see the scoreline and say they were the better team, but they weren’t.”
Reading are back in action on Saturday at Madejski Stadium to face early league leaders Brighton and Hove Albion (3pm).
READING: Al-Habsi; Gunter, McShane (c), van den Berg, Obita; Evans (Mendes 83), Williams, Swift; Beerens (Meite 79), McCleary, Kermorgant.
Subs not used: Jaakkola, Watson, Cooper, Quinn, Rakels.
Goal: McCleary (45)
Yellow cards: Obita (19), Williams (40), Gunter (49), Kermorgant (62), Evans (68)
NEWCASTLE: Sels; Anita, Clark, Dummett (c), Mbemba; Ritchie (Aarons 90), Hayden, Shelvey, Gouffran (Colback 83); Perez (Lascelles 75), Gayle.
Subs not used: Darlow, Janmaat, Hanley, Armstrong.
Goals: Hayden (20), Ritchie (50), Gayle x2 (69,89)
Yellow card: Gayle (3)
Referee: Andy Madley
Attendance: 48,209
