Last Saturday, they lost 3-2 at Thame United in the FA Cup, and on Tuesday they went down 1-0 at home to Thatcham Town in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.
But the Cityzens left the ASM Stadium with their heads held high after causing their Southern League Central Division opponents plenty of problems.
It was against the run of play when Jack Tutton fired the Red Kites ahead after 12 minutes.
In-form striker Riley Denny brought the scores level after 41 minutes, only for the hosts to restore their lead two minutes later through Curtis Brown.
Thame’s lead was extended by Roger James in the 52nd minute, and they had a chance to get a fourth goal when they were awarded a penalty, but Harry Alexander’s spot-kick was saved by young keeper Kai Mussilhy, earning him City’s man-of-the-match award.
This gave Reading a boost, and Lewis Hayden reduced their arrears in the 62nd minute.
Soon after, they were awarded a penalty, but Lewis Taplin’s effort was kept out by keeper James Callan.
With a little over 70 minutes remaining, Simon Johnson made four substitutions to give his side fresh impetus, and they continued to press for the remainder of the game, with Denny shooting narrowly wide and Joel Valentin seeing his effort strike the post.
“Thame are a step above us and showed quality at certain moments to score twice,” said manager Simon Johnson.
“When we conceded again early in the second half, we could easily have buckled, but we showed great resilience to try and get back into it, and they were hanging on at the end.”
Thatcham, who had beaten Reading 2-0 in a league game on Bank Holiday, sealed Tuesday’s victory with a goal from Callum Winchcombe after seven minutes.
This coming Saturday, City host Amersham, and next Tuesday (15th) they are away to Bedfont.
* Woodley United also bowed out of the B&B Senior Cup, losing 3-1 at Sandhurst on Tuesday.
Tiago Moreno and Conor Allison both scored late in the first half, and Reece Miller extended the lead in the 68th minute, with Ciaran Carolan getting a consolation goal for the visitors three minutes from time.
Last Saturday, Woodley crashed 4-1 at home to Combined Counties Division One pacemakers Wembley, both sides having lost in the play-offs last season.
Playing on an excellent grass surface at the Rivermoor, the visitors took an 18th-minute lead through Fred Stoner-Redfern, and Sergio Carro extended it three minutes later with a shot that took a deflection on its way into the net.
United halved their deficit after 23 minutes, with Henry Mott running onto Ollie Noyes pass to slot past Mike Power-Simpson.
Ned Jones restored Wembley’s two-goal advantage in the 38th minute and substitute Jon Iley added a fourth late in the game.
The visitors were also awarded a penalty in the second half but Jones’ spot-kick was saved by Matt Hill.
Woodley are home to Holmer Green next Tuesday (15th).
* Wokingham Town are through to the second round of the Senior Cup after beating Aldermaston 2-1 at Lowther Road. Sean Moore netted both goals late in the first half, with Samir Baral pulling one back in the 54th minute.