Southampton 1 Reading 0: We were worthy winners, says Nigel Adkins
Southampton 1 Reading 0: Nigel Adkins says the Saints were "worthy winners" against Reading at St Mary's
Nigel Adkins believes Southampton were “worthy winners” of their relegation clash after Jason Puncheon’s strike sealed victory over Reading at St Mary’s.
The 26-year-old scored his second goal of the Premier League campaign in the 61st-minute, beating Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici courtesy of a deflection off the post.
Southampton’s victory moves the newly-promoted side into 15th place, while the Royals remain in 19th spot and six points from safety.
“I thought we dominated the game and we were worthy winners,” Adkins told BBC Sport.
“The crowd got behind the players, we played with a good tempo and it was a good 1-0 victory.
“The goal was excellent and one from the training ground where we get the full-backs forward.”
Meanwhile, Reading boss Brian McDermott was left frustrated after the visitors were guilty of wasting chances to rescue a point.
“In the first half we had an opportunity and we hit the post. If we had gone a goal ahead then that would’ve been very important but that didn’t happen,” said the Reading boss.
“We’ve had a very disappointing day but we have to pick ourselves up quickly. We weren’t solid enough and we weren’t as good as we needed to be.
“We’re disappointed that we didn’t kick on after their goal and normally we come storming back and that’s something we have to be aware of.”
