Monk’s strugglers rumbled by Royals
GARRY MONK admitted his players’ confidence is shot and results “are not good enough” as he faces a fans’ revolt.
A season that promised a promotion charge has now disintegrated in spectacular and demoralising fashion.
Sheffield Wednesday are now nine points adrift of the play-offs after being disposed of by a professional Reading show led by sparky teenager Michael Olise and the excellent Ovie Ejaria.
Goals from Yakou Meite, his 10th of the season, and George Puscas sealed an easy win before substitute Sam Baldock added an injury-time penalty.
Monk said: “It’s very difficult at this moment in time. It’s a big job – a lot needs to change to build for the future.
“You can see there is a lack of confidence.
“We’re in a cycle where results have not been good enough and we can’t seem to change it.”
Reading took the lead in the 21st minute as Ejaria slotted a fine ball through the Wednesday centre-backs for Meite to poke under Cameron Dawson in goal.
The Owls were booed off at half-time then Osaze Urhoghide chopped down Ejaria as he broke down the left wing and was sent off in the 49th minute.
Puscas smashed in a skidding, speculative shot from 25 yards which took a slight deflection but Dawson should have saved it.
And Baldock won a late penalty when he was bundled over by Dominic Iorfa which he converted himself.
Reading boss Mark Bowen said: “When we get things right we are a match for any team in this league.
“They are having a difficult patch and we had to feed off that.”
LET IT GO! Westwood’s corner flies straight in