Reading 1-1 Ipswich - Manager Reaction

Last updated : 22 January 2005 By Site Editor
Town boss Joe Royle was disappointed in allowing Reading score straight from the restart after Darren Bent gave Town the lead: "I have to say that I'm disappointed, especially conceding straight from the kick-off.

"I think we had all switched off, celebrating the win, and we didn't get another touch of the ball. No one individual is to blame but it is disappointing, although I would be more disappointed if we were not still top of the league.

"Overall I think we edged it, but it looked like being the best 0-0 you have ever seen."

Meanwhile Reading boss Steve Coppell joked: "It was all part of the master plan, keep people on the edge of their seats until the last minute!

"It would have been cruel to end a game like that on a mistake so, if only for the relief of my captain, I'm pleased to salvage something. We played very well in the first half but needed to score in that period.

"I knew they would chop and change at half-time and they had a terrific 20-minute spell midway through the second half when it was a good job my keeper was at the top of his game."