Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens felt his side should have won the League One clash at the Madejski Stadium - but admitted Reading's fighting spirit probably deserved a point.

The Royals' off-field problems have already seen them docked four points and more sanctions, fines and points losses hover above them like the sword of Damocles.

And the home side had to come from a goal down to claim a 1-1 draw.

But Orient are now six without defeat and the point will do for the O's boss.

Newham Recorder: Leyton Orient's Omar Beckles (left) and Reading's Sam Smith battle for the ball. Picture: STEVEN PASTON/PALeyton Orient's Omar Beckles (left) and Reading's Sam Smith battle for the ball. Picture: STEVEN PASTON/PA (Image: Steven Paston/PA)

He said: "It could have gone either way but I thought that Reading were very good in the first 20 minutes.

"We had problems with their full backs rotating in and we got a bit lucky in going 1-0 up, they were the better team.

"We needed to change a few things tactically but they scored just when we had changed it.

"But we were pretty good after that, for the rest of the first half, and I thought that we were pretty dominant in the second half.

"We couldn’t go on and win it but Reading have got good players and they are always a threat from the front three.

"I know they have had a lot of issues but they’re fighting for their manager and they’re fighting for their club. Every credit to them."

Reading had gone into the game having lost just twice in 11 games and they had started the better before Orient scored.

A handball from Tom Holmes after a Ruel Sotiriou cross gave Dan Agyei the opportunity to score his fourth goal in as many games, one he took from 12 yards.

But the hosts were soon level when Sam Smith flicked on a Charlie Savage corner and Harvey Knibbs spun nicely to tuck in his 12th goal of the campaign in all competitions.

It was also the first goal that Orient had conceded in 553 minutes.

The second half continued to reflect the even nature of the contest, with Orient’s Idris El Mizouni testing home keeper David Button and, at the other end, Andy Yiadom forcing a good stop from Sol Brynn.

Agyei could have won it for Orient near the end but his fierce shot was superbly saved by Button at his near post.

Reading assistant manager James Oliver-Pearce said the home players are "pushing their bodies" to the limit in a bid to escape the relegation places.

"That’s what we expect them to do," he said. "It’s a non-negotiable for us.

"You want to win a game of football and if that requires you to put your body on the line, they have to do it.

"I thought that we were excellent in the first 20 minutes. That’s some of the best football we’ve probably played for a while.

"We had lots of momentum and we caused Orient a lot of problems.

“To concede the goal was frustrating but our reaction to it was excellent.

"Both sides probably had a big chance in the second half but I think that, all in all, a point each is a fair reflection."

Oliver-Pearce was on post-match duties because manager Ruben Selles lost his voice during the game.

"His voice just went," said the assistant. "It wasn’t even a gradual thing. He went to shout and it had just gone."