Tom Cleverley: Plymouth’s goalless draw with Reading felt like Championship game

Plymouth boss Tom Cleverley felt his side’s 0-0 draw with fellow League One promotion hopefuls Reading had the feel of a Championship game.

Reading had handball claims for a penalty waved away in the second half while Josh Knight made a vital block to deny Argyle ace Aribim Pepple after just nine minutes.

The draw kept Argyle one point above their opponents, but they both lost ground on leaders Huddersfield.

Cleverley said: “It was two good teams going at it, blow for blow, a good game.

“An eventful 0-0 very similar to the draw we had at their place last year.

“I felt it was as close to a Championship fixture… or a big FA Cup game with their travelling support really good and almost a full house.

“We did the basics really well and we’ve responded to a poor week, defeats against Huddersfield and Stevenage, with two performances where we have really competed.

“I was pleased with the shape and what we reduced the highest scorers in the league to, no goals.

“The final piece of the puzzle is that final pass, that extra bit of quality in the final actions, but I think if we keep replicating the basics like we did today we have got a good chance of winning more football matches.

“Reading and Huddersfield are the best two transition teams in the league.

“It’s like they are luring you into making a mistake and their pace within the team is incredible for the level. We knew that was important and we managed that.

“We just needed the ball to fall to an Argyle shirt because we were close to nicking it today.

“It was a good 0-0 for the neutral and a fair result.”

Reading boss Leam Richardson said: “It was a hard-earned point for both teams.

“I just felt we lacked the final pass, a little bit of control in their half but I thought we were deserving of a point, at least.

“I think Kyreece (Lisbie) going through one on one should possibly have scored and I think there was a handball so we should have had a penalty.

“Sometimes you just have to move on from it and deal with it the best you can.

“I’ve got a big thing if we don’t find that little bit of quality or that final pass within the gam…then we don’t lose.

“We knew we had a handful with their front three so I am very pleased with a clean sheet.

“Once I reflect on the game and the emotion has gone a point away from home against a team going as well as Plymouth? There will be plenty of positives.”