Brian: It was crucial we stayed in the game

Reading manager Brian McDermott has spoke after a very important win against Newcastle, saying it was crucial his team stayed in the game.

The Royals had to withstand heavy pressure from Alan Pardew’s side in the first half, with goalkeeper Adam Federici being called on, on numerous occasions. Yohan Cabaye’s free kick gave the Magpies the lead at the break, but a superb double from substitute Adam Le Fondre in the second half gave the Royals their first away win of the season.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC website, McDermott said: ‘It`s a fantastic win, I don`t know if we`ll get the coach back or fly now – but to be honest I don`t care, I`ll walk home! But I have to say we have such great support – I was really surprised so many of our fans managed to get up here.’

‘We know we`ve got resilience. I personally have learned, our staff have learned, the players have learned – you have to try and manage games at this level. You have to stay in games in this division and we did that at 1-0. All the players are happy. We`ve got a really good spirit within our club. Alfie wants to play all the time, everyone wants to play.’