David Kemp urged the Oxford United fans who again called for his head following last night's derby defeat by Reading to "have a reality check".

Reading ran out comfortable 2-0 winners with a goal in each half from Jamie Cureton and Martin Butler to boost their chances of claiming one of the automatic promotion places from Division 2.

For already relegated United, it was a sixth defeat in six derby matches this season, and many of their fans again protested loudly against Kemp and the team at the finish.

But United's boss said supporters should look at the vast difference in what the opposing clubs have spent on players.

"Reading had too much quality for us, but good luck to them. They've spent the money, and you can see it out there," Kemp said.

"Our fans need a reality check. Reading have spent many millions on a new stadium and on the team. We've spent many millions on a new stadium only.

"My lads are giving it all they can, but it's not easy for them, and not nice for them. It was the same when we played Wigan at the weekend, we're coming up against clubs who have invested heavily in their teams."

Kemp added: "With due respect to Rotherham, who have done well, I think Reading and Millwall are the two best teams in our division, and they probably deserve to go up."

Royals boss Alan Pardew said: "We performed very well, there was just a ten-minute lull in the second half. What pleased me most was that we looked right tonight - we were up for it."

Cureton struck his 26th goal of the season and Butler his 24th, and Pardew declared: "For the pair to get to 50 between them is a fantastic effort. They didn't have many chances, but they were two clinical finishes.

Pardew did have sympathy with his neighbour's plight.

"I can't help but feel for Oxford, it's a great club and I feel for David Kemp and Alan McLeary who have a very tough job on their hands here. Our focus was strong and we're a very tough team for anyone to face at the moment."

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