Royals boss happy with clean sheet

Reading manager Brian McDermott has praised his teams effort in their 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough at the Madejski Stadium, having reserved praise for his defence.

Boro had a flurry of chances towards the end of the game but the defence held out to gain McDermott's men a solitary point against the team in second spot.

McDermott told the official RFC website: 'I thought it was a pretty good point at home against one of the best sides that have come to Madejski Stadium in last year or so.'

'I thought we were right in the game in the first half, played some nice stuff and a few things just didn't fall for us. Our inexperience showed a little bit in the second half and we probably needed to kick on a bit more than we did after half time.'

McDermott's opposite number Tony Mowbray was also satisfied with a point yesterday, although he admitted they could have won the game with their chances towards the end.

'I thought it was decent game. We didn't get out of the blocks well and Reading started fast and were dynamic. We didn't win the match but the best chances fell our way. We hit the post twice and Scott McDonald had a great chance in the six-yard box that he put wide.'

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