MATCH-WINNER Jon Stead enjoyed his second goal of the season against Reading but immediately turned his attention to a vital week with two home games to come.

Derek Davis

MATCH-WINNER Jon Stead enjoyed his second goal of the season against Reading but immediately turned his attention to a vital week with two home games to come.

Although his 11th goal of the season gave the Blues the 1-0 win at Reading it leaves them stuck in 10th place.

Tuesday's opponents Burnley are seven points ahead of them and are in the play off pack, while Watford, who Town play Saturday, are still trying to pull away from the relegation zone.

Stead said: “With some of the other clubs above us winning, it was a massive result for us because it keeps us in there fighting and we've now got a big week in front of us with two vital home games, starting with Burnley on Tuesday night.

“We need six points from those two matches and if we can do that, it's going to set us up for the final run in.”

Stead's winner was a superbly struck overhead kick which he described as one his best ever.

Stead said: “When I hit it, it was one of those that you don't really feel because you catch it that sweet. I looked around as I landed on the floor, saw the net moving and it was a fantastic feeling.

“I've had two great goals against Reading this season but that one is right up there with the best I have ever scored. It's an important goal, that's what makes it extra special.

“I spoke to their 'keeper after the game and he said he didn't see it after it landed on my foot so that shows how well I caught it.”

Stead is hoping the goal can help him keep his starting place but also continuing Ipswich's form.

He said: “It was great to be back in the team after being on the bench for the last game but it's about what we do as a team that counts and to get four points from Wolves and Reading away is a great achievement.”

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk