Reading FC manager Ruben Selles admitted that he expected a better performance from his side despite their victory over Northampton Town.
The victory moves the Royals up to 17th in the League One table where they remain six points above the relegation zone.
“I don’t think we got a big performance, but we did get a massive result,” said Selles.
“It was not our best, nowhere near. It was an equal game, both teams had chances. I think Northampton is a very good team, but I expected a little bit more from us.
“I will take the victory any day. We had some games in the season when we have played a better game than today but didn’t get anything at all.
“Today was not our best but we are consistent enough to get the three points.
“It’s as a team as a collective. I don’t think it’s a good game. I don’t think it’s a bad game. It’s an average game.”
Selles praised both goalkeeper Joel Pereira and forward Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan who produced big moments to inspire the team to victory.
He continued: “We made a change and Joel (Pereira) is fighting for that position with everything he has. He kept us in the game in those moments and it’s not only him, Jeriel (Dorsett) arrives for example to force that player to not have a clear chance to score.
“We know the squad and the players we have. Ben (Elliott) has been consistent for us in that position in the last three or four games.
“Kelvin (Ehibhatiomhan) has been fantastic when he comes in and changes the tempo of the game. We know we have variation in those positions.”
The Royals boss is now looking ahead to Monday’s trip to Bolton Wanderers.
He said: “We will give some rest to the players, they are making a big effort through the season. Tonight and tomorrow we will prepare the game plan.
“We have a hotel and will go on Sunday afternoon. I expect a similar game to the one against Derby. They will try to be more dominant with their strikers and have situations around them and we need to learn from the Derby game. We had points where we could do better.
“We need to go for the game knowing the tools that they have. They’re a good team and are trying to get direct promotion.”
