Glenn Murray’s first-half header, along with a Peter Clarke own goal and a Nick Blackman penalty was enough for Royals to take all three points.

It may not have been pretty at times, but it was a vital three points and welcome clean sheet to halt the recent slump.

Adkins was delighted with the manner of the victory, and heaped praise on his side for the resilient qualities to bounce back from two disappointing defeats in the last week.

Question marks were raised when Adkins made just one change to the side that fell to a heavy defeat to Bournemouth on Tuesday night, with Murray recovering from a knock to replace Blackman.

But his faith was repaid by the players, as they matched their biggest win of the season to record their first win in eight games.

“I thought the players did really well,” said Adkins. “They responded from the disappointment of Bournemouth in midweek, we’ve scored three goals again at home and importantly we’ve kept a clean sheet.

“The stadium was full of positivity and the environment was supportive for the players, which was fantastic, and allowed us to get the important three points we’ve been striving for.

“It’s a win, and it’s the next stage.

“We started the season in a good manner, we had players doing well and we had some good results.

“But recently we had some poor goals against us, but it’s a clean sheet and they’ve done everything required to win the game.

“The staff have also been magnificent - and we’re all in it together.” Reading took the lead in the 23rd minute, when Murray’s header from a Jordan Obita cross slipped through the grasp of Joe Lewis in the Blackpool goal.

It was a tight encounter, and the opening goal gave Royals the freedom to be patient as they searched for a second goal that would ensure their was no way back for the visitors, who showed no real goal threat throughout.

The second goal eventually arrived in the 69th minute.

A Norwood free-kick wasn’t dealt with in the Blackpool defence and as Lewis rushed out to grab the ball, Jake Taylor’s presence forced Clarke into heading the ball beyond his keeper and into the net.

The third goal came in added time, adding a gloss to the scoreline for Royals.

Blackman was upended inside the box by John Lundstram, and the substitute picked himself up to calmly roll the ball home.

Adkins added: “The last few results have gone against us and although we’ve played some good football in those games, it’s all about results.

“We’ve got many youngsters in the team who are gaining so much valuable experience. Sometimes it can get that little bit edgy.

“That was probably how the game was to start off with. But we had that steel and determination, everyone was hanging in there and we got a good result.” Adkins was also keen to pay tribute to the contribution of Taylor.

The Ascot-born youngster was introduced for Simon Cox midway through the second-half, and never stopped running as he staked a claim for a first-team spot.

“Jake provided some energy when he came on and did ever so well,” he said. “We’ve got a young group who learn by experience, we’ve had to suffer with goals we’ve conceded recently, but the players will be stronger for what they’ve been through and that’s important moving forward.

“For the first time in a long time we can have a full week on the training ground.”