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Defensively the team have been superb all season but they lack an attacking edge. An average of just one goal a game isn't good enough for a side that are pushing for the Play-Offs. Indeed, the Royals haven't netted in seven hours of football, almost matching their lengthy clean sheet boss.
The problem has got so bad that Pardew could seek outside help to deal with the problem - most likely in the form of a Premiership loan signing.
Speaking after Reading's third consecutive 2-0 defeat, this time at Coventry, boss Alan Pardew explained that going his side simply aren't good enough.
"I feel we're good enough at the back, especially with the goalie, to cope and get out of this Division. It's in front of them that our problem lies and you can't expect clean sheets reguarly without scoring goals. We need to score more goals, that's the bottom line.
"If no one comes to the fore I'll have to stengthen that area, but there are players within the squad that I haven't given a go yet. Maybe Butler, Igoe and Rougier can find their feet and take us out of this patch.
"Darius is coming back to fitness and I felt all along that he was going to be a huge player for us this year and we haven't seen him yet."
Victory for the Sky Blues moved manovered them into a festive sixth spot, ahead of the faltering Royals.
Two superb goals from McAllister's side saw the Midlands outfit notch their fourth and fifth goals without reply in their past two matches. In stark contrast, Reading have conceded four and scored none in the same period. Disappoiting results after such a fruitful November.
Pardew added: "We played 4-4-2 with Hughsey as a striker, it was ironic that Coventry's system was the one we've been using.
"In terms of the first goal, Nicky Shorey was dealing with Hignett and that surprised me because it should have been done by a midfield player.
"The scond goal was a real crowd-pleaser, I felt we could have maybe done better defensively but you've got to hold your hand up, it was a fantastic goal."
The autumn harvest bore many points for Reading but the Royals have been hit hard by the frosts of December. But when will the thaw come? Saturday sees the visit of struggling Derby County. Let's hope the team can stoke their attacking fires and give the supporters some much-needed end of year festive cheer.