MAN UP TO BE IN THE ROYALS PAUL OF FAME
NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO jumped in front of Tony Pulis’ dug-out and celebrated victory.
PAUL CLEMENT got his Reading reign off to the perfect start – thanks to Vito Mannone and a huge dose of luck.
The new Royals’ chief was rewarded for his decision to bring back the ex-Sunderland man in goal for Anssi Jaakkola when Mannone (hugged by team-mate George Evans above) saved Jake Bidwell’s injury-time penalty.
That, combined with Sone Aluko’s firsthalf goal, gave Reading a first win in 10 games as they pulled six points clear of the drop in their first match after the Jaap Stam era.
Clement (below) said: “The players have had a difficult time but that was full of passion. I am very pleased. It was a three points we needed and wanted.” The hosts’ winner came after 13 minutes as ex-Fulham man Aluko scored only his third goal for the club after firing home leftfooted from 25 yards.
But that was Reading’s only decent chance and they had to save a barrage by QPR.
Conor Washington missed a simple opportunity while Paul Smyth also shot wide with the goal gaping.
Reading had to play the last nine minutes with 10 men after substitute Yann Kermorgant was dismissed for a second bookable offence for fouling Josh Scowen.
It looked as if Rangers would earn a deserved point when Dave Edwards’ challenge on Pawel Wszolek resulted in a penalty. But Mannone dived the right way to foil Bidwell.
QPR boss Ian Holloway said: “You don’t win games if you don’t take your chances. But we should not have lost.”