Naismith taking plenty of positives from Town's display against Royals

Town full back Kal Naismith felt that on another day the Hatters could well have been celebrating a third successive victory when held to a goalless draw by Reading last night.

It was the hosts who had the best opportunities on the evening, Jordan Clark off target in the first half, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s effort tipped behind by keeper Rafael.

In the second period, Rafael made an excellent save from George Moncur, while striker Elijah Adebayo just couldn’t react quickly enough to reach Harry Cornick’s cross, with Glen Rea and James Collins both putting free headers over too.

Speaking afterwards, Naismith said: “We had some great chances, some great breakaways, but it was just the final pass or the finish just wasn’t there on the night.

“There’s loads and loads of positives, we played really well against a top side and on another day we might win the game, but we’re happy with the result, as Reading are a top team and we kept a clean sheet again.”

Town were once again on the front foot from the opening moments of the contest, as like they had done against Watford at the weekend, they got after their opponents from the first whistle.

Going into the fixture on the back of a wonderful derby win over the Hornets meant that spirits were clearly boosted, as Naismith continued: “I thought the Watford result and not just the result, but the performance being so good, all the players confidence going into the game must have been high, I know mine was.

“I was feeling good, we were just looking forward to the game and I think it showed in our performance.

“I think that's where we’re at our best, when we’re on the front foot, loads of energy.

“This is a difficult place to come, this was a difficult place to come with clubs in League Two, so that’s what we’re about.

“When you come here you’re in for a tough game.

"We’re going to run a lot, we’re going to work hard and then you see it when it opens up, we’ve got quality in the box to play as well.

"There was just that little final bit missing, but it’s been two great performances.”

Naismith himself was involved in one of the best opportunities of the first period, his run out of defence and inviting cross for Clark seeing the midfielder volley wide of the target.

The former Wigan and Portsmouth player added: “It’s a tough one, he’s got into a great area and I’ve managed to get it towards him.

"He's disappointed with it, but he’s unlucky, it's probably a good challenge, they came together, on another day it might go, but it wasn’t to be in.

“We finished well, we were composed at times, these are a top side and they had to win the game.

"They threw a lot of players forward at the end which can be hard to deal with, but we kept it solid, kept good composure.

"We hit them on the breakaway and had some great chances that we could have maybe done better with, but all in all, really happy.”