Pearce: Royals are earning respect

James Walker-Roberts • Published 20 Feb 2012 17:00 0 Comments

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ALEX Pearce believes Reading's recent winning run is helping them to build up a 'fear factor' around the Championship.

Royals climbed to third in the division on Friday evening with a 1-0 win over Burnley, their fourth successive triumph and ninth victory in 11 league games.

Not only that, but the single-goal victory was the fourth clean sheet in a row for Brian McDermott's men, taking their tally to the season to 14, the joint most in the division.

And Pearce, who has been an ever-present in the Royals defence this season, thinks his side's success is earning them respect around the Championship.

"Maybe now teams are looking at us not as 'little old Reading' but with a bit more respect, teams are coming to our ground and not rolling us over at all now," he said.

"There's a fear factor that comes with that and long may it continue. We've been doing fantastically recently and teams will be noticing that, seeing how well we are doing and that puts a message out to the rest of the league."

Reading's recent rise is even more remarkable given their win over Burnley was their third victory in the space of just six days.

And for man-of-the-match Pearce it was the toughest triumph of the lot, but also the most satisfying to cap off a 'perfect week'.

"Three wins, three clean sheets, nine points - a fantastic week for everyone at Reading FC and long may it continue," he said.

"I'd say that was probably the toughest game of the week, we had a lot of defending to do and heading balls, they were putting us under pressure in the second half."

Indeed, Burnley were only denied an equaliser by the woodwork - twice - and also a superb stop from goalkeeper Adam Federici when one-on-one with Charlie Austin.

"He does that week in, week out," commented Pearce. "He always makes one fabulous save, he did it against Coventry, he made several that day.

"It's a credit to all the boys, we've been fantastic this week and long may it continue. It's great to get the three points and keep the clean sheets coming."

Pearce and co were watched for the first time on Friday evening by new owner Anton Zingarevich, who was a guest of Sir John Madejski's in the directors box.

While the players did not get the opportunity to meet the Russian millionaire, Pearce said they were glad they could deliver a win on his Madejski debut.

"We knew he was here tonight and gladly we got the win and put in a decent shift so I'm sure he will be impressed," he commented.

"I've heard he is an enthusiastic man and that's very positive for Reading. It's really good to have him on board and helping the club out."

Pearce also received praise afterwards from match-winner Jason Roberts, whose move to Reading was funded by Zingarevich's arrival.

"I have to give credit to the boys, especially the defence, who worked so hard tonight," he commented.

"We didn't have a lot of the ball and you have to give Burnley a lot of credit, but our defence was absolutely outstanding. You always felt they were capable of keeping a clean sheet, although there were a few scares, but all credit to the team

and the squad."

Reading return to action this Saturday when they make the long journey north to Middlesbrough (3pm ko).

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