Reading boss Ruben Selles felt “soft” decisions went against his side during their 5-2 defeat at Wanderers.

Dion Charles netted a hat trick, with Josh Sheehan and Kyle Dempsey also getting on the scoresheet as Ian Evatt’s men returned to winning ways.

Ben Elliott and Sam Smith both struck for visitors, while Nathan Baxter made a superb save to deny Amadou Mbengue at 3-1.

“We knew it was a difficult game coming here to Bolton,” said Selles. “I think first half, we were competitive but we conceded two penalties and a free kick.

“We had some key moments to go 2-1 or 3-2, with the good save the goalkeeper made to Amadou Mbengue.

“Then things turned against us pretty quickly. Second half, we wanted to continue building because we knew difficult moments in the game would come.

“We know the situation we are in and the boys gave absolutely everything to me. Of course, there are moments in the game where we need to be better but we will keep going and competing for this club.”

When asked about the decisions, he replied: “I think they were soft but that is not going to change it, so there is not much to say about that.”

Ahead of the game, there was plenty of attention on the Royals’ situation off the pitch after Rob Couhig’s attempted takeover fell through.

Selles admits it has been tough but refused to use recent events as an excuse for the result.

“We came here ready and trying to forget,” he added. “I will say that you can never forget where you are, but it was a game of football and we had moments we should take.

“We know the situation we are in and we are not going to use any situation as an excuse, we have been there before.

“Unfortunately, as I said (before the game), the cycle is repeating and the support to the players and staff is non-existent from the club.

“That is the reality and there will be a moment where we cannot cope. But today, that is not why we didn’t win. We had a good team in front of us who made things very clear.”