Mark Bowen labelled his side 'a bit stale' after a drab 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town at the Madejski Stadium.

Reading had just two shots on target as they struggled to break down the visiting Terriers. 

Speaking after the game, Bowen admitted his side lacked quality against lowly Huddersfield.

"We were a little bit stale and we lacked quality in the final third.

"We didn't really do enough quality wise in the final third to turn a point into three points.

"Going into today's game on the back of the 5-0 which could have been seven or eight - I always felt going into the game it would be a bit of a lethargic start.

"It's a bit of a hangover from Saturday. I just had this feeling when we did get into those areas we were either sloppy in possession or made the wrong pass."

Bowen came in for some criticism on social media for selecting Jordan Obita over a more naturally offensive player on the left wing.

Responding to these claims, Bowen said: "We missed Ovie and his ability to create something. You always miss a player of his quality.

"Every time Obita has come on or started on the left side his delivery into the box has been outstanding.

"If it's a character comparison between him and McCleary or Boye, Obita's assists show he is far better than them anyway.

"Puscas was a bit flat tonight and I put Meite into the striker role but he didn't get set up with any real quality."