PAUNOVIC: MY ROYALS STILL FULL OF FIGHT

READING manager Veljko Paunovic insists his warriors are still keen for battle despite a month without victory.

Four weeks ago the Royals were the Championship’s runaway leaders thanks to seven wins and a draw from their first eight games.

Having added just a single point since, they have dropped to sixth and today host Bristol City ty – one of a clutch of clubs who have overtaken them.

The Robins have won three and drawn one since losing at home to current top dogs Norwich.

But Paunovic (top) is confident that Reading can return to former glories.

He said: “We know we can expect a hard opponent but we are keen and we are happy. It will be an interesting game and we have already been preparing for them.

“It’s another hard opponent, another final.

Another battle, another war. They are organised and are good on the ball. It’s a team that know how they play. They have good spirit and a tough mentality. They never give up.”

City matched Watford, another team in the promotion mix, in midweek when it ended 0-0 at Ashton Gate.

Antoine Semenyo (below) was their standout performer in that stalem stalemate, adding to three as assists in the previous t three games.

City have turned down offers from C Chelsea for the 20 20-year-old striker, who has blossomed since returning from a loan spell at Sunderland last season.

A confident Semenyo said: “Everything in the changing room is fantastic. Everyone has gelled together, so we could not ask for anything more.

“We have momentum 100 per cent. As a unit we have done fantastically well, so now the weekend is about three points.”