Ince assesses terrific win against Coventry
One goal decided it on the restart; Amadou Mbengue’s first professional goal was the difference as the Royals took a 1-0 victory against visitors Coventry City on Saturday afternoon.
The Sky Blues, who were the form side going into the Championship’s mid-season break, showed a lot of quality throughout the match. But the Royals did what they needed to keep the visitors shut out over the course of the game, and held out under pressure to claim a great win.
“It’s a fantastic start,” said Ince. “We were playing a very good Coventry team, and when they get in that final third, they play some really good football.
“We rode our luck – they hit the post, but we also had some chances and their goalkeeper made a great save from Yakou.
“The game-plan was working in the first half – we were switching the play and got lots of joy down the right-hand side. It felt like it was always going to be a one-goal game – it was just a case of who it was going to go to!
“Second half, we started poorly for some reason. In the first half we started sharp and we were on our game and got on the ball, the intensity was there… the second half, for some reason, we started sloppy.
“We’ve had four weeks off and it’s not easy to start again, but to come back home and get the three points is a great result for us.
“We’re a team that won’t give up. You can see the fighting spirit. We’re not saying we’re the finished article… but we fight, we’ve got togetherness, and the most important thing is that we kept a clean-sheet against a very good attacking side. Over the course of the game, I’m very pleased.
“Everyone is battling for this club. Everyone has to understand where we are. We played against one of the best teams and came away with three points.
“Some of our gamesmanship was great. I thought Shane Long when he came on was immense. For someone who is 35 and who has played in the Premier League, to come here and have an impact like he did… that’s what you ask for. He showed that he wants it, and he’s an example to all of our players.”