Reading goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis ‘appreciated’ the support of the almost 700-strong crowd that followed the side to Wimbledon for the 2-0 pre-season win.

The Aussie goalkeeper arrived last month from Sutton United and made his first start in a Royals shirt in South London against the Dons.

Rarely tested in the first half, his big moment came in the second period as former Reading captain Alex Pearce was hauled down in the penalty box and a spot kick awarded.

Zach Robinson stepped up but 31-year-old Bouzanis dived to his left and diverted the shot wide of his upright to keep his clean sheet intact.

Cries of ‘Deano Deano Deano…’ rang out from the away end at Plough Lane and those who made the effort in extreme weather conditions were rewarded.

Speaking to the Reading Chronicle, he beamed: “When you first come to a football club you want to get off to the right start and give everything for the club. Every time I get a chance, I’ll give it my all. I appreciate the fans; they came out in their numbers and it’s great to see.

“I just had a feeling, went one way, and made the save. It’s the job of a goalkeeper, to make saves when you can, and that’s the most important thing.

“As a goalkeeper, and a back four/five, it’s important we keep clean sheets because it is what you build on. If you keep a clean sheet, you always have a chance of winning a game.”

Next up for Paul Ince’s men is the visit of Premier League Brighton and Hove Albion, before the beginning of the Championship season seven days later.

On the back of a solid performance against Johnnie Jackson’s men, Bouzanis is aiming to continue that on Saturday.

“It has been a tough pre-season but one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed,” he started. “I can’t wait for next week and then the season to start.”