Reading FC

Adam Le Fondre admitted he stepped up to score Reading's winner against Everton despite suffering from cramp
advertisement

Le Fondre banged in Everton winner with cramp

November 20, 2012

Fox-in-the box Adam Le Fondre admitted he stepped up to score Reading's winner against Everton despite suffering from cramp.

Le Fondre was barged over in the box by Seamus Coleman with less than 15 minutes left on the clock at Madejski Stadium and the score level at 1-1.

However, there was no way that the striker was going to relinquish his duties despite feeling his hamstring tighten before slotting home his second penalty of the season.

He revealed: "I got cramp when I got hit with the tackle from behind when I won the penalty. I got cramp in my hamstring.

"Just before the run up I felt it, but I knew I was going to score so it's not high pressured. I said to the gaffer straight after I'm more of a hindrance being on than off."

Minutes after scoring his second of the game crocked Le Fondre called over to the bench and was replaced by Noel Hunt, receiving a heroes reception in the process.

After such a prolific personal performance in his first start since September 22, Stockport-born Le Fondre is hopeful that he can keep his place when he returns to the North West as Reading face Wigan at the DW Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

He said: "It's been noted that I'm not the best at being on the sidelines, but I am part of a team, we have a great spirit, we all want each other to do well and that's the best way.

"When the manager wants to use me he does and he started me and it worked. Hopefully I will keep my place and keep scoring goals, but it's all about the team and that's what matters.

"This is a great win for us to build on, we are out the bottom three and we can go from strength to strength. Hopefully I will keep my place and keep scoring."

And manager McDermott, who has Le Fondre to thank for his first ever Premier League win, added: "“He’s got every chance (at starting against Wigan). I’m delighted, he’s a great guy.

“He thinks he belongs at this level and he does. We’re trying to instil in the players that they belong at this level.

“Though I’m glad he didn’t tell me about his cramp before he took the penalty - I would have panicked!”

| Submit Comments | View Comments (8)

« Previous Story | Next Story »

Most recent user comments 8 of 8

He had better play with cramp every week then !!!

true blue
28/11/2012 at 15:07

Le Fondre did seem disappointed at being substituted, so not a surprising reaction from one if not many supporters.

More perhaps a reaction to Le Fondre's response than McD's decision.

come on lads
20/11/2012 at 12:52

i honestly do believe if Alfie had started more games this season or had more game time of the bench then we would have won a couple more

he is a natural goalscorer and they are a rare breed

last chance saloon
20/11/2012 at 10:56

It was funny on Saturday because the know it all old bloke that sits a few rows in front of me was going mad that they dare to take Le Fondre off as he was on a hattrick!

Smiffy, Reading
20/11/2012 at 09:43

Hyphen is still missing.

Big P, Reading
20/11/2012 at 09:39

Not surprising when RFC covered more miles in that game than any other team that day in the premier league and that is a fact. The next team to have covered most miles was indeed the Toffees.