Noel Hunt On Reading’s Opening-Day Defeat At Lincoln City

The Royals conceded once either side of the break to lose 2-0 at Sincil Bank.

Another season in League One commenced with a visit to Sincil Bank to face Lincoln City. The season opener ended in disappointing fashion with a 2-0 defeat.

The Royals had a majority share of the possession but a first-half own goal from Finley Burns and second-half strike from Reeco Hackett secured all three points and an opening-day win for the home side.

There were glimpses of promise for Reading with Mamadi Camara scoring a goal that was ruled out, and Lewis Wing hitting the woodwork. With the side still coming together after a summer of change, of course an opening-day defeat is frustrating, but there’s still a lot of football left to be played this season.

Manager Noel Hunt was disappointed with the defeat. Here is what he had to say to the official club website and Reading Today.

Hunt on the defeat

”We’re disappointed with the result, obviously. But we feel it could have been a little bit different had things gone our way, the blatant shove through the back on Mark (O’Mahony) and the offside goal that was three yards onside.

“I don’t understand how they get it wrong, there’s no reason or excuse for it and the games a different game.

“The first 15, 20 minutes, we played into their hands and did things we said we wouldn’t but then we got it going and started to cause them problems.

“We spoke to the ref about blocking and holding and off the ball stuff but it wasn’t given so we’re disappointed with the result and the manner of the goals we gave away.

“There was an encroachment on Jeriel (Dorsett) on the sideline which knocks him, I don’t see how that’s not an incident that changes the game, if that doesn’t happen then Jeriel recovers back in because he’s lightning and we clear the ball.”

Hunt on Knibbs departure and whether it affected preparation in the lead-up to the game

“Of course it does a little bit because you have an eye on whether he’s available or not, but now it’s over and done. He’s a Charlton player and we wish him the best.

“He came here on a free and had two great seasons for the club and he wants a shot at the next level with potentially life-changing money, we can’t stand in the boy’s way and wish him all the best.”

Hunt on Paudie O’Connor injury

“He’s been a big factor of the back four for the last five and a half, six weeks. So obviously to lose him later on in the week was a blow for us.

“But these things happen in football and we just got to make sure that we’re ready for the next one. We’re waiting for the scan results and then, we’ll have an update.”

Hunt on if there is anyone else coming in

“I hope so, we’re in the midst of it. We’re looking at the shopping list and see what there is to get.”

Hunt on a clear week ahead

“We’ve got to keep working, work hard. The line was really good talking about today; we got caught a few times today. But new boys, new ideas that they’ve not done before so we’ll look at that, that’s for sure.“