Reading manager Ruben Selles lauded his team’s ‘character, camaraderie, and competitiveness’ in Tuesday’s 2-1 win against Exeter City.

After taking a two-goal lead at St James Park, the Royals were forced to rally in the face of a second-half bombardment from the in-form hosts, with the Grecians reducing the gap midway through the period and hammering the penalty box in the dying minutes.

Reading held on in Devon, despite squandering a good chance in stoppage time to win the game, for their second win in four days and first on the road since April.

After the game, Selles commented on the pitch, saying, “We came here to try to put in a decent performance. We discussed it after the last game, and we decided that coming here with any other mindset would be a mistake, so we arrived on the front foot and exerted pressure from the start.

“I believe we controlled the first half, leading 2-0 and had several opportunities to win the game. In the second half, they came alive with a strong coach, excellent players, and a good system, so when they scored, we felt a little pressured, but I believe the substitutes provided us the legs we needed to win the game.

“You’re not going to come here against a team like Exeter and get the three points easily, so we needed to suffer at the end, but the team showed character, togetherness and competitiveness so I’m very happy.”

Reading had yet to win on their travels this season, losing decisively to Bolton Wanderers and Wrexham, but the monkey was well and completely off their backs in Exeter.

Despite some external noise, the Spaniard claims he was never concerned about his performance away from Berkshire.

“We were not worried about it,” he stated. “We had certain performances, such as the Birmingham game, when we needed to be a little more physical. The main thing is that we receive points, and the sooner we reach our goal of points, the better. The good news is that we are now looking forward to playing and competing in any environment, whether at home or away.”

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