Reading FC hit for four by newly-promoted Rotherham United

Three down at half-time, goalkeeper Joe Lumley did not cover himself in glory with two strikes in particular, compounding a bad day at the office for Paul Ince's side.

On the back of a 2-1 win over Cardiff City last week, only one enforced change was made as Mamadou Loum made his league bow in the place of injured Ovie Ejaria.

The onslaught began just seven minutes into the match as the conceding early trend continued. A dangerous cross was floated in, and captain Richard Wood was on hand to direct it past Lumley. Less than 10 minutes later Connor Washington was played through on goal over the defence and powerfully slammed the ball into the back of the net at the front post. Reeling and struggling, it was three shortly after in comical fashion. A seemingly harmless effort was originally saved by Lumley; however, the on-loan Middlesbrough keeper dropped it and could only watch as it squirmed under his body and over the line.

After the drinks break, the Royals had appeared to improve, offering more of a threat in the Millers’ half. Tom Ince saw his half-volley crash into the side netting after being found by Nesta Guinness-Walker before the left-back saw an effort drop wide himself after slipping on contact. The hosts continued to assert their dominance toward the end of the half, causing the defence no end of trouble with their pace and direct play. Just as it looked like it was going to be a three-goal advantage at half-time, Lumley ran out of his box to try and clear a loose pass before being lobbed by the onrushing Chiedozie Ogbene. Starring at an open goal, the forward secured his brace by smashing home in stoppage time to round off a nightmare opening half.

Coming out with nothing to lose, it was Reading who were in control during the early knockings of the second period. Plenty of half chances fell their way with dangerous crosses firing across the box and almost winning a penalty after Guinness-Walker was fouled on the line penalty box before Junior Hoilett fired high and wide.

A long delay for a head injury killed any form of momentum built and soon it was back to end-to-end play with chances for both sides. Rotherham should have made it five in the final 15 minutes, McIntyre throwing himself in front of a shot to divert it behind for a corner.

The 600+ strong away crowd stuck with the team, seeing it through to the bitter end, and they were almost rewarded with a goal when substitute Mamadi Camara was found by Shane Long in the box- only for the defender to smother his shot and eventually be claimed by Viktor Johansson in the home net.

A deflected Hoilett effort tested the keeper in the final 10 minutes, requiring a dive and a strong palm from the Swede, but it followed the theme of the match where nothing was coming off for the deflated Royals.

Having to bounce back quick, Blackburn Rovers visit the SCL Stadium on Wednesday.