Reading manager Noel Hunt admitted that his players became frustrated in possession as the League One play-off chasers were held to a tame 0-0 home draw by relegation-threatened Exeter.
Neither side impressed in a poor first half and although Exeter dominated much of the second period, Reading could have snatched a late win when Lewis Wing’s long-range effort was well saved by keeper Joe Whitworth.
“We created some really good opportunities in the first half and could have had a couple of goals,” Hunt said.
“We got a little bit frustrated in the second half in terms of moving the ball. We got a little bit restless with it.
“We should have kept our discipline of keeping on doing the right things but we had to work the football to create more chances.
“But, look, we’re now seven matches unbeaten and when we had to defend, I thought that we did that really well.
“We spoke at half-time about their set-pieces and counter-attacks, which we had to be wary of. But I thought that the boys defended our box really well.
“From the effort on Saturday [a 2-1 win at Wigan] and to grind a result out here, I’ve got to be happy with that.
“And we had moments near the end when we could have won it. So, overall, we’ll take that.
“We want to win every game at home. Of course we do. But we’ll take the point and it’s up to us now to work on getting better.
“There’s loads of twists and turns to come [in the play-off race]. We knew that this was going to be the case and we’ve just got to keep focused on ourselves.”
Exeter are now four points clear of the drop zone.
Manager Gary Caldwell said: “We got put under pressure at the start of the game as we knew we would, with corners and with long throws, and we stood up to that.
“We then grew into the game and I felt it was quite even after that.
“In the second half, though, I thought that we totally dominated. We missed numerous chances and just couldn’t put the ball in the net.
“I thought that the players were outstanding, the way in which we played in a stadium where it’s not easy. And it’s against a team that is high up the league.
“We showed loads of personality and loads of understanding about how we needed to play to win the game.
“Reading are a dangerous team – the way they set up, the energy they have and the speed that they have in wide areas.
“I’m just delighted with our team. We obviously want to win games but this is a huge step forward.”
