Reading assistant manager Kevin Keen believes that his side deserved at least a draw, after they lost 1-0 at home to league leaders Bournemouth.
Callum Wilson's fourth-minute strike was enough for the visitors to claim victory, but the Royals wasted several chances throughout the match.
Keen told BBC Sport: "For manager Steve Clarke we were just about the better team, but the best team in the league won. We deserved at least a draw, we were competitive, but sometimes football is like that.
"Confidence can carry you at this time of the season and hopefully this time next year we'll have that confidence. If you give Bournemouth a goal head start it is very hard. Artur Boruc save was outstanding but that typifies a team at the top of the league. Like I said I thought we deserved a draw."
Reading next face Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend.