YANN Kermorgant insisted points take priority over performances after Reading FC edged past gritty Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1.

Kermorgant put Reading ahead three minutes into the second half when he directed a Danny Williams shot into the net for his ninth goal of the campaign.

Ben Marshall equalised two minutes later for the relegation-threatened visitors only for Paul McShane’s 78th minute winner to end a run of back-to-back Championship defeats for the Royals.

The victory means Reading remain fifth in the Championship table ahead of Tuesday’s home clash against title-chasing Newcastle (8pm ko).

“It wasn’t a great game but the most important thing was three points so we are happy,” said Kermorgant, who claimed his opening goal was far from a fluke.

“When Danny took his shot I just had enough time to react and direct the ball into the goal. It wasn’t a lucky goal, just good reflexes.

“But after going 1-0 up we should have been more in control, but we conceded two minutes later and had to do it all again which was a bit of a blow.

“So when Macca scored the second one we knew we had to dig in and get the result.”

The pressure was on Reading to deliver after Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham – the teams directly beneath them – both won today.

It means Jaap Stam’s Royals maintained their seven-point lead over Fulham in seventh, though the Cottagers do have a game in hand.

Kermorgant added: “We’re still in the fight and I think we will still be in the fight right to the end.

“There are so many teams fighting to be in the top six and a few fighting to get in the top two.

“We know the Championship is a really tough league so we’ve got to keep going until the very last game.

“I don’t know if it will be a full house on Tuesday but hopefully we’ll have good support because Newcastle have good fans as well.

“They will be a force and they will be coming here to get three points. It’s a massive game for both of us.”

It looked as though Kermorgant might not reappear for the second half after the Frenchman was on the receiving end of several heavy challenges before the break.

And the 35-year-old suggested he could have had better protection from referee Madley.

“It’s difficult because I was battered one more time,” he argued.

“The referee gave a foul against me but when I get stamped on or tackled very hard he doesn’t give anything which is difficult to take.

“I don’t want to say too much, you have to deal with. I think it’s maybe because of my body shape. I’m not a nasty player and when I jump I jump for the ball not the man.

“We all know a defender can kick you more than you can do to him. It’s difficult but you have to carry on.”