McDermott: We showed belief

Reading manager Brian McDermott has said its just another three points as they picked up a momentus victory over West Ham yesterday.

In many fans eyes, this game would be crucial and would speak many words in the terms of the promotion race. The 4-2 victory over the Hammers was a historic one, which has seen the Royals extended the gap to four points ahead of third place. Goals from Kaspars Gorkss, Noel Hunt, Ian Harte and Mikele Leigertwood were enough to seal the win at Upton Park.

McDermott told the official RFC site: 'I thought we showed real belief, quality and resilience. We don't talk about pressure, we just talk about doing our best in every game. You can't look too far back or too far forward. We enjoy it, it's important our players do the same at a place like this. We've come out on top, absolute credit to the lads.'

'Our fans will be proud of the players today, I am sure. Everybody is playing for each other, there's such a good spirit around the group. Not just those who are playing, everyone in the squad, even if not travelling, we've got a really good bunch. Staff prepare the team really well and everything we need to do to get performances, we are getting.'

Reading are now firm favourites with Southampton to go up automatically. However, it is crucial to emphasise there is a long way to go yet in this promotion war with six games left to play. The Royals still have to face the Saints at St Mary's, while West Ham have tough games coming up against play-off contendors Brighton, Birmingham and Hull.

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