READING

boss Veljko Paunovic was keen to downplay any pressure on his promotion-chasing side.

The away side registered just one shot on target as they lost ground on second-placed Brentford ahead of their meeting on Wednesday.

‘It is a very important game,’ Paunovic said. ‘One of the most important of the season.’

Stoke boss Michael O’Neill admitted his side need to improve in forward areas. ‘The final ball let us down,’ he said.