Post Match

The Hornets, who have been steadily getting better as the season has gradually unfolded, suffered a setback here after being on the receiving end this time of a single goal in a game.

Watford lose to Reading in the Championship

The Hornets fluffed a hatful of good opportunities to score, despite dominating large chunks of the match, and drew a blank, with Reading goalkeeper Rafael rarely threatened, while George Puscas’s scrappy goal at the end of the first-half was enough for the Royals to seal their fourth win out of four.

Vladimir Ivic claims bad decisions cost Watford at Reading

Watford players rated after Reading defeat

James Garner came closest for the Hornets, thundering a first-half free-kick against the crossbar.

In a more even second period, Watford threatened only sporadically and Reading held on for a relatively comfortable victory.

It was all going rather well.  Too well.  And then two things happened.  Firstly the hosts switched formation to drop an extra body into their increasingly ragged midfield.  Secondly, Tom Dele-Bashiru twisted his knee awkwardly in a fall.

• October