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.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.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.McDermott said: "Shane has got really fit, he's looking after himself and we are now seeing the player we always knew we had."His confidence is sky high, he is winning headers and there was only one guy who was going to take that penalty."He deserves this form as he has been working really hard over the last few weeks."He has been brilliant for us but we need to start spreading the goals around the team."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.He said: "We have taken nine points from the last nine and that is going to be massively important."That was the toughest game I've been involved in since I took over."The key is to live for the moment and win a game at a time."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.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.Mariner said: "It is a very difficult pill to swallow."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."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."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."But this league is not daunting. We will not throw the towel in, there is an incredible amount of football still to play."It's an unpredictable league, which is why it's the fourth most popular league in the world."Anyone can beat anyone and we will keep fighting till the end." Barnsley 8/11, Draw 5/2, Plymouth 4/1  

Source: Team_Talk