READING FC manager Paul Ince believes that ‘lack of concentration’ cost the Royals defeat after they conceded in stoppage time at Preston.
The Royals remain in the Championship relegation zone, a point from safety with five games to go.
“Lack of concentration and it’s not the first time it’s happened,” said Ince when questioned why his team conceded late in the game.
“When you get back in the game as we did, you’ve got to learn to see out games.
“We don’t win the first header. We don’t win the second header.
“It’s great that Kelvin (Ehibhatiomhan) got his equaliser and you’ve got to learn to hold on, but we lacked quality and mental toughness to do that.
“We haven’t got the character to see out games. We make silly mistakes and decisions. They’re costing us time and time again.”
Ince admitted that his side were fortunate to still be in the match with 10 minutes to go when Ehibhationmhan levelled in the 83rd minute, but was left frustrated at the way they lost the match.
Ince continued: “I’m really frustrated. The boys are fighting for their lives.
“Joe (Lumley) kept us in the game and made some wonderful saves.
“We didn’t deserve it (the draw) and we rode our luck. You get that luck and think ‘let’s see it out’.
“There’s nothing you can do about it as a manager.
“The threat of relegation has always been there as long as the six points has been hanging over our head. The timing is diabolical.
“We’re still in it. We can surprise teams. We haven’t got depth which makes it tough. Who knows what can happen.”
When questioned about his future at the club, Ince remained adamant that he is the right man to try and keep the team in the league.
“If you bring someone else in I’m not sure what’s going to change.
“It’s not like the lads aren’t fighting.
“I’ve got absolutely no qualms about that. We’re in this position we’ve been put into.
“You’ve got to think how unfair that is to me and the players.
“You could get Pep (Guardiola) in here, you could get Klopp in here. It wouldn’t be any different.”
