Royals claimed three points in a controversial 2-1 win over Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium on Tuesday night.
Former Royals player George Evans scored a brilliant goal in the 25th minute and Kamari Doyle equalized shortly afterwards in equally brilliant fashion. Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan scored in the 88th minute to take all three points.
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The win moves us into sixth place in the table, one point above Huddersfield Town and Stevenage. Here’s what manager Leam Richardson had to say. He was interviewed by Royal Television.
Richardson talks victory
“I’m so happy for the fans who came out tonight. I think they sang in full voice and it was great to finally hear them singing like that.
“We made adjustments to some things from last week. Even though I thought we performed well on Saturday, I thought we did a lot of things right today. Huge save on Joel [Pereira] Kamari Doyle’s platform was given to us.
“It was three great goals tonight, a great strike from them, Kami following up, Kelvin [Ehibhatiomhan] There was a right ninth goal. I’ve totally made it up and the players take full responsibility for that tonight.
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“Every time you go on the court, you have to learn together and improve together. We want to be a better version of ourselves every time.
“Burton was outstanding. Gary [Bowyer] The coach is very good and very experienced. Their forwards are equally good for their class. We know they’re very organized and hardworking, so we have to come in with a little intention tonight.
“Other than the two mistakes we made and gave them the two biggest chances, I thought we were outstanding. When we had to defend our zone, we defended our zone. When we had to attack as a threat, we did that as well.
“In this league, any time you have to be able to run and fight. Tonight, we had to run and fight because you don’t get anything free. The ball comes into your box through free kicks and throw-ins and you have to stand up and be counted. Our backline is very strong.
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“It’s a team game – I’ve been lucky enough to win something and I’ve never done it alone, I’ve got a big group of staff and players, not just 11. We showed the unity of the team. Matt Ritchie came on, Paddy Ryan was brilliant on Saturday but he missed the game but he was willing for the players to come on and was probably as loud as the supporters on the side, so my left ear was a bit ringing.”
“That’s what it takes. That’s what the guys needed to win tonight.
“I feel like, as the away team, we worked hard enough to get the win tonight. Fundamentally, I feel like we’re very strong. We’re going to take coaching, nutrition, sleep, travel and look forward to Stevenage.”
Richardson on Doyle
“He’s been working hard and so has Kamali. He’s had moments like this a lot. In our third and central zone, he’s been outstanding. In the last third, he’s growing now as a person and as a player.”
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“I think this goal is enough to win any game. Kami was very emotional after Saturday because he put in a lot. We had a lot of conversations and he was very vulnerable after the game because it meant a lot to him.
“For a player on loan, it’s unbelievable. For a player on loan, to wear the Reading badge and be so emotional, it’s unbelievable.”
Richardson on Eshibhati Omhan’s winner
“It’s a right goal for the number nine. He’s been waiting for his chance and he was brilliant at Luton, leading the charge on his own at a young age. It’s never easy to put on the number nine shirt; there’s always responsibility.”
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“Tonight, two strikers came on, two strikers came off, and even if they didn’t raise the level of Chiano and Pato, they were able to maintain their level and deserve his goals.”
Richardson on Andy Yiadom and his 250 appearances for the club
“What a person, what a player. We just gave a speech for Andy there and he was so emotional. You can see how much it means to the football club.”
“He is an incredible representative of the football club and he loves the club. He sets an example every day in the gym, in his nutrition and in training.”
“He doesn’t go around shouting or screaming, but he sets the level and you need more of those. You’ve got Derek and Bodie taking the younger boys and they’re joining in.”
