Source: Team_Talk
Long shots delight Royals manager
The Republic of Ireland international striker had failed to register a single league goal all season until McDermott was confirmed as permanent Royals manager last month, but has now scored in three straight wins as his last-minute penalty won the three points in Tuesday night's Championship clash at the Madejski Stadium.[LNB]Long opened the scoring in the 51st minute with a cool one-on-one finish but Argyle captain Carl Fletcher drove the visitors level 17 minutes later.[LNB]The game looked set for a draw which would have done little to ease either side's relegation fears but when substitute Hal Robson-Kanu was bundled over in stoppage time, Long smashed the ball down the middle to give McDermott another crucial win.[LNB]McDermott said: "Shane has got really fit, he's looking after himself and we are now seeing the player we always knew we had.[LNB]"His confidence is sky high, he is winning headers and there was only one guy who was going to take that penalty.[LNB]"He deserves this form as he has been working really hard over the last few weeks.[LNB]"He has been brilliant for us but we need to start spreading the goals around the team."[LNB]McDermott was adamant that the penalty award was the correct decision but refused to get carried away after seeing his side move to within a point of safety.[LNB]He said: "We have taken nine points from the last nine and that is going to be massively important.[LNB]"That was the toughest game I've been involved in since I took over.[LNB]"The key is to live for the moment and win a game at a time."[LNB]Argyle boss Paul Mariner felt the decisive spot-kick was soft but refused to concede that the Pilgrims are destined for a return to League One.[LNB]Mariner's side were not at the races during the opening 45 minutes but the introduction of substitutes Kenny Cooper and Craig Noone inspired a much-improved performance after the break which was capped by Fletcher's leveller.[LNB]Mariner said: "It is a very difficult pill to swallow.[LNB]"We didn't play well in the first half but we got back into the game and felt we had done enough to earn a point so it's very tough.[LNB]"The changes made a difference but when you are fighting at this end of the table you rely on a bit of luck and I don't feel we got that.[LNB]"It was a soft penalty and I'm not sure that we would have been given it at the other end but the referee had a good view of it and he gave it so that is that.[LNB]"But this league is not daunting. We will not throw the towel in, there is an incredible amount of football still to play.[LNB]"It's an unpredictable league, which is why it's the fourth most popular league in the world.[LNB]"Anyone can beat anyone and we will keep fighting till the end."[LNB][LNB] Barnsley 8/11, Draw 5/2, Plymouth 4/1
