Reading boss Ruben Selles admitted 'the opponent were better than us' as his side saw their three-game winning run end with a heavy 4-1 defeat at Stockport County.

Louie Barry grabbed a brace while Kyle Wootton and Will Collar netted for Dave Challinor's side, Chem Campbell scoring in the first half for the Royals.

Speaking to the media at Edgeley Park after the game, Selles said: "We knew it was a difficult game. I think we had some periods in the first half where we pressed well but we never were never really good enough and the opponent were better than us. It has been a good period for us, but it didn’t end in the best way possible."

The big news heading into the clash was the omission of Saturday's match-winner, Sam Smith.

The Mancunian was left out on the night and Jayden Wareham stepped in. Many questioned whether it was due to injury, and unfortunately that is the case.

"He got a kick in his feet on the weekend, and he woke up on Sunday with a big foot and not able to work. We expect him to be two to three weeks so let’s see if he can play at Stevenage or we have to wait for the next one.

"Sam is a key player for us, but we will not make excuses. There are others- Jayden did an excellent job at Exeter last week. Things happen and we have to cope with them."

Forward Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan was substituted on at half-time but was taken off before the end while limping.

Feeling an issue in his hip, a scan during the week will determine his availability for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Fleetwood Town.

"We need to protect some of the players with the physicality of playing lots of games consecutively," he said. "We cannot risk players, and we tried to take care of Kelvin [Ehibhatiomhan] a little bit. The fatigue came in the last minute with the cross and we need to see- he feels his hip a little bit, so we need to scan it."