Church aiming to keep Reading FC in play-offs
Sportsdesk • Published 30 Dec 2011 10:00
0 Comments
Share this
See also:
READING FC striker Simon Church has called on his side to maintain their spot in the Championship play-offs after beating Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 on Boxing Day.
Two goals from Jobi McAnuff - one of which hit Church on the way into the net - and a late own goal helped Royals record their third successive league victory.
Their win, coupled with Leeds United's loss earlier in the day, elevated Reading a point above Simon Grayson's side and into sixth place in the table.
It is the first time that Royals have been in the play-off places since August and Church is keen for his team to push on and maintain their bid for promotion.
"It's all about keeping in the top six now and credit to the lads because we have been fantastic over the last few weeks," he said.
"We're all growing in confidence and we want to stay in the play-off places now. It's going to be tough as we have difficult games coming up, but we want to continue to compete near the top of the table."
After an inconsistent start to the season, both Reading and Church have begun to find their feet in recent months, with the Welshman hitting the back of the net six times in the Championship.
His most recent goal at Leeds helped Reading record their first ever win at Elland Road and a second successive clean sheet.
The 3-0 win over Brighton took Royals' total tally to seven goals scored in the last three matches and none conceded, and Church believes the team is rapidly growing in confidence.
"We've have ups and downs like any teams but we're consistent and are starting to play well," he said.
"The confidence throughout the team is excellent, there is a real togetherness throughout the team and we all support each other, whoever plays.
"The win over Brighton was great for us and it was a brilliant performance. We were solid, the work-rate was tremendous throughout the team and it's capped off a good Christmas period for us."
Reading will be looking to further cement their place in the top six when they host Ipswich Town this Saturday in their final game of 2011 (3pm ko).
The last time the teams met at Portman Road it was Royals who came out on top by a 3-2 scoreline but Church does not believe that match - played just over a month ago - will have an impact on the game at the Madejski.
"You can't really look at the history for any game, anything can happen, we just have to focus on ourselves," he commented.
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.
