Reading FC are in danger of becoming their own worst enemies with one key issue emerging: View | OneFootball

The Royals need to cut out silly mistakes and unforced errors if they are to pick up more points and climb the League One table.

Reading have endured a tough time since the end of the international break.

Losing 1-0 against Leyton Orient after the interval, that was a disappointing result for the Royals, who would have wanted to build on their encouraging start to the 2024/25 campaign.

The fact that this game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium was the O's first league win of the season was particularly disappointing for Ruben Selles' side, who would have been keen to capitalise on their home advantage.

Chem Campbell came close to equalising and Michael Craig hit the post, but on the day, Selles' men weren't good enough and they faced a difficult assignment during their next match against Bolton Wanderers.

Ian Evatt's men may have started the season poorly, but they were always going to be a difficult team to beat, especially at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

A 5-2 loss only dampened the mood further, with the news that Rob Couhig's takeover of the club had collapsed emerging last week.

Ahead of their home game against Huddersfield Town, things couldn't be much worse at the SCL Stadium, with the Royals at risk of becoming involved in another relegation battle if they don't pick up points in the coming weeks.

It's clear that off-field events haven't helped the Berkshire side, but some things that have been happening on the pitch were clearly avoidable.

Some unforced errors haven't helped the Berkshire side in recent weeks.

Firstly, Orient's winner was completely avoidable and unfortunately, one man has to take a considerable portion of the blame.

It's right to say that the defenders probably could have done better, but it was a howler from goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke, who should have been able to save Charlie Kelman's shot quite comfortably.

Errors also prevented any chance of the Royals taking a point or three back from Bolton.

Lewis Wing's clumsy foul gave the hosts a free kick in an ideal position, which was taken well by Josh Sheehan to make it 1-0.

Less than 10 minutes later, Amadou Mbengue conceded a penalty after pulling down Dion Charles, and this spot kick was converted.

Bolton's third goal was also preventable, with Jeriel Dorsett's miskick keeping Wanderers' attack alive, and Tyler Bindon's needless foul on Victor Adeboyejo gave the home team the chance to make it four from the penalty spot.

The Berkshire side went in 4-1 down at the break - and from there - it was about damage limitation.

Sam Smith's penalty gave the visitors a bit of hope, but Bolton were able to add a fifth and this loss left the Royals empty-handed once again.

Reading FC's squad has the potential to respond to adversity

The current situation is tough on the Royals' squad, but they have some of the ingredients needed to be successful.

At centre-back, Tyler Bindon and Amadou Mbengue have shown their quality as a partnership before, and they need to show that again on Saturday and beyond.

Both are talented young footballers who can be a real force in League One when in top form.

Kelvin Abrefa, if comes into the starting lineup, should help to provide more of a threat going forward.

And in midfield, the likes of Lewis Wing, Ben Elliott and Harvey Knibbs can all make a real difference in the final third, along with Charlie Savage, whose shooting ability can't be underestimated.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan started the season very well out wide and can be a real threat on the left-hand side - and Sam Smith is one of the league's best strikers on his day.

All of these players are led by Ruben Selles, who is a talented and loyal manager. He has stuck with the Royals through their tough times.

Their away record needs to improve under him, but you can't envy his job at this point.