Cotterill Speaks

Last updated : 29 September 2002 By Rob Stanway
"I thought a draw was a fair result. We had to defend well at times, especially in the second half when they really came at us, but we rode it and we might even have won the game in the final ten minutes," said Cotterill.

"I felt we had one or two tired pairs of legs out there today, to finish like that was a terrific effort from the players as it was their third game in six days.

"If I could have asked for more from the team I would have asked of it, but I honestly felt the lads gave me everything they had."

Cotterill admitted he is pleased with his sides current run of form. He said: "Four game undefeated is a nice little run and the main thing is the longer we can build on that the more confidence the players will get.

"If I had one criticism it would have been the goal we gave away. Most goals are preventable and Reading's most certainly was.

"We've just got to stay that little bit more switched on at times. If that hadn't gone in and we'd scored first it would have been very interesting to see how they reacted.

"I believe Jurgen Vandeurzen's shot will go down as an own goal. The thing that pleased me most about our goal is Jurgen did exactly what we asked of him and got into position to take that shot."

Cotterill told Teamtalk "We knew that a good run would propel us up the table so recent results are just what we needed. But I don't think we have settled completely at this level yet. It will take a while longer to adapt.

"Perhaps after 15 games we could say that, although personally I don't think we can say that until we have played everyone once."