Noel Hunt Hails Reading's 'Outstanding' Team Display In Mansfield Hammering
The Royals ran riot in the second half to win 5-1 in Nottinghamshire.
The Royals picked up a fantastic 5-1 victory against struggling Mansfield Town to keep the playoff dream well and truly alive.
A brace from Jayden Wareham, an own goal, a phenomenal Lewis Wing effort and a Billy Bodin tap-in secured a very important three points.
The win leaves us in seventh, level on points with Leyton Orient, with just two games left. Manager Noel Hunt was delighted with the victory and individual performances. Here is what he had to say, he spoke to the official club website and the Reading Chronicle.
Hunt on the victory
“I thought we were really good, right from the first minute we came out fast. We spoke about how fast they start and they have some good footy players, but we weathered the storm for the first 15 minutes and we got a foothold on the game.
"After that I thought we were outstanding, the whole team, the decision-making, the maturity, from Joel to the front line. I'm really pleased.”
Hunt on fighting against the Stags and conditions
“The pitch is perfect here, and it allows us to play some really good stuff at times.
"We had a meeting before the game about the importance of the position we have put ourselves in and not taking it for granted.
"We wanted to show what we're about, being dynamic and taking the opportunity we have been given. I think the boys did that today and we were excellent all the way through.”
Hunt on the threat of Mansfield
“I think they [Mansfield] are in a false position, they've got really good players, they're a strong side, they've got a really detailed way of playing, and they've got a great manager. For us to perform as we did today as a unit was outstanding.”
Hunt on Wareham's performance
“He was excellent today, I've just said to him that it was his most complete performance as a number nine to date.
"We speak about how young we are, and how he's learning on the job, and how he wants to learn and get better. That's what you want, people who are hungry to be successful and improve, and I thought he led the line superbly today.
"His hold-up play, his running in behind, his decision-making, link-up play, and I said because he does all of that, the goals come off the back of it - two goals for him that were thoroughly deserved.”
Hunt on the second goal
“You take the goals any way they come. We tried to press as high as we could and put them under some pressure, to the point where he didn't know where he was.
"It's unfortunate for them but fortunate for us, and these little breaks went for us today, and we'll take it. After that we grew, we got bigger and stronger, we kept our intensity, and the goals from there finished it off.”
Hunt on Wing's thunderbolt
“We all know what he's got! He may have been a bit frustrated in earlier parts of the season and we had an open conversation recently.
"I said to him about how when there's grass on the pitch it suits him, and when the pitches are bare it's hard for him to use his technique and power. I fancied it for him today to be fair!”
Hunt on Bodin's first Royals goal
“The unselfishness of Harvey is what a team performance is all about, and I fancied it for Billy today - that was my favourite goal!
"The fifth epitomised everything we are about, a team performance. It was my favourite because Harvey is on 15/16 goals and could easily have gone for goal himself but the fact he slotted it to his mate to score, that reminds me of Reading of old. A team that will do anything for anyone to score and that’s what we’re about."
Hunt on the family feel of the club
“We want people to be at home here, we want people express themselves and be themselves. Be happy that you are you and you're unique, we come in and accept everyone for who they are.
"I love to give the players who have come in more minutes, but we've been on such a great run with just two losses in 16. They come in though and work hard, and everyone appreciates that and they're all part of the team.”
Hunt on bouncing back
"We had a really good team meeting this morning about the opportunity we have given ourselves throughout the season and there are three ways we can go: turn and walk home, stand still and watch it or stand forward and embrace it. They did that today; the boys were outstanding.
"We talk about being brave and responsible in our area, taking the final step and making the last step, putting the back four under pressure and getting shots off, embracing shots. We did all of that, so it was really pleasing.
“These boys keep going, and we keep on speaking about how we can't affect the past but we can affect the present and look to the future. Right now we stay in the moment, take the three points, it's a good win for us, and there's two cup finals left.”