Jaap Stam Happy With Important Point Against Bolton Wanderers

Frustrating as the performance was, it was also an important point that takes us five away from the relegation area.

Bolton were the visitors to the Madejski, and the Royals took the lead through Mo Barrow. Adam Le Fondre - who else - equalised just before half time.

Jaap Stam was actually pleased with a point, he told the official club website:

“I think the score was a fair result, if you look at the game. We started with good intensity and tried to go forward as quick as we could from kick-off.

“We spoke about how to play, making the choice to play the ball a bit quicker to the front men rather than playing out from the back. But against these sides you can see it’s not easy to hold up the ball as they’re physically very strong.

“But if you’re not able to hold up the first ball, you want to at least win the second one. And the players were working hard to do that and eventually in the first half that gave us a goal.

“Unfortunately we conceded just before half-time and we went into the second half, wanting to score again. But in the way that they played, very direct and going straight up to our penalty box and fighting for the balls, it’s difficult to get control of the game and to play how you want to play.

“At the end of the day, it's a fair result. Everybody worked very hard and showed a lot of energy.

“And looking at other results as well, it’s an important point. And for us, towards the end of the season, it’s important that in every game you play that you get something out of it.

“Everybody wants to get three, but it’s not easy and every team has their qualities. So today is a good point.”

Next up for the Royals are Leeds United at the Madejski on Saturday.