Fozzy: Good Win For Us

Last updated : 09 November 2002 By Rob Cooper
Nicky Forster
Forster rides a tackle
Nicky Forster set up the goal that gave Reading three points at Gillingham on Saturday afternoon. The result sees them rise to sixth in the league for the first time this season.

Forster put in a fantastic performance again up front, playing against one of his former clubs.

The 29-year-old admitted it is pleasing to come away with the points.

He told BBC Radio Berkshire: "We're very happy to come here and get three points, it's a tough place to come and get a win. It was a very good win for us.

"They singled me out for some special treatment but that's part and parcel of football so it didn't really bother me to be honest."

After putting in some fantastic displays in recent weeks, giving experienced defenders a run around, the former Birmingham man was singled out for some tighter marking.

Despite the almost military style operation surrounding him Forster did well up front and still managed to create some good chances.

"It was difficult for me today. There two centre-backs got close to me all afternoon and made it hard. Gillingham compete well all over the pitch and make it tough for the opposition.

"It's not too tiring playing up front on my own, I quite enjoy the role to be honest. It was nice to have a part in the goal as well. I just slid it across the goal, two of them missed it but fortunately Rouge was there to turn it in."

Reading have gone on an incredible run of five wins in six matches to defy the pundit's belief that they will struggle this season. The defence has been particuarly water tight, conceding just three times in the past eight matches.

However, making it into the magical top six means nothing to Fozzy who realises there are a lot of games still to play this season.

Next month will likely be the defining one as the Royals play the likes of Nottingham Forest, Coventry, Derby, Leicester, Portsmouth and Watford in a marathon run of festive fixtures.

Forster added: "We're on a fantastic run at the minute but we've got to keep level-headed and keep getting the results as we are on the verge of getting well into the play-off places.

"Talk of making the top six at the end of the season is a bit premature but if we keep performing well then the results will follow.

"The gaffer said in the dressing room today that we've got the best finisher in the Natiowide League sitting on the bench in Jamie Cureton and he hasn't kicked a ball in the last four games. That shows the ability we have got here."