RAMS TAKE BIG WIN ‘WE CAN DO SPECIAL THINGS FOR OUR FANS’

BRAGGING rights and precious points are on the line as Reading face Oxford United in the local derby this weekend.

With League One survival of paramount importance for the

Royals, they are looking to continue their recent improved form which has seen them lose just one league game since they hosted Oxford at the start of December.

However, Reading’s squad has taken a hit in the January transfer window with the ownership keen to extract value for key players before any takeover talks are properly negotiated.

The Royals have lost defenders Tom McIntyre, Nelson Abbey, Tom Holmes and Nesta Guinness-Walker throughout the transfer window, while Holmes has rejoined on loan until the end of the season.

This Saturday’s game (12.30pm kick-off) will be Reading’s first away match at Oxford since a League Cup meeting in 2004.

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RAMS’ man-of-the-match Charlie Robson was delighted with the way his side hit top gear towards the end of the 52-17 National One home victory against Taunton Titans.

The two-try wing, who also had a hand in three other scores, looked dangerous every time he had the ball as part of an electric back line which ended with seven of Rams’ tries.

“It was a great win and a good performance from the boys. We were a bit off in the first half, but later we found something and pushed on,” said Robson.

“(From 26-17) it was good to see the boys dig deep and show what we’re about in the final 15 minutes.

“Taunton are a tough opposition with some big boys, and full credit to them because they kept digging in despite the final scoreline.”

Having crossed four times for the Titans in his last appearance a fortnight ago, Robson’s first was created by a delightful piece of skill from fly-half Honey.

He said: “I think I was a bit lucky, it sat up nicely.

“I was about to kick it on, but it was a lovely bounce, a great kick (from Fraser).”

And having regained his place in the starting line-up following Zach Clow’s hamstring twinge, Robson ended by revealing what a buzz it is to play in front of the Old Bath Road faithful.

He continued: “The adrenaline when you get on the pitch is something else and especially at home, we feel like we can do some special things in front of our fans.”