McDermott satisfied with solitary point

Reading manager Brian McDermott has said he is happy with a draw against Swansea, that has stopped their losing run of seven-consecutive games.

The game at the Madejski Stadium was far from inspiring, but it is a point that takes the Royals off the bottom of the Premier League and gives them a ‘pychological boost’ according to McDermott. Michu had a couple of chances in the first half, while Le Fondre had a goal disallowed and a shot cleared off the line in the second period.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC website after the game, McDermott said: ‘It was important to get a point, a clean sheet and to move up a place as well, nobody wants to be bottom. We’re getting closer to the teams above us which is where we need to get to. We wanted to win and we nearly did that.’

There was Alfie’s disallowed goal, we were a bit unfortunate because generally refs give handball goals here! The ref got it right though, it was handball but it’s just a shame he wasn’t refereeing when Demba Ba scored a handball for Newcastle! I think Alfie was being held back which is why he couldn’t get his head on it.’

I feel it was a good point yesterday and couldn’t really understand the minority that decided to boo the team. It’s rare that Brian has received any praise recently, but you have to give him credit tactically for the way he set out the team. We allowed Swansea possession of the ball, but restricted them to long-range shots and direct play.