Pards Delighted With Fantastic Victory

Last updated : 19 October 2002 By Rob Cooper
Nicky Forster celebrates completing his hat-trick with team mate Sammy Igoe and mascot Kingsley
Nicky Forster celebrates completing his hat-trick with team mate Sammy Igoe and mascot Kingsley
Nicky Forster bagged a hat-trick as the Royals defeated ex-Premiership side Ipswich Town at the Madejski Stadium.

Alan Pardew was understandably delighted with his sides win against the struggling Tractor Boys. The Reading manager feels the overwhelming performance signals the clubs status as a massive side in English football.

Speaking after the match Pardew said: "You've got to put this result into context. We like to think we're a massive club but in the football world we're not yet. However, we're making significant strides.

"Today against some outstanding players we were at our best and I felt that we fully deserved to win."

Pards was singing the praises of Nicky Forster, the former Birmingham striker is back to his best after a slow start to the campaign. After notching up his first of the season at Grimsby two weeks ago he has now brought his tally up to four.

Pardew added: "I'm chuffed for him because he is such a good lad about the place. He was fantastic today and his second goal was an absolute peach. He had a little look to see where the 'keeper was and he smashed it into the corner.

"Personally, I thought he was the biggest factor in us getting promoted last year. He's had terrible injuries in his career which have prevented him from going onto big things but he's making up for lost time now."

The Royals boss had praising words for attacking-midfielder James Harper. The former Arsenal player came into the side in place of the injured Andy Hughes and put in a superb display.

"We lost our best player today in Andy Hughes, and for Harper to come out of the reserves and put in a performance like that speaks volumes for him. He was terrific and that's what we want from him."

Goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann also had a superb game. After missing the clash with Grimsby two weeks ago through injury he was back in the side for today's game and did well to make several excellent stops to deny the Tractor Boys.

Commenting on his goalkeeper's display Pardew said: "Marcus was at the top of his game. His distribution was fantastic - it's worth coming to watch us just to see that.

"He's had two weeks out, but fair play to Nicky Hammond who coaches him because he came back and looked like he's never been away."