Crumbled and lost composure was the assessment of Veljko Paunovic as Reading, Rovers’ next opponents, let a two-goal half-time lead slip as they felt to defeat at the hands of Blackpool.

Reading looked set for a sixth win in seven games as they raced into a two-goal lead, only for the Seasiders to hit back with three goals in the final quarter to condemn the Royals to defeat.

Paunovic says the team and himself will take responsibility for the late capitulation and look to put it right at Ewood Park on Saturday, which comes seven days after Rovers let a two-goal lead of their own slip as Coventry City hit back to earn a point.

He said: “In the second half, we definitely failed as a team. We have to acknowledge we didn't do a good job and didn't confront the opponent properly, especially when we conceded the first goal because after that we crumbled and lost composure.

“It's something which is definitely disappointing to see but we all acknowledge this mistake, accept this responsibility, as a whole team and I include myself, but we are a good team.

“We have a good group and I'm 100 per cent I'm going to fix it and the good thing is that we have a game on Saturday.

“We need to regroup and recompose because this team can do great things if we are all on the same page.

“It shows once again how difficult the Championship is, how everyone can beat everyone.

“We'll look to take our chances on Saturday at Blackburn.”

Reading’s excellent recent run came after a disastrous start that saw them take only four points from their opening six games in which they conceded 16 goals.

Things have improved at the back during a run which had seen them take 18 points out of a possible 21, with three clean sheets in four games heading into the Blackpool defeat.

Scott Dann, who opened the scoring last night, will be back at Ewood Park on Saturday having joined as a free agent last month, though Reading remain without Lucas Joao and Yakou Meite.

But in a bid to stay positive, Paunovic said: “We don't have too much time, but we do know this team is capable,” Paunovic said.

“I will encourage everyone to stay positive, acknowledge a big mistake but also remain positive because this is a long league, there's a long way to go for everyone and there will be some disappointments, but hopefully there will be much more joy and happiness.

“We'll work on the positives to create a positive future.”