THE temptation might be to write off Saturday’s dismal defeat to Reading as one of those things, a bad day at the office.

Yet the temptation should be resisted, as a result like this has been on the cards since the start of this season.

Burnley have had seven home games this term but have failed to show up in any of them until the second half.

Both Nottingham Forest and Leicester City could have been two up at the break and only PNE’s kamikaze defending prevented them taking local bragging rights.

More often than not, a post-interval blitz has been good enough to secure all three points. The difference on Saturday was that the home side failed to put in a shift until they were two goals and a man down.

There were those who sought to apportion the bulk of the blame at the door of referee Nigel Miller.

And though it is hard to believe Turf Moor will witness a more inept refereeing display this season, he does not bear the yoke of responsibility for Saturday’s no-show. That is entirely down to Brian Laws and the players.

The manager claimed that half of the team played below par, which makes one wonder what game the manager was watching if he believed the other five or six of his charges turned in an acceptable performance. It was a wretched display from front to back.

The Royals found it far too easy to get in behind Burnley’s defence.

Tyrone Mears, Andre Bikey and, fatally, Leon Cort were given a chasing by Shane Long, Jobi McAnuff and Jay Tabb. Not that they were helped by a midfield in which Jack Cork and Wade Elliott produced only fitfully, and Dean Marney marooned himself on the periphery. Chris Eagles was in scintillating form against Barnsley but cut a frustrated figure.

And while there can be no beef with Chris Iwelumo’s goal return, if he is not scoring he contributes little else.

Yet perhaps Burnley’s biggest problem was a lack of leadership.

Elliott is not a natural captain. Graham Alexander and Clarke Carlisle are the team’s heartbeat.

But with the former out of form and the latter serving a suspension, the Clarets were rudderless.

At least Carlisle will return for tomorrow’s trip to Villa Park.

And on the evidence of Saturday’s horror show, Burnley will need all the help they can get.