READING FC boss Ruben Selles was left to rue missed chances in the first-half after his side were beaten at Fratton Park against League One leaders Portsmouth.
The Royals put on an impressive first-half display, but failed to make their chances count and were punished by the team at the top.
“I think we dominated the first half and the chances,” said Selles.
“I thought they were lucky not to be 2-0 down. After 20 minutes we had all the chances and they didn’t even have a shot on target.
“We came here trying to be the protagonists and play our football.
“I think we did it. They scored the first goal at the end of the first half, and I think we continued to do our job. The second goal let us down.
“ It can happen, conceding four goals, because they have the quality. I am proud of the fight. There are moments we can be better, but we came here with an attitude and a way to do things and we proved we can compete against those teams.
The Royals now have two huge games on the horizon with relegation six pointers at home to Port Vale and Shrewsbury in the next week.
Selles continued: “I cannot throw anything on them, they gave me everything. You need to process because it’s hard to make that kind of performance and lose by four goals, but we will get the best of it and be ready for Tuesday.
“They gave us a good game. I know what I have in that dressing room, and we can compete. when you play against the best team in any category and they have one chance, they score and are ruthless. I think we can get that lesson today.”
