McDermott: It was a spirited display

Reading boss Brian McDermott has said he is pleased with the point earned at Coventry yesterday and especially praised the team’s work ethic throughout the 90 minutes.

An early goal from Gary McSheffrey was cancelled out by a good finish from in-form striker Simon Church to earn a point away from home, the first time in four away games.

McDermott told the official RFC site: ‘I thought our team work ethic was good. As long as our fans see that same commitment, that work, that desire, they’ll stay with the players.’

The Royals manager also praised the partnership between Church and new signing Adam Le Fondre, which has bonded three goals in two games between them.

‘Alfie and Churchy look like they’ve formed a good partnership and Churchy again scored a really good goal. He looked bright all afternoon and he’s really grasped the nettle. And I’m loathed to take Alfie off because I know he’ll score goals.’

On the other side of the dugout, Coventry manager Andy Thorn was pleased with his side’s efforts in the game, despite Lukas Jutkiewicz missing an injury time penalty at the Ricoh Arena.

‘I thought we played really well today. We were back on it, we got the early goal and conceded a sloppy one at the other end but in all I thought it was a really good football match.’