Reading FC: Mo Barrow accepts supporters have been short changed by the players this season

Barrow scored a dramatic winner at Ipswich Town last weekend to keep Royals out of the Championship relegation zone.

Jose Gomes’ men now face another crucial six-pointer at Madejski Stadium this Saturday (3pm ko) when they host Wigan Athletic (3pm ko).

Latics lost their game in hand at Derby County on Tuesday night meaning a win for Royals could see them leapfrog their opponents into 19th place.

Reflecting on his match-winning strike at Portman Road, Barrow said: “It was an important goal for the team and the whole club.

“We definitely needed three points and we got them. Ipswich scored but we kept our heads up and we knew we could go for the win and that’s what we did.

“We were happy but we know our fans deserve more this season so the least we could give them on Saturday was three points.

“I’m pleased for the whole team as we played really well especially in the first half and everyone deserves credit. The back line did well and goalkeeper Emi (Martinez) was really good. I’m just so happy for the team.”

However, Gomes is sweating on the fitness of striker Nelson Oliveira, who also scored against Ipswich, and in-form keeper Martinez.

Oliveira suffered suspected hamstring strain last weekend, while Martinez injured his ankle, meaning both are doubtful for the Wigan clash.

Barrow, 26, stressed: “Nelson is an important player for us, he’s a goalscorer so hopefully it’s not a bad injury and he can get back as quickly as possible.”

However, with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (calf) and Sam Baldock (thigh) still sidelined, Gomes’ options up front could be limited.

He also has goalkeeping problems with Anssi Jaakkola recovering from an Achilles problem, meaning Sam Walker could start should Martinez fail a fitness test.

And Barrow insists Reading cannot afford to rest on their laurels despite the Ipswich win.

“There are still a lot of games to go and some very important ones,” stated the Gambia international. “We still have to keep our heads down and try to perform well to get those wins.

“Wigan will be a big occasion this weekend but all games are from here on. Hopefully we can get another three points this Saturday and climb up the table.”

Meanwhile, Reading have reported yearly losses before tax of £21 million in their latest financial update.

The club’s annual accounts submitted to Companies House this week show Royals made a huge deficit in the year ending June 30, 2018 – compared with a £4.7m profit for the previous 12 months.

Overall debt has risen to £34.7m under the ownership of Chinese siblings Dai Yongee and Dai Xiu Li, while total turnover decreased by £18.8m over the period from £36.7 to £17.9m.

At the same time, salary costs went up £6.6m from £27.9m in 2017 to £35.3m in 2018, meaning the club’s wage cost to turnover ratio is now an alarming 197 per cent compared to 76 per cent the previous year when the club made a profit.