PHIL Parkinson admits dropping two points against Reading was a blow – but insists his game-plan was working as planned up until the latter stages of the game.

After taking a 2-0 lead at half time through Reece Burke and Darren Pratley, Wanderers seemed to sit back in the second period and invite more pressure from the Royals.

Liam Moore hauled his side back into the game in the 76th minute before Leandro Bacuna scored from the spot to salvage a point.

The comeback prompted an angry response from some Wanderers fans, who claim Parkinson should have made earlier changes from the bench.

“Of course it’s a blow, having led 2-0,” the manager said. “But I thought we were excellent in the first half and for large parts of the second half.

“They were always going to have possession, rolling the ball out of the back, and they probably had the same amount in both halves. I felt comfortable in the second period.

“Ben made one good save but I thought the lads were doing their job really, really well.

“Unfortunately the first goal gave them a huge boost of energy and they went on to get a second, even though we could have nicked it in the end.”

Wanderers did burst into life late in the game and would have scored a third but for two excellent late saves from Anssi Jaakola in the Reading goal.

“There were two great chances to go and win the game,” he said. “We are disappointed, we have to be. They are a good side, play-off finalists last year, we knew the way they’d play.

“The way we set up was excellent, we were very disciplined in our approach, everyone did their job.

“Giving the penalty away was that lack of concentration, which has ultimately cost us.”