A DRAW was a fair reward for Alex boss Dario Gradi as his side took another step to First Division safety at Reading.

Kenny Lunt's 38th minute free-kick secured a point that keeps them five clear of the dreaded third spot with three to play.

"We were happy with the point and I thought we more than deserved it," said Gradi.

"We could have even snatched it and overall their keeper made more saves than Ben Williams did for us.

"A point apiece is a fair result and we will have to wait and see if that will be enough for us.

"It is another step to safety and we want to finish strongly."

He admitted there was a little anxiety in the final few minutes en route to that point.

"There were a few nervous moments towards the end when they started chucking the ball into the box but I thought we dealt with that type of ball well today.

"Their goal was a disappointment to us because we'd started well."

"We got up there easily enough though without looking really dangerous and that's why we switched the two wingers around.

"We had to get David Vaughan and Steve Jones more into the game and I think that paid off in the end."

The goal hero earned Gradi's praise.

"It was a super free kick from Kenny to get us level," he added.

"We know he is capable of something like that because he's done it before this season.

"I take no credit for that and in that situation he is in charge.

"Overall it was a pleasing performance and you can see the players that have put in extra today.

"We were pleased with their work ethic and not so pleased with others who were not effective enough."