Paul Ince makes admission over Reading’s win over Birmingham City

Reading interim manager Paul Ince has admitted that his new side ‘rode their luck’ against Birmingham City as they came out as 2-1 winners.

Goals from Lucas Joao and John Swift put the Royals 2-0 up as they look to move away from the relegation zone at the end of the season. An own goal from Tom McIntyre did half the deficit in the final minutes of the game, but Blues were unable to complete a comeback.

Ince was appointed as interim manager until the end of the season following the departure of Veljko Paunovic on Saturday afternoon.

Reading currently lie in 21st position in the league eight points ahead of Derby County, although the Rams have a game in hand over the Royals.

After taking charge of his first game, Ince delivered his verdict, making an admission about the clash.

“We rode our luck at times - Lee Bowyer 's side are a good side and they were playing with no pressure,” he said via BerkshireLive .

“We did have pressure as we are trying to stay in this league so to play the way we did and get the three points was great for the lads and the fans.”

While he was happy with the start, the head coach is under no illusions as to the task ahead of him.

“There is a lot of work to do. If you look at the team and the bench, we had three kids on there so we were down to the bare bones,” he added.

“We had 17 players, we only had four defenders who all played, any players who we bring in have to be free transfers. We know the Championship is demanding and these players are playing week in, week out and they were on their knees at the end.”