Bobby Decordova-Reid was delighted with what he described as a ‘massive’ win after scoring Fulham’s winner at Stoke City yesterday.

Marco Silva’s side extended their advantage at the top of the Championship to eight points after coming out on top in a five-goal thriller at the Bet365 Stadium. Decordova-Reid lashed in the decisive goal from the edge of the area and was in no doubt about the significance of the victory. He told FFCTV after the final whistle:

“It’s a massive win. It was a tough game. They were a good side and we had to dig deep. We went behind early but we showed great character to come back and win the game. It’s not always going to be roses, we’ve not going win 7-0. There’s time where we have to really show character. We did that today. It was a real team performance.”

Decordova-Reid played down the quality of his rising drive that secured all three points, but it was a sensational strike.

“I don’t why, I just knew it was dropping there. I just said, I’m getting inside [the penalty area], I’m gambling. Keep it low and thankfully for me it went in the top corner.”

The Jamaica international, who will miss next Saturday’s meeting with Blackpool as he represents his country in a crucial round of World Cup qualifiers, was happy to make the most of a rare start in the absence of Harry Wilson.

“The team has been doing well, with big scorelines and the wins. You’ve got to be ready to take your chance when you come in. I think the lads that did play and even the subs that came on did well. We’ve got a squad of 26, we’ve all got to be ready to come on when needed.”