Reading FC striker Sam Smith praised the support of the fans and the hard work of the team and staff after their vital away win at Bristol Rovers.
Smith opened the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes before Lewis Wing’s spectacular free-kick was enough to see the Royals take three points to put them nine clear of the relegation zone.
“It’s a very good result. We had a game plan that worked, we stuck together, did the game plan and got the result we wanted,” said Smith.
“The early goal gave us confidence to kick on throughout the game.
“When you come to away teams it’s never easy and our away record at the start of the season is something that we needed to work on.
“It’s a credit to the staff and the players for how much hard work has been put in.”
Smith expressed his pride at being able to help fight for the club in what has been a turbulent campaign.
He said: “I don’t think there’s any better feeling than scoring goals, especially in the situation the club is in.
“It’s a pleasure to be a part of and something I’m proud of helping fight for the club. When you look at the fanbase that keep coming every week to support they’ve brought the club closer together.
“When you come to away teams it’s never easy and our away record at the start of the season is something that we needed to work on.
“It’s a credit to the staff and the players for how much hard work has been put in.
“I try to bring people into play and stretch them in behind. It’s a tough job but it’s something that I enjoy and got rewarded with a goal which makes that hard work even sweeter.
“I’m proud to be involved and help the club fight.
“We’ve got three massive games coming up and we want as many points as we can because everyone knows that anything can happen this year and we want to do everything we can to make sure we stay in the league.
“There’s a lot more hard work to go in and we’re not far away now.”
