Reading Town boosted by Spence return - Bartley
James Walker-Roberts • Published 2 Feb 2012 09:30
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READING Town manager Mark Bartley believes the return of Ray Spence will not only help his side achieve their aim of finishing in the top six this season, but also give them a headstart next year.
Spence, who is Reading's top scorer this season with 14 goals, left Scours Lane to join Southern Division One South & West side Hungerford Town before Christmas.
But after his spell at Bulpit Lane did not work out, the influential frontman returned to Reading and came off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Shortwood United at the weekend.
Although he did not manage to add to his tally in the Hellenic Premier clash, Bartley thinks he will be a massive boost to Reading in the years ahead.
"It didn't work out for Ray at Hungerford so we welcomed him back here with open arms and now he is here to stay," Bartley told the Chronicle.
"It's great to have him back, we know what he brings to the team and as long as I am manager at Reading he will be here. He will be a big help to us in the second half of this season and it will be important to know we have him for next year when we look to push on."
Reading needed a late equaliser from centre back Danny Lingwood to rescue a point against Shortwood at the weekend.
The Hellenic Premier high-flyers were fortunate to take the lead when Tim Haddock's shot deflected off a defender and left recalled goalkeeper Jordan Eggleton wrong footed.
Neither side was able to create many chances of note but Shortwood came close to doubling their advantage when Kevin Slack's effort hit the post.
It took Town until the final few minutes to grab an equaliser when Marcus Richardson headed a free-kick on to the post and Lingwood poked home.
Reading host Hellenic Premier basement side Bracknell Town this Saturday (3pm ko) and Bartley expects his team to improve on their Shortwood draw.
"I thought that we played well against Shortwood and restricted them to just a few chances and we will be looking to take all three points from Bracknell," he said.
"The last time we played them [a 3-2 Reading win] we took our foot off the gas and let them back into it but I think we are capable of beating anyone in this league."
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