Brian emphasises importance of win

Royals boss Brian McDermott has spoken about yesterday’s win against Burnley and how it could prove to be such a crucial win in the long-term.

Jason Roberts’ third goal in four games proved to be the all-decisive winner in an even game at the Madejski stadium. The victory took the Royals up to third, just two points off second place Southampton and three points off leaders West Ham United. Despite the loss, the Clarets are still only four points off the play-off places.

McDermott told the official RFC site: ‘Tonight, we had chances, they had chances. And I think the team earned some good fortune with the effort they put in tonight, from back to front. And we got the goal – it was a fabulous finish from Jason Roberts. They’re a good side Burnley, so that’s a really big win that one.’

‘They’re as good a side as I’ve seen come to Madejski this season but we’ve got a team who knows how to win games. That’s three games in a week and we’ve got three wins, nine points, three clean sheets. We have to be pleased with that. I’ve been waiting a long time to get Jason Roberts. I remember seeing his debut at 17 years of age and he’s now…well he’s older than 17!’

It has proved to be an astonishing turnaround after the start of the season seemed as if it was going to portray a mid-table season for the Royals, but nine wins out of 11 has put Reading firmly on the radar for automatic promotion. A solid defence has also been crucial to this run, with Adam Federici have the most cleansheets in the division.