Pardew Pleased With Convincing Victory

Last updated : 25 July 2002 By Rob Cooper
Jamie Cureton grabbed a hat-trick in yesterday's 6-0 win over KSV Krumbach in a match which saw particuarly impressive performances from midfielders Andy Hughes and Joe Gamble.

Despite the weak amateur opposition Alan Pardew was pleased with the result and the fitness of his players - stating that his side are now ready to take on Derby on August 10th.

Reading play their second friendly in Germany on Saturday against SSV Reutlingen, a far better side who play in the Bundesliga Division Two - the German equivilent of the First Division.

Manager Alan Pardew told Teamtalk.com: "I'm sure we will get a tougher game at the weekend but we have been treated very well and have been made to feel at home.

"It was a good workout for us. What I was pleased about more than anything is the way we pressed and moved them (TSV) around. We created so many chances and from this match I know the players are up to speed and
we are ready for the season opener at Derby.

"Krumbach got nine men behind the ball to try to frustrate us, but we have had that from plenty of other teams in the past.

"It doesn't matter about the standard of opposition, if they are fit and work hard it's very difficult to break them down but I was delighted with our movement."