Reading boss Paul Ince took extra satisfaction from winning at Millwall

Paul Ince took extra satisfaction from Reading’s 1-0 win over Millwall because of his links to West Ham United.

The Lions lost their first home league match in six games at The Den as Naby Sarr headed the only goal in the first half.

Ince, 54, came through the youth ranks at the east London club.

Asked if that made the victory more satisfying, he responded initially with a nod of his head. He said: “Coming to Millwall, me being ex West Ham, obviously helps and it was a great feeling.

“It’s a noisy ground, the fans back their Millwall players and it’s different because when you’re at home against Middlesbrough we’ve got all of our fans.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Gary Rowett, he’s a top, top man. He was one of the people that brought Tom Ince to Stoke, so I’ve got a lot of time for him. I’d like Millwall to do well but the relationship between Millwall and West Ham is not a great one. To come here and win 1-0, get a result against one of your old rivals was great for me personally.

“But even more great for the fans and the players because we had to dig in at times but 1-0 is a great result.

“We defended, we threw our bodies in there. I don’t want to keep doing that every week but we’ve got spirit.

Former Charlton Athletic defender Sarr, who officially made the move to the Royals official yesterday, scored the winner in the first half.

Ince added: “It just shows what type of person he is, we’ve all been waiting to get this deal done.

“He’s been more frustrated than I can tell you, it’s never nice for a player not to play when he’s fit. He’s training Monday to Friday and can’t play on a Saturday – it’s a player’s worst nightmare.

“He’s been patient so when I got the news yesterday that it was all done, I was over the moon. I’ve always earmarked this game – this is a perfect game for him.

“Against a team like Millwall – the way they play. His first game for us and he was exceptional and got the winner for us.”