Reading boss Richardson on 1-1 draw against Bolton Wanderers

The Royals were moments away from victory after Jack Marriott’s strike until Mason Burstow slotted home from close range.

Richardson admitted that his side tired in the latter stages, having used all of their substitution slots by the 65th minute following a couple of injuries. He also claimed that one of those was caused by a “stamp” on Paudie O’Connor.

“Obviously, when you are holding onto the game as much as that and then if we probably defend the set piece better, we win the game,” he told the club channels.

“I thought the first half was very competitive, both sides showing intent with the ball. I felt we finished the first half the strongest, going in 1-0.

“Second half, it was a tough one because we had used all our subs by 60 minutes with a few injuries, the stamp on Paudie (O’Connor) and a few other things. They made their subs after and finished a lot stronger, a lot fresher, than we did.

“We have had four games in 12 days, every three days, and you can see that. If you are not going to win, don’t lose and I think it’s a really good point for us.”

The result keeps Reading on the fringes of the play-offs as they aim to continue their resurgence under ex-Bolton defender Richardson, who took charge in October.

“We have got lads on the pitch, we do a lot of work with them. It is a moment where if we see that moment out, we win the game,” he added.

“Fair credit, they are a very, very good team. They have been going at it in this league for five or six years, going at in really good strength and depth in recruitment and everything else.

“We are still new into our journey. I am 18 games in, the players are still new together. Coming out of what we have been in, in football people want things yesterday and tomorrow but we have got to be really careful what we wish for.

“I think if we keep going in these small steps, we will be fine and tonight was one of them.”

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