Published: Sunday, 7th February, 2010 9:00am

McDermott hails `warrior' spirit

by Sportsdesk

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BRIAN McDermott hailed his "warriors" after 10-man Royals secured a 2-1 victory at Doncaster Rovers.

Goals from Shane Long and a recalled Brian Howard in each half saw Reading completes back-to-back wins in the league for the first time this season.

But they were made to sweat at the end when ex-Donny defender Matt Mills was sent off for a harsh handball in the box.

Mills will be suspended for Tuesday's massive relegation six-pointer against Plymouth Argyle at home (8pm ko), unless Royals decide to appeal.

Striker Billy Sharp buried the spot kick but McDermott's men held on thanks to some terrific late saves from Adam Federici.

It was also McDermott's first away win as manager, following on from last week's home victory over Barnsley.

Royals boss beamed: "It was a big win. The team were real warriors.

"Off the back of the win we had over Barnsley last week - we had to follow that up. We've done that and I'm delighted."

Republic of Ireland star Long continued his hot streak with his second in as many games on the 40th minute mark.

And when Howard beat Neil Sullivan in the 76th minute a comfortable victory looked on the cards.

But Mills' red card, Sharp's converted penalty and seven minutes of injury time did little to ease McDermott's nerves.

"It was a double whammy for us," he explained. "They get the penalty and score and we've also lost Millsy to a red card.

"So the last ten - or, in fact, seventeen minutes with all the injury time - were made very difficult for us.

"Down to 10 men, it's very very difficult, but we hung in there. I know Donny hit the bar but Adam Federici made some terrific saves at the end.

"I thought we were resilient. It was a terrific away performance."

McDermott tinkered with his team and formation, brining in Jimmy Kebe for the injured Gylfi Sigurdsson and adding Howard to the midfield at Simon Church's expense.

And Royals boss singled out his goalscorers for special praise.

"I'm really, really pleased for Brian Howard," he declared. "He's been training really well, I've been talking to him regularly.

"He provided a great cross for the goal and a fabulous finish to make it 2-0.

"His response every day is good. He works hard and he's a good character around the place. He's getting fitter and fitter and he ran all day today."

He also added: "I thought Longy lead the line in a proper centre-forward's performance. We're trying to get him in those danger areas.

"He still needs to be more selfish and get more shots off, but he's got pace and power and was a real threat, I was delighted for him."

McDermott's side now face Plymouth at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday in a match they simply cannot afford to lose.

Despite back-to-back wins, Royals remain in 22nd spot, one point behind Ipswich above them.

"We now play Plymouth at home now, we look forward to getting back and playing in front of our own fans," stated McDermott.

"We've got a really exciting win behind us and now we have Plymouth on Tuesday and then West Brom in the FA Cup. I can't wait."

Doncaster (4-3-2-1): Sullivan - Chambers, Martis (Hird 69), O'Connor, Roberts - Stock, Oster, Wilson (Hayter 73) - Coppinger, Shiels (Guy 73) - Sharp. Subs not used; Smith, Mutch, Dumbuya, Heffernan.

Reading (4-2-3-1): Federici - Griffin, Ingimarsson, Mills, Bertrand - Gunnarsson, Karacan - Kebe (Church 60, Khizanishvili 82), McAnuff, Howard (Thorvaldsson 90) - Long. Subs not used: Hamer, Pearce, Davies, Rasiak.

Sent off: Mills (82).

Referee: Keith Stroud (Dorset).

Attendance: 8,827 (337 Reading).