The post match reaction has been unanimous pats on the back all round which is a little pre-mature given the current six point gap to a position of safety.
Whilst a win did feel good our league position still remains very dangerous and we must use the confidence boost of beating the Royals to push on and earn some big money points over the next few weeks.
Games against Charlton, Cardiff, Blackpool, Norwich, and Leeds should allow Mackay and his men to put some real points on the board if we are to have hope of survival.
Of those fixtures, all but Norwich are realistically within catching distance of the Latics and so each one must be viewed as a cup final.
Should we be able to put a run together and pick up say ten points over than run of five games, I am convinced the league table will make for much nicer reading than it does at the moment.
We have form at this time of year. There was even a phrase during our time in the top flight that the months of February, March, and April were known as ‘Wigan time.’
Traditionally known to only start our season after the Christmas break supporters must be hoping that this season is no different as we aim to haul ourselves away from the foot of the table.
My piece last week was scathing of the management at our club given the current situation we find ourselves in. It is very early days but should the current crop manage to pull themselves out of trouble – and I sincerely hope they do – it will be a master-stroke. Decide for yourself if that is good judgement or pure luck.
Perhaps the most exciting fact on display at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday was the attacking line up on display from the Latics. After enduring a season of one underperforming striker after another it was a pleasure to see the lineup with two forwards, Clarke and Fortune, ably supported from the wings by attacking wingers, McClean and Ojo.
So long as we carry such a threat teams are going to tread carefully against us, particularly when we play at home. With Waghorn, Mckay, and Bo-kyung on the bench our attacking options are as strong as at any point this season.
There is a long way to and a lot of points to be won. Based on the display at Reading our team have the desire and character to be able to survive. We must build on our first win in eight and start to get a decent run of form.
Here’s to hoping we keep the attacking football flowing and the point continue to follow. Whilst one swallow does not a summer make, it certainly signals spring and that is the time when the Latics start to play. Keep on believing.