The Royals picked up their first league victory of the season with a 1-0 win against Port Vale at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Paddy Lane scored his first goal for the club in the second half to seal the important points, which move us out the relegation zone.
Noel Hunt was sent off during the game for kicking the ball away, so Mikele Leigertwood was on media duty. Here is what he had to say, he spoke to the official club website.
Leigertwood on the victory
“It was a really pleasing result. The boys put
in a great shift, and you could see how much it meant to them at the final whistle. We knew it would be a battle, and they stood up to the challenge brilliantly.
“[Port Vale] were always going to come here full of confidence, and we knew we’d have to match them physically. It was one of those games where it was about who blinked first. Thankfully, it was us who found the breakthrough – and it was a bit of magic from Paddy Lane that won it.
“We were probably a little disappointed not to be ahead at the break. But we knew if we kept doing the right things, chances would come. The link-up between Daniel and Paddy – two of our summer signings – was fantastic and gave us the decisive moment.”
Leigertwood on the impact from the bench
“That’s a big part of what we’re trying to build here. Everyone who comes on has to know their role and be ready to give everything. You could see that in moments like Jeriel Dorsett’s late block: players putting their bodies on the line for the team.”
Leigertwood on the clean sheet
“We’ve put real emphasis on clean sheets. Against a side with big players and long throws, you need resilience and focus. The lads stood up, made big tackles, and did their jobs. That’s the standard we have to set.”
Leigertwood on Derrick Williams
“Derrick’s been excellent – his attitude, his communication, and the way he organises others have been vital. He’s helping both younger players and experienced ones around him.”
Leigertwood ahead of Swindon on Tuesday
“It’s another important game. Cup competitions give us the chance to win matches, build confidence and get minutes into players. Of course, we want to progress, but we’ll also be mindful of giving the squad the right balance of rest and sharpness.”
Leigertwood on a win to build from
“Going into the [international] break with a win makes a huge difference. The lads deserved that today – not just for the three points, but for the way they went about it. It shows what we’re capable of, and now we have to keep building.”
