Long snatches dramatic victory

Long snatches dramatic victory

Published Jan. 1, 2013 1:15 p.m. ET

Reading boss Brian McDermott is hoping to bring in more new faces during the January transfer window with the Royals embroiled in a Premier League relegation scrap.

Reading were beaten 3-1 by Tottenham at White Hart Lane on New Year's Day - their eighth defeat in 10 Premier League outings - and remain five points from safety with only 13 on the board from their 21 matches.

Pavel Pogrebnyak had headed the visitors into an early lead, but Spurs then took control and eased to victory thanks to efforts from Michael Dawson, Emmanuel Adebayor and Clint Dempsey.

McDermott has already strengthened his squad with the addition of Sporting Lisbon captain Daniel Carrico, but is keen to do further business in the coming month.

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He told Sky Sports: "There is a possibility. We are trying to maybe do two or three players, plus Daniel.

"But you know what January is like, it is never an easy time to get players in. If the deals are right for us and the players are right for us we will be trying to do something."

Carrico is due to arrive at the Madejski Stadium later this week, but McDermott would not be drawn on whether he would make his debut in the FA Cup trip to Crawley on Saturday.

He said: "He should be here on Thursday. I don't know if he will play in the FA Cup. We need to have a look at him in training and assess him and we'll go from there.

"He is a central midfield player or centre-back. He is the ex-Sporting Lisbon captain, he is still young, he is everything that is good about football, he is a good Reading signing, I am sure that he will come in and do well for us."

McDermott was keen to praise the efforts of his current squad in their defeat at White Hart Lane, where Spurs could have won by a greater margin had they taken more of their chances, with Adam Federici's goal being peppered by 34 shots over the 90 minutes.

He said: "This is a really good Tottenham side that Andre has put together here and there won't be too many teams coming here and getting results.

"My players were disciplined and resilient, they have got real great desire and spirit about them. It is a pleasure to work with them day in and day out. If there are any guys you want to be in a fight and a battle with, I am glad I have got these players with me."

United thought they had earned a share of the points when top scorer Rene Howe headed in a 90th minute equaliser before the game's late twist.

The Dons scored with their first attack as striker Paul McCallum guided his header into the far corner following Rashid Yussuff's cross from the right wing on six minutes.

Wimbledon's joy was short-lived as United responded within two minutes as the visitors failed to deal with Danny Stevens' incisive run into the box.

Dons keeper Neil Sullivan saved Stevens' close-range shot but Gulls skipper Lee Mansell was on hand to fire in the loose ball.

Wimbledon regained the lead when central defender and captain Mat Mitchell-King scored with an angled drive from the left hand side of the penalty area on 33 minutes.

Forwards Ashley Yeoman and top scorer Howe both tested Sullivan with shots as United pressed for a leveller while midfielder Craig Easton should have scored after being teed up by Yeoman on 65 minutes.

Substitute Luke Moore forced United keeper Michael Poke into a full stretch save with a thumping 74th minute drive before two goals in a thrilling finale left both sets of fans breathless.

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