Reading manager Ruben Sellés was delighted with his players’ performance as they beat relegation-threatened Carlisle United on Saturday, but insists there are still improvements to be made.
In a week which has brought even more off-field problems for the Royals with a further two-point deduction, Sellés side responded incredibly well to gain all three points on Saturday.
It was a fairly comfortable 3-1 win away from home, with a Harvey Knibbs brace and a Sam Smith strike putting them 3-0 up. Though Jon Mellish would pull one back for Carlisle, the Cumbrians posed little threat to David Button in the Reading net and it was very much a deserved three points for the Royals.
As a result, they’ve moved up to 16th, now sat five points ahead of Cheltenham Town who currently operate the final relegation spot in 21st. The season is by no means over and the off-field problems may still hurt Reading, but the performances on the pitch are incredibly admirable.
Next weekend they welcome Wycombe Wanderers, who sit just two points ahead of them, to the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Sellés will be hoping that his side can put a further three points on the board and start a winning run which could well lift them to safety.
In his post-match interview with club media, Sellés was delighted with his sides’ performance, but also insisted that there is a part of the game in which his side can improve on.
“We came here with one intention and that was to perform well and win the game, and that’s what we did. It doesn’t matter if it’s six, seven or eight hours to get here, the boys will be ready and working very hard. It’s a pleasure for us to join them in the journey, and it’s been a good day for us today.
“I think we played really well for the first 60 minutes until the 3-0. We then relaxed a little bit and we got into some troubley, so we need to be stronger with our identity when we are leading that game 3-0. It’s also true that we are playing against an opponent who are trying to get back into the game however, and I think in the end we managed the game the proper way. It was good experience for the boys and hopefully we will take learnings from the game.”
“The fans have been really good with us, there support has been massive. Thank you for coming to support us, and I expect them to keep that level for the rest of the season.”
Writer’s View
Reading got the response that they needed following on from their points deduction in the week and it was a truly dominant display. They’re edging ever closer to safety and Ruben Sellés deserves plenty of plaudits if his side are able to achieve that.
After letting in what would only prove to be a consolation goal they did respond well, however as the manager said, it’s not a position that they should’ve put themselves in anyway. At the end of the day though, it’s a day of few negatives in front of a great travelling crowd and the Royals look a team united both on and off of the pitch.
Senior Editor
