‘It was some of the best football we’ve played all season’

ASSISTANT manager James OliverPearce was pleased with his team’s response as they came from a goal down to take a point against Leyton Orient.

The Royals fell behind to a penalty after Tom Holmes handled in the box, but came up with a quick response through Harvey Knibbs.

“They’ve been a side in form and not conceded in the last three,” said James Oliver-Pearce

“They had won the last three prior to today.

“I thought the first 25 minutes were excellent and some of the best football we’ve played all season.

“We caused them problems and had lots of momentum. It’s a penalty and that’s clear for everyone to see. It’s not intentional but these things happen.

“Our reaction was excellent. Just before we scored we could have equalised in open play when Andy Yiadom put the ball across the box.

“Second-half they were never going to continue to let you do what you’re doing.

“They made us do things we didn’t want to end up doing with our in possession build up.

“All-in-all I think a point is a fair reflection.”

After being questioned whether fatigue from the Derby win came into play, Oliver-Pearce continued: “We’re not going to make excuses, the lads kept pushing and worked really hard.

“The reality is Tuesday was a tough game and that said when we were fresh, I thought we were excellent.

“The subs came on and had an impact on the game and brought energy that we needed.

“Four points against two teams doing really well is a good return.

“We have to make sure we go into every game with the right application.

“We didn’t get a result away to Wigan, but in the secondhalf we were right on the front foot and it was just a case of the ball not going in the goal.

“Up until then we were unbeaten in four away from home so things have improved in some respect and we want to make sure we get more wins away.” Oliver-Pearce also gave an update on Tom Holmes who was substituted late in the game after picking up a knock.

He said: “He made a big tackle on the halfway line and both players picked up a knock from that.

“He was feeling stiffness in his back and the way the game was going we couldn’t risk him.”