NEWPORT’S Chris Gunter says Reading must use their heroic FA Cup performance against Arsenal as a catalyst for the remainder of the season.

Having struggled throughout a disappointing Championship campaign, the Royals were written off far and wide ahead of the semi-final at Wembley.

But they pushed holders Arsenal all the way to extra-time before Alexis Sanchez’s shot somehow squirmed past goalkeeper Adam Federci, who has since apologised for his error.

Wales international Gunter says the club must now pick itself up and kick on over the last four games of the campaign, starting against Birmingham on Wednesday.

“We didn’t deserve that,” he told the Reading Post. “To a man I thought we were unbelievable.

“I thought as the game went on we got stronger and we all sensed we would go on and win it. So it was horrible, it was so unfair, but that’s football.

“We have to pick ourselves up. We’ve got a game on Wednesday, so we’ve got to dust it all off and look back with pride and finish the season off well.

“We’ve got to use that performance as a catalyst for the last four games.”

Gunter added: “We knew all week we had a game plan and a system that could frustrate Arsenal.

“They had large parts of the ball but I can’t remember them having loads of chances. They had a couple of set plays and obviously Rambo’s one when he went through and hit the post.

“But we felt really comfortable. We never panicked and it’s just so cruel. But we have to try and get over it as quickly as possible and move on.”

Despite the disappointing end to the semi-final, the performance against the Gunners sent the club’s supporters home from Wembley brimming with pride.

And Gunter hopes the cup run has given the fans something to take from an otherwise miserable season on the pitch at Madejski Stadium.

“I’m pleased for the fans,” he said. “They were fantastic on Saturday.

“When you look back on the league, the ones who turn up every week have had some tough days.

“It probably won’t be acceptable to say we’ve had a good cup run. But I’m glad on Saturday they had a good time and I’m sure they went home proud of their team.

“And we were proud to play for them. I felt the club was united on Saturday and that felt really good.”