Bowen on a roll after Swift gem of a goal

READING manager Mark Bowen wants his players to build on back-to-back wins in the Championship.

The home side dominated a poor first half, with Rangers goalkeeper Joe Lumley saving well from Ovie Ejaria and John Swift.

Reading went ahead seven minutes after the interval when Swift arrowed in a magnificent 25yard half-volley.

Rangers finished strongly, but substitute Ilias Chair struck the crossbar and Reading goalkeeper Rafael Cabral twice saved superbly from Jordan Hugill.

“We try to put points on the board in every game we play,” said Bowen.

“That’s now back-to-back wins and that’s special. I said to the guys before the game that it’s been a strange week – as Christmas week usually is.

“I actually gave them Christmas Day off and I was beginning to wonder at times if I’d done the right thing, especially during that last ten minutes.

“But we’d prepared and done all our tactical work, so I felt that it was important the lads spent some time with their families and cleared their heads.

“But I warned them that when they came back in they had to be focused and ready to go.

“QPR threatened us at times, but you’ve got to have that braveness to get on the ball and play. I think our confidence is growing.

“It wasn’t good for the heart, that last ten minutes, but I thought that we were in control for a lot of the time.”

Bowen can focus on getting a third straight win at Preston, but QPR boss Mark Warburton needs to lift his players at home to Hull following only two wins in 12 matches.

“We have to be honest, that was very frustrating,” admitted Warburton.

“If I’ve got any criticism of our team, it’s that we didn’t get to grips with the Reading shape in the first ten to 15 minutes.

“We should have adjusted quicker. But once we had adjusted, then I’m trying to think what our keeper had to do – apart from possibly the goal.

“And yet we created numerous chances. We were guilty of not putting the ball in the back of the net and their keeper has pulled off two or three worldie saves.

“We’ve also had a shot cleared off the line and another hit the crossbar.”