Pardew Hails Magnificent Display

Last updated : 16 August 2003 By Rob Cooper
Alan Pardew
Alan Pardew
The Royals boss was understandably pleased with his side after they demolished Nottingham Forest, one of the division's top teams, 3-0 in the first home game of the season.

The visitors were lucky to go in level at half time but goals from Steve Sidwell, Scott Murray and Shaun Goater ensured a comfortable home win for Reading.

After managing a draw at Portman Road in controversial circumstances last weekend, the Royals have come back and won their next two games and are beginning to demonstrate the sort of form that could see them promoted next May. Although it has to be said the end of the season is a long way away and promotion is yet a distant dream.

Speaking after the game, Pardew congratualted his team on their achievements thus far.

"The players have been brilliant this week," he said.

"It's been a tough week for us. Ipswich away, a cup tie and then Forest at home, and we've come through it with four points and we're through to the second round."

"Our kit man Ron Grant has been a Reading fan since time immemorial, and he just said to me it's as good as performance as he can remember. I'll go along with that, we were terrific today and the players deserve full credit."

Alan Pardew chose to remove John Salako from the field of play very early on. The veteran winger looked a fish out of water but Pards explained his decision to remove the ex-England man was purely tactical.

He added: "Forest surprised us by playing the same formation that we had played last season and I felt the need to make an early change.

"When you make a tactical change like that the player coming on really has to take the mantle on, and Kev did that. He was terrific, he's a terrific player and it's going to be hard for James Harper to get into the team now."

Pardew also had words of praise for Steve Sidwell. The 20-year-old fired in a sumptuous goal to give the Royals the lead just after half time. The fine performance was capped by a call up to the England Under 21 squad.

"Sid starred for us today and his opening goal was vital. He has now scored in every game for us this season," explained Pardew.

Next weekend the Reading bandwagon will roll into Derby where they will hope to put in a similar dominating display.