Reading FC U21 boss reflects on late semi-final defeat – Wokingham.Today

Reading FC Under 21 manager Noel Hunt spoke of his pride after his side were narrowly beaten in a thrilling Premier League 2 play-off semi-final by Sunderland.

Graeme Murty’s side scored in the 99th minute to force extra-time before scoring a 120th-minute winner to end the Royals’ hopes of reaching the final.

“First of all, I’m so proud of the guys in terms of how they battled and battled throughout the season, not just tonight,” Hunt said.

“The effort, the time, the work rate and the commitment they have shown to the football club.

“Everyone is devastated, it’s a hard one to take. Key moments of the game, we didn’t make the game in the lost 30 seconds. It cost us. Then it cost us the last second of overtime.

“I thought in the first half they were the better side, we didn’t get close to them. Second half we took over and took control and at 3-2 I thought it was only one winner but credit to them.

“They’ve scored goals late on in the last four or five games but it’s a disastrous one for us, but congratulations to Sunderland.”

Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Hunt is determined that his players will continue to develop and earn first-team chances next season.

He continued: “It’s another lesson for our boys that we can’t sit back and watch the game. We have to be in front, that’s what we are and when we did that we scored a few goals.

“I know the characters I have and that’s why they’re here at this stage in their careers.

“I just couldn’t resist. There were three or four decisions that didn’t go our way. These little things, you also need a bit of luck and unfortunately tonight in certain areas it didn’t go our way.

“They’ve grown so well as a team, as characters and as people. Hopefully some of them will get a chance to step up to the first team next season and be a part of it.

“It’s selfless work, but amazing work. I am highlighted for everyone. The fans turned out, the atmosphere was amazing. It sounds like 10,000 sometimes.”