Marcus: We Played Better Than At Forest

Last updated : 27 December 2002 By Rob Cooper
Hahnemann makes a save
The Royals slumped to their third successive 2-0 defeat on Boxing Day, this time against the rampant Sky Blues, but 30-year-old shotstopper Marcus Hahnemann believes the display was an improvement on the woeful efforts at Forest last weekend.

For the majority of the game the Reading defence looked water-tight, boosted by the presence of recent signing Steve Brown. It took two thumping goals from Coventry, courtesy of some magic from on-loan star Richie Partridge, to break the deadlock.

"We played a little bit better than at Forest," commented Hahnemann, speaking to readingfc.co.uk.

"I didn't have as much to do or as many saves to make, which is positive. We had more of the ball as well, but we didn't create any scoring opportunities which has been our problem."

Late in the game the bald-headed American dashed forward for a corner and would have bagged a consolation had it not been for a good save from Coventry goalie Morten Hyldgaard.

Reminiscing of the novel incident Hahnemann added: "Rouge saw me come up, a lot of times your not picked up because your the extra man. I tried to get something on it and I got it on target."

"We never gave up - that's the attitude of our team. Until the final whistle goes it's not over and you never give up until the final whistle is blown."