Royals dominated possession and territory but failed to break down an Addicks defence superbly marshalled by ex-Reading star Andrew Bikey.

It came back to haunt them as Charlton secured a memorable victory at Madejski Stadium thanks to a first-half header by Igor Vetokele.

And Adkins bemoaned his side’s finishing on the day, saying: “We had 20 shots, 35 crosses and 12 corners, but we got beat 1-0 and that’s the most important stat.

“We’ve had probably 60% of possession but was the quality really there? Before Saturday only Watford had scored more goals at home, but most importantly we haven’t put it in the net.

“Oliver Norwood has hit the post and it feels like we’ve hit the woodwork in every game this season. Sometimes it’s not your day.

“You’ve got to move the ball and be patient. Did we move it quickly enough? We’ve got the ball into certain areas but like I say was the quality there?

“Also was there anyone there to get on the end of it? Sometimes you have to credit their defenders, those are all the factors that go into it.

“But from my point of view it’s disappointing we haven’t backed up the win against Rotherham in midweek, having won our previous two home games.

“To have all those crosses and corners, you’d like to think you’d put one in the back of the net, especially with the attacking line-up we had.

“I thought we started in a way we could go on to win, but Charlton got one cross in and scored from it.

“The goal gave them something to defend. They have only lost twice all season and they’ve done well by defending deep with two quickies up front, so give them credit.”

Adkins was forced to make one change to the side which beat Rotherham 3-0 last week with Michael Hector replacing the injured Anton Ferdinand in defence.

But Royals’ problems lay in attack on Saturday after they failed to convert any of their chances.

Glenn Murray, Jordan Obita, Danny Williams, Simon Cox and Michael Hector all went close for the home side in the first half.

But it was Charlton who led through Vetokele’s superb 39th minute header after a Chris Solly cross caught Royals’ defence napping.

Reading almost equalised on 57 minutes when Norwood struck the woodwork and Jamie Mackie forced a fine save from Addicks keeper Stephen Henderson in the latter stages.

However, Royals also needed a tremendous double save by Federici to prevent Charlton substitute George Tucudean from scoring the visitors’ second with five minutes remaining.

Reading have now lost seven of their last 11 matches in all competitions and have picked up just two wins in their past 10 Championship fixtures which came against whipping boys Blackpool and struggling Rotherham United.

Adkins men also face a tough run up to Christmas with away games at Cardiff City, Norwich City, Birmingham City and Brighton to come plus home fixtures against Watford, Norwich and Middlesbrough.

Reading are without a game this coming weekend due to international fixtures and return to Championship action on Friday, November 21 when they travel to Wales to face Cardiff.

Adkins added: “We’ll reflect on Saturday’s defeat. The positives are that Danny Williams got 90 minutes, Garath McCleary should play in a practice game this week, Stephen Kelly is getting good game time and hopefully Anton Ferdinand will be close for the Cardiff game.”