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Capable of making the playoffs

Capable of making the playoffs

Liz Spencer6 Feb 2015 - 20:01
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Men take on Cannock this Saturday

Skipper Chris Newman believes Reading are capable of producing a late surge to make the NOW: Pensions League play-offs.
Blues currently lie fifth in the table, five points behind the fourth club Wimbledon.
"We are a bit adrift and certainly have a lot to do," said Newman "But it is in our own hands. We have seven games to go and I think we can win six of them at least. Our squad will be doing everything we possibly can to get into the play offs."

Reading resume the second half of the season at Cannock on Saturday, having ended the first half by hammering the same opponents 4-1 at Sonning Lane in December.

But Blues won't go into the game short of match practice, having played in the indoor league which took them through to the semi-finals at Wembley Arena before losing 7-5 to East Grinstead the weekend before last.

Newman said: "I think one of the great things about this season ​compared to other years is lots of guys played throughout the Christmas period. Traditionally, it is quite difficult to come back after a long break into the outdoor stuff, but this year people have kept their hockey going, Players look in good shape and we are ready to resume this coming weekend."

Reading are in action on both days, as after their trip to Cannock they are off to Southgate on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the National Cup.
"We are all excited by this double header, but It is a tough challenge for us," said Newman.
"We have Southgate twice this month, as we are back there shortly for a league game.They are never an easy team to play against especially when they are at home."

Simon Mantell, who hasn't played since suffering concussion in the home league game against Southgate in early October, remains on the sidelines.
"It is frustrating for the team, but even more so for Simon as he is having to sit at home doing nothing," said Newman..
"He is feeling much better and is able to do some things that are leading him to be able to exercise, but I think he is still a few weeks off from playing again."

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