Source: Team_Talk
Johnson employs final philosophy
The Robins have surged up the table after a mid-season slump and climbed to fourth in the Championship with this win.[LNB]The Royals had thumped City 4-1 at Ashton Gate back in November and revenge was sweet for Johnson, who saw Dele Adebola and Cole Skuse claim goals either side of half-time.[LNB]He said: "You use that defeat as motivation as we never got anywhere near our game that day.[LNB]"We had to prove to ourselves that we can compete with teams like Reading and we came here and showed what a club we are.[LNB]"I treated it like a cup final as it was that important a game.[LNB]"It felt like that with the sun shining and 4,500 fans enjoying it.[LNB]"Coming on the coach to the ground, there were thousands of people walking in in their colours and I mentioned to the team before the game that this was a cup final for us."[LNB]The Robins have embarked on a run of six wins in seven to put themselves in pole position to claim a play-off place, and Johnson is ready for another crack at promotion.[LNB]He said: "We are up to fourth and we have to repel anyone who wants to knock us out of there.[LNB]"In November, when we were 18th, I said that we could still get into the top six. I took a chance there but we have gone on this run and I believed we could do it.[LNB]"We did a league table in my office this week of all the teams who have been in the Championship in the last two years and we are second behind Wolves, so we are not one-season wonders by any stretch."[LNB]It is now five games since a Reading player scored, and Steve Coppell admitted he is concerned his side may have been found out.[LNB]Before Christmas the Royals were averaging more than two goals a game but they have managed only an own goal from Wolves defender Neill Collins since they beat Watford 4-0 on January 9.[LNB]Coppell said: "We work hard in training and have lots of finishing sessions and I don't know why we are not scoring at the minute.[LNB]"If I knew why we weren't I obviously would have done something about it by now.[LNB]"Recent results would suggest that teams have worked us out.[LNB]"Whether we are a one-trick pony or not I don't know - only time will tell."[LNB]Leaders Wolves play Cardiff on Sunday, while second-placed Birmingham were beaten at Coventry today to leave the Royals handily placed in third.[LNB]Coppell said: "The defeat hurts us but it hasn't really changed the table when you look at the other results and that is the smallest of small consolations.[LNB]"I hope that this would be a motivation for us to go on and finish the season strongly.[LNB]"With the record we have here, teams come and defend. They changed their shape and on the day it worked.[LNB]"We can't complain about that but we will lick our wounds and come back."[LNB][LNB]
