Reading should have beaten Plymouth, Leam Richardson says after 2-2 draw

Reading manager Leam Richardson believes his side “could have and should have won” after squandering the lead twice in their 2-2 draw with fellow League One play-off hopefuls Plymouth.

The Royals led after just three minutes through Randell Williams only for Alex Mitchell to equalise three minutes later.

Although the hosts regained their advantage in the 18th minute, when Paudie O’Connor bundled home, Argyle grabbed a second leveller in the 67th minute from Caleb Watts.

Reading extended their unbeaten home run to nine matches and remain only one point from the play-offs.

Richardson said: “I thought it was a good game of football, very good for the neutral.

“In the first half, we were excellent in the spaces. Our performance level was very pleasing.

“But we’ve got to remind ourselves that we were playing one of the most in-form teams in the league at the minute.

“I thought that we gave a really good account of ourselves.

“I was disappointed with the goals that we conceded. We could have been better in those moments.

“But, overall, it was a game that we could have and should have won.

“I thought that we were in control in large parts of the pitch. We had a clear gameplan and we were very clean with it.

“We just had to be better in those final moments, probably like everybody. We’re still working away at being that complete team.

“In fact, we’ll always be working away at that.

“You’ve also got to be very respectful of the team that you’re playing against. They’re an in-form team away from home as well.

“I’m just a bit disappointed at not getting the result that we probably deserved.”

Plymouth stay in tenth place, still three points off the top six.

Head coach Tom Cleverley said: “I thought it was a good game of football.

“We were facing a very good opponent today, they were really clean with the ball.

“It was up to us to get on top in the second half and look like the team in the ascendancy.

“I’m very proud of the application of the boys and their mentality to deal with the setbacks, and to then go for the win.

“We always like to play the game in the opposition half but Reading have got a fantastic coach who wants to do the same.

“So when you’ve got two teams vying for territory, and both fairly good at it, you’re going to get a bit of to and fro.

“I knew it was going to be a tough game. We’re two teams who were in decent form.

“So, to come from behind twice and get a well-deserved point, I’m really pleased.”