Wednesday 5 November 2014 10:35, UK
Reading manager Nigel Adkins paid tribute to strike pair Jamie Mackie and Simon Cox, who shared the goals in a comfortable 3-0 Championship victory over Rotherham United at the Madejski Stadium.
Adkins dropped the strikers on Saturday, when Reading lost 3-0 at Blackburn Rovers, but always intended to recall them against Rotherham.
"I was always planning what I was going to do for tonight's game," Adkins said. "And that's why you've got your squad of players.
"Hopefully, Jamie and Simon have got the bit between their teeth now. That helps as well.
"Jamie's been top drawer for us and he's done tonight exactly what I told him last Friday he was going to do.
"In fact, we should have scored some more goals. Their keeper's made some great saves. We created some great opportunities."
Reading's previous form had been woeful, just one win in eight league games and five points from a possible 24. They had also conceded three goals in five of their past seven matches.
From the off, though, they dominated a poor Rotherham side who offered little throughout. Steady approach play culminated with Reading going ahead in the 29th minute.
Stephen Kelly crossed from the right flank and although Mackie took a heavy first touch, he recovered well to turn quickly and fire a precise shot past Rotherham goalkeeper Adam Collin.
It was Mackie's first goal for the club since joining from Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan during the summer.
Reading could have doubled or trebled their lead before half time, with Collin saving superbly from Simon and Mackie and then Oliver Norwood striking the crossbar from a powerful free kick from wide out on the left.
Rotherham, unbeaten in five matches until their 3-0 home defeat by Middlesbrough on Saturday, somehow survived. But they did not improve after the break, apart from producing a rare effort on target when Kari Arnason nodded a Ben Pringle corner straight at home goalkeeper Adam Federici.
Reading quickly assumed control again and effectively ended the contest with two goals in nine minutes from Cox.
Mackie made the first in the 55th minute, running through the Rotherham defence before setting up Cox for a precise finish.
In the 64th minute, Oliver Norwood was the provider for Cox, who swivelled cleverly before volleying past Collin.
Reading ran down the clock with ease to secure victory and move up to 13th in the Championship table. Rotherham dropped to 18th.
"We lacked almost everything from start to finish," Rotherham manager Steve Evans said. "There was nothing good about our game at all.
"It was very uncharacteristic from the team and from some individuals as well. If you are not prepared to play at this level, then you must prepare to fail at this level.
"We were poor all over the pitch. There was a lack of endeavour, spirit and fight. That was all missing tonight. We've just got to learn from it."
