Midfielder on the 1-1 draw at Reading
Midfielder Oscar Gobern believes Town were worth more than the point they left the Madejski Stadium with after the side’s performance in the 1-1 draw against Reading.
“We can take more heart out of this performance than the one on Tuesday, even though I thought we played well in spells then too. We’ve come away from home to play a top six team and I thought we controlled the game from start to finish. I didn’t see the penalty decision, but it’s unfortunate a set-piece has cost us the win,” Oscar told htafc.com.
Although the team is now without a win in its last six games, Gobern believes performances have improved against Middlesbrough and the Royals.
“I think the Manager wants us to show energy, because as of late we’ve perhaps looked a bit lacklustre on and off the ball; we weren’t winning it back quickly enough. In the last two games I think we’ve shown that energy against two good Championship teams.
“If you push high up the pitch, you will be closer to the opposition’s goal when you win the ball back. If you do that, it could only be two or three passes that sees you in on their goal. I think you could see that today for our goal, which Nahki took really well.”
Gobern was full of praise for his Bermudian teammate, who took his goal beautifully today:
“Nahki works really hard in training and even though he had a spell without a goal after his two early ones, you can see now that he has a real eye for goal. His work really helps the team too. Alongside James Vaughan, we arguably have two of the best strikers in the Championship.”
The tall midfielder made his 22nd appearance of the Sky Bet Championship season today and performed well in the engine room on his second consecutive start.
He continued: “I’ve been in and out of the team most of the season due to Hoggy’s good form. It’s a team game, but when the opportunity comes to me I need to take it. I enjoy the time you get on the ball in the Championship and we’ve shown that we are a footballing team; we have the players to pass and move.
“I like to do a bit of everything and contribute when defending and attacking. The three players in the middle are there to do both aspects of the game. Adam Clayton and Ollie Norwood are both great on the ball, but they can also defend as well. Fans might not always see that side of the game, but we all have to do it.”
Gobern even went close to opening his account for the season, only to be one of several Town players denied by the impressive Alex McCarthy.
“I saw Hammill running on the left, but I was in a good position – one I don’t get in too often – and I decided to hit the ball. I caught it really well and it was swerving, but the ‘keeper did well to parry it. He (Alex McCarthy) got ‘Man of the Match’ today, which says it all."
With seven games of the season left and Town in 16th position, Oscar explained that the team’s goal is to put together a late run of wins:
“There’s no problem with motivation or determination in the changing room; we don’t want to get stuck in mid-table. We’re still trying to push as high as we can and see where we can finish. A positive finish would bode well for next season.
“Once it all comes together, I’m sure we will be a very good outfit.”
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