READING interim boss Paul Ince has called his side’s 1-0 win against Rovers “the perfect performance”.

Josh Laurent got the decisive goal 12 minutes from time, beating Thomas Kaminski with a clinical finish.

Tony Mowbray’s men have now failed to score in their last seven matches on the road, losing five of those games.

Ince was delighted with his side’s defensive display and insists they should have been “3-0 up at half time”.

“Defensively, we were outstanding,” said the Reading chief. “The back four had to defend at times because it all got a little bit nervy.

“In many ways it was probably a perfect performance – apart from the chances we missed in the first half. We should have been 3-0 up at half-time.

“But then again it was a clean sheet, which is very important, and we also got that amazing goal from Josh. It was a real wonder goal.

“Okay, we were hanging on a bit at the end and we had to really defend. We were playing against a really good side, who are going for the play-offs, so to get that result is so important.

“We started a bit slowly but, after about 15 minutes, we grew into the game. We were by far the better side and could have put the game to bed.

“And then you go in at half-time thinking, ‘Are we going to get punished for that in the second half?’ But our lads have got an incredible spirit about them.

“The lads have put in a really good shift this week. If you’d have said to me we’d get four points from those three games, I’d have snatched your hand off.”

The result leaves Ince’s men move to five points clear of the bottom three, while Rovers drop to sixth place.

Mowbray’s men are back in action on Saturday, April 2 when they head to Coventry (KO 3pm).

Rovers on social, newsletters, plus take out a subscription...

Keep up to date with our Rovers coverage on social media, by joining us on Facebook and Twitter

If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important Rovers stories every day, sign up to the free Rovers e-mail newsletter

Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer

Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227