I CAN’T tell you how relieved I am to be writing this column after a vast improvement on the 3-0 away defeat at Preston two weeks ago.

Our 2-0 win away at Sheffield Wednesday saw us take a leap towards consolidating our play-off spot.

That win coincided with only one other team in the top seven taking all three points, and means we’re now six points clear of Fulham in seventh and five ahead of Wednesday in sixth.

We go back to within 10 points of second-placed Brighton, but many will think that is too many to make up.

Our performance at Hillsborough was efficient and defensively solid. Despite our reputation for seeking high amounts of possession, Owls had more of the ball.

The stats did not reflect the result as Wednesday had 22 shots to our 10; 11 corners to our three and 14 shots inside the box to our five.

However, our passing accuracy was far superior, we won the majority of aerial battles and the incredible performance of Ali Al-Habsi was yet again to be admired.

Reading Chronicle:

Manager Garry Monk brings his Leeds United side to the Madejski Stadium for a crucial clash against Jaap Stam's Reading on April 1. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire.

The Oman goalkeeper was man-of-the-match by some distance with no less than eight incredible saves, all worthy of individual praise.

The result could’ve gone the opposite way if he hadn’t been between the sticks which shows how important it is to have a strong goalkeeper.

Yann Kermogant yet again proved his value to the team with his 10th goal of the season, while second-half substitute Adrian Popa scored a late breakaway goal to wrap up the three points.

The team effort was a delight to watch as it meant an end to a run of three straight defeats on their travels for Jaap Stam’s men.

A fortnight’s international break sees Reading without a game until we face promotion-rivals Leeds United at the Madejski Stadium on April Fools’ Day – and Royals are favourites to take what would be a huge three points.

I’d go so far as to say a win on the April 1 could almost certainly seal our spot in the play-offs. I look forward to it eagerly.