Jamie Mackie attracted particular praise from his manager for his goal

Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock praised the spirit of his side after they earned a 2-2 draw with Reading.

Argyle led twice after a goal from Paul Gallagher and a 25-yard strike from Jamie Mackie that followed a run from inside his own half.

"I was very pleased that we handled them and there was 20-minute spell in the second half where we took command," Sturrock told BBC Radio Devon.

"There's a belief about these boys now, they understand what they can achieve."

Sturrock was also keen to emphasise the quality of opponent his side faced.

"We played a quality team that I think will definitely be promoted, and in spells of the game we were as good as them," he said.

"When you put out 11 boys with the work ethic like that you normally win football games."

And Sturrock singled out Mackie's goal as a highlight of the game.

"It was great finish," he said. "I'm pleased for him.

"He plays out on the right wing. He really thinks he's a centre forward, but for the team he's prepared to soldier on and that's the kind of attitude we need in the team."

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